C.I.A. Video Appeals to Potential Spies in China’s Military
By Sudhir Choudhary
February 13, 2026
The Central Intelligence Agency has released a new recruitment video aimed at individuals within China’s military establishment, marking a rare public effort by the United States to encourage potential intelligence sources inside one of its principal geopolitical rivals.
The video, published on official CIA social media channels, calls on individuals with access to sensitive information within China’s security and defense institutions to consider sharing intelligence with the United States. U.S. officials confirmed the authenticity of the campaign and described it as part of broader intelligence outreach efforts.
Direct Appeal to Chinese Military Personnel
The short video is produced in Mandarin and features cinematic imagery combined with messaging centered on duty, conscience, and global stability. It encourages viewers to contact the CIA through secure channels if they possess information that could prevent conflict or expose wrongdoing.
Agency officials did not specify whether the video is targeted exclusively at members of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) or also at individuals within China’s broader national security apparatus. However, intelligence analysts say the campaign appears to focus heavily on military insiders.
The CIA has previously released recruitment materials directed at audiences in Russia and Iran. This latest outreach signals continued emphasis on China as a top intelligence priority for Washington.
Strategic Context
The public appeal comes amid heightened tensions between the United States and China over Taiwan, military expansion in the South China Sea, cyber operations, and advanced technology competition. U.S. intelligence leaders have repeatedly described China as the “pacing challenge” for American national security planning.
By releasing a public recruitment video, the CIA is signaling both intent and capability in its human intelligence operations. Intelligence professionals note that such campaigns are designed not only to attract new sources but also to signal resolve to adversaries.
While espionage between major powers is longstanding, overt public appeals are relatively uncommon. Experts say the video reflects a broader trend of intelligence agencies using digital platforms to reach potential sources directly.
Beijing’s Likely Response
China has consistently accused the United States of conducting destabilizing intelligence operations. The Chinese government has strengthened counter-espionage laws in recent years and increased scrutiny of foreign contacts, including expanded authority for state security agencies.
Chinese officials have not yet issued a formal public response to the video. In previous instances of similar outreach efforts, Beijing has condemned U.S. intelligence actions as interference in domestic affairs.
Intelligence and Public Messaging
Former intelligence officials note that the CIA’s decision to publish recruitment content openly serves multiple purposes. Beyond potentially identifying new sources, such messaging reinforces internal morale within U.S. intelligence agencies and communicates strategic focus to allies.
The campaign also reflects evolving intelligence tradecraft. As global digital connectivity increases, agencies are adapting recruitment tactics to online platforms while emphasizing secure communication technologies.
CIA officials have stated in prior public remarks that human intelligence remains critical in understanding the intentions of foreign military leadership, especially during periods of geopolitical tension.
Broader Implications
The release of the recruitment video underscores the intensifying intelligence competition between Washington and Beijing. While neither government publicly acknowledges specific operations, both maintain extensive intelligence capabilities.
Security analysts say that such overt messaging may heighten diplomatic friction but is unlikely to alter the fundamental trajectory of strategic rivalry between the two countries.
For now, the CIA’s video stands as a clear signal of the United States’ intent to gather insight into China’s military decision-making structures, at a time when global power competition remains a defining feature of international relations.
Sources:
Official CIA social media release; U.S. intelligence community public statements; Pentagon briefings; prior CIA recruitment campaign documentation.
Tags: CIA, China Military, Espionage, U.S.–China Relations, Intelligence Operations
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