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Tiger #4
Tiger Trap: America's Secret Spy War with China
For decades, while America obsessed over Soviet spies, China quietly penetrated the highest levels of government. Now, for the first time, based on numerous interviews with key insiders at the FBI and CIA as well as with Chinese agents and people close to them, David Wise tells the full story of China€™s many victories and defeats in its American spy wars.Two key cases interweave Katrina Leung, code-named Parlor Maid, worked for the FBI for years, even after she became a secret double agent for China, aided by love affairs with both of her FBI handlers. Here, too, is the inside story of the case, code-named Tiger Trap, of a key Chinese-American scientist suspected of stealing nuclear weapons secrets. These two cases led to many others, involving famous names from Wen Ho Lee to Richard Nixon, stunning national security leaks, and sophisticated cyberspying. The story takes us up to the present, with a West Coast spy ring whose members were sentenced in 2010€”b
292 pages, Hardcover
First published October 30, 2007
128 people are currently reading
717 people want to read
About the author
David Wise
144 books56 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.
From Wikipedia:
«David Wise (May 10, 1930 – October 8, 2018) was an American journalist and author who worked for the New York Herald-Tribune in the 1950s and 1960s, and published a series of non-fiction books on espionage and US politics as well as several spy novels. His book The Politics of Lying: Government Deception, Secrecy, and Power (1973) won the George Polk Award (Book category, 1973), and the George Orwell Award (1975).»
Most of his books were non-fiction examinations of espionage and U.S. politics. According to his obituary in the New York Times, “He also wrote three spy novels, which were praised for their insight and authority.” Those novels include:
• Spectrum, 1981
• The Children's Game , 1983
• Samarkand Dimension , 1987
From Wikipedia:
«David Wise (May 10, 1930 – October 8, 2018) was an American journalist and author who worked for the New York Herald-Tribune in the 1950s and 1960s, and published a series of non-fiction books on espionage and US politics as well as several spy novels. His book The Politics of Lying: Government Deception, Secrecy, and Power (1973) won the George Polk Award (Book category, 1973), and the George Orwell Award (1975).»
Most of his books were non-fiction examinations of espionage and U.S. politics. According to his obituary in the New York Times, “He also wrote three spy novels, which were praised for their insight and authority.” Those novels include:
• Spectrum, 1981
• The Children's Game , 1983
• Samarkand Dimension , 1987
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
November 21, 2022
so much material, presented beautifully ... Nixon and a female Chinese spy in Hong Kong ... Madame Mao ... Larry Wu-tai Chin ... much more ... good read
March 8, 2018
disappointing--was expecting Bourne Identity, more action sequences. instead much repetitive content that fails to excite or titillate. and how did this woman
seduce not one but TWO FBI handlers? mysterious dragon lady magick one supposes.... china seduces...
seduce not one but TWO FBI handlers? mysterious dragon lady magick one supposes.... china seduces...
September 30, 2021
For anyone with either an interest in espionage cases or spy novels, "TIGER TRAP: America's Secret Spy War with China" is the book to read.
In "Tiger Trap" (the book's title comes from an FBI code name for a case it was investigating during the early 1990s that was centered on Gwo-bao Min, an engineer at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in California, one of the top laboratories responsible for designing nuclear weapons, who was suspected of betraying critical nuclear secrets to China), Wise explains to the reader Beijing's approach to conducting espionage in the U.S. and its methods of encouraging and grooming people to spy for China.
Each chapter in the book deals at length with a variety of Chinese espionage cases in the U.S. spanning over the past 70 years. Frankly, I was surprised to learn how much, in certain respects, the CIA, FBI, the State Department, and several of our laboratories and companies that deal with weapons design, research and development for the U.S. military had been infiltrated and at times, compromised. Wise also points out the successes the FBI has had in uncovering Chinese espionage in the U.S. and bringing the guilty ones to justice. What was surprising for me to learn is the exceptionally high bar the U.S. justice system has for proving a person or persons guilty of engaging in espionage. That explains why in some high-level spy cases, the U.S. government has at times felt compelled or given no other choice (because of shoddy investigative work by government lawyers and FBI agents) but to either let suspects off the hook or find them guilty of a lesser crime.
"TIGER TRAP" reads in many respects like a thriller, which speaks well to Wise's talents as a writer and his encyclopedic knowledge of his subject. One story that the reader may find surprising is one that involves Richard Nixon, who, during the 1960s, would frequent Hong Kong in his capacity as a chief partner in a New York law firm. There in Hong Kong, he engaged in a relationship with a young bar hostess, Marianna Liu, with whom he may have been indiscreet by sharing state secrets with her. (Nixon, as a former Vice President, was entitled to visit the U.S. consulate in Hong Kong and be briefed about U.S. security matters.) This aspect of Nixon's life (which the FBI became aware of in 1967) was largely kept under wraps.
There is also the case of Larry Wu-Tai Chin, a Chinese born U.S. citizen who served as a top translator for the CIA from the 1950s to 1981. To his colleagues, he came across as a modest, quiet and unassuming person. But the truth is that "Chin lived a double life in more ways than one. ...he was not only a Chinese spy --- over the years Beijing paid him about a million dollars --- he had multiple girlfriends, a penchant for sex toys, gambled tens of thousands of dollars in Las Vegas, and stored gold bullion in a bank account in Hong Kong."
"TIGER TRAP" is a book that I would recommend to anyone to read because it not only touches upon Chinese espionage efforts up to the 1990s, but also on the ongoing "cyber-spying" actions in today's world, which can pose a direct threat to our way of life. This is a book that I would read again, because it taught me so much about the impact espionage has on society.
"TIGER TRAP" also reminded me of the fact that nations spy on each other for a host of reasons. For example, gaining economic advantages from producing and selling products and services in overseas markets. This was something I was first made aware of in the early 1980s when it was discovered that France had engaged in economic espionage in the U.S.
In summing up "TIGER TRAP", Wise points out a common Chinese saying that describes what espionage itself is all about, which is --- "There are no walls which completely block the wind."
In "Tiger Trap" (the book's title comes from an FBI code name for a case it was investigating during the early 1990s that was centered on Gwo-bao Min, an engineer at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in California, one of the top laboratories responsible for designing nuclear weapons, who was suspected of betraying critical nuclear secrets to China), Wise explains to the reader Beijing's approach to conducting espionage in the U.S. and its methods of encouraging and grooming people to spy for China.
Each chapter in the book deals at length with a variety of Chinese espionage cases in the U.S. spanning over the past 70 years. Frankly, I was surprised to learn how much, in certain respects, the CIA, FBI, the State Department, and several of our laboratories and companies that deal with weapons design, research and development for the U.S. military had been infiltrated and at times, compromised. Wise also points out the successes the FBI has had in uncovering Chinese espionage in the U.S. and bringing the guilty ones to justice. What was surprising for me to learn is the exceptionally high bar the U.S. justice system has for proving a person or persons guilty of engaging in espionage. That explains why in some high-level spy cases, the U.S. government has at times felt compelled or given no other choice (because of shoddy investigative work by government lawyers and FBI agents) but to either let suspects off the hook or find them guilty of a lesser crime.
"TIGER TRAP" reads in many respects like a thriller, which speaks well to Wise's talents as a writer and his encyclopedic knowledge of his subject. One story that the reader may find surprising is one that involves Richard Nixon, who, during the 1960s, would frequent Hong Kong in his capacity as a chief partner in a New York law firm. There in Hong Kong, he engaged in a relationship with a young bar hostess, Marianna Liu, with whom he may have been indiscreet by sharing state secrets with her. (Nixon, as a former Vice President, was entitled to visit the U.S. consulate in Hong Kong and be briefed about U.S. security matters.) This aspect of Nixon's life (which the FBI became aware of in 1967) was largely kept under wraps.
There is also the case of Larry Wu-Tai Chin, a Chinese born U.S. citizen who served as a top translator for the CIA from the 1950s to 1981. To his colleagues, he came across as a modest, quiet and unassuming person. But the truth is that "Chin lived a double life in more ways than one. ...he was not only a Chinese spy --- over the years Beijing paid him about a million dollars --- he had multiple girlfriends, a penchant for sex toys, gambled tens of thousands of dollars in Las Vegas, and stored gold bullion in a bank account in Hong Kong."
"TIGER TRAP" is a book that I would recommend to anyone to read because it not only touches upon Chinese espionage efforts up to the 1990s, but also on the ongoing "cyber-spying" actions in today's world, which can pose a direct threat to our way of life. This is a book that I would read again, because it taught me so much about the impact espionage has on society.
"TIGER TRAP" also reminded me of the fact that nations spy on each other for a host of reasons. For example, gaining economic advantages from producing and selling products and services in overseas markets. This was something I was first made aware of in the early 1980s when it was discovered that France had engaged in economic espionage in the U.S.
In summing up "TIGER TRAP", Wise points out a common Chinese saying that describes what espionage itself is all about, which is --- "There are no walls which completely block the wind."
August 1, 2011
Interesting look at the failure of the U.S. "counter intelligence" apparatus as as a result of competition and jealousy among agencies (CIA-FBI-DOA, etc.), immature, gun culture, insecure, "macho," (and, thus, easily seduced "intelligence" agents), in the context of a slow but steady coordinated espionage effort by the PRC (not to mention Taiwan and others.) How an FBI agent ends up sleeping with an "asset" he is assigned to "control," at the same time she is sleeping with a CIA agent, etc. etc. just boggles the mind.
But, while the material is fascinating, the writing is repetitious, lacks dramatic punch, and is not as well organized as it could be (perhaps the result of the style of repeating the same event from different perspectives).
But, while the material is fascinating, the writing is repetitious, lacks dramatic punch, and is not as well organized as it could be (perhaps the result of the style of repeating the same event from different perspectives).
August 11, 2016
I really can't place my finger on why I didn't finish this book. The subject matter was very interesting, but I think the story line jumped around a bit too much and the author tried too hard to make it into a thriller, and it fell flat.
September 10, 2025
One of the best books I've read this year, and perhaps one of the five best books I've read on espionage. The author is direct and his information is precise. There are even little anecdotal tidbits that are pathetic and funny. There is the case of the ugly duckling spy who loved gambling and conducted sexual affairs with as many women as he could find, or the Roman Catholic priest who was recruited by the PRC before he entered the seminary, became a priest, and was assigned to a Catholic Church in New York's Chinatown. When he was apprehended, it became known that he was married and had a family in China who rarely saw. Dude.
The opening pages of the book are extradinarily enlightening. Wise describes the differences between agents run by Western governments and those run by China, where deep personal relationships--partly in contrast to money although even Chinese spies get paid--govern how information is obtained and passed along. One long-time student of espionage who worked as China Analyst for the DIA (Defense Intelligence Agency), cited by Wise, says that are two dozen specific rules followed by the Chinese, including that Chinese spies tend to be ethnic; money is an unimportant factor is obtaining the spy's allegiance; foreign visitors to China are subjected to intensive and aggressive surveillance measures; and, significantly from everything I've read on this subject, the Chinese do not accept "walk-ins" who promise classified information. This book was written in 2011, and, as such, tactics may have changed with the times. China, for example, is one of the most aggressive internet hackers of government systems and even utility grids.
David Wise has spent his life writing about counterintelligence and espionage, and I have read he is one of the best, if not the best. This book is a testament to that high praise. Even when a specific interest in espionage is of no interest, this book is so well written, it is easy and pleasant to read.
Highly recommended.
The opening pages of the book are extradinarily enlightening. Wise describes the differences between agents run by Western governments and those run by China, where deep personal relationships--partly in contrast to money although even Chinese spies get paid--govern how information is obtained and passed along. One long-time student of espionage who worked as China Analyst for the DIA (Defense Intelligence Agency), cited by Wise, says that are two dozen specific rules followed by the Chinese, including that Chinese spies tend to be ethnic; money is an unimportant factor is obtaining the spy's allegiance; foreign visitors to China are subjected to intensive and aggressive surveillance measures; and, significantly from everything I've read on this subject, the Chinese do not accept "walk-ins" who promise classified information. This book was written in 2011, and, as such, tactics may have changed with the times. China, for example, is one of the most aggressive internet hackers of government systems and even utility grids.
David Wise has spent his life writing about counterintelligence and espionage, and I have read he is one of the best, if not the best. This book is a testament to that high praise. Even when a specific interest in espionage is of no interest, this book is so well written, it is easy and pleasant to read.
Highly recommended.
April 22, 2024
In "Tiger Trap: America’s Secret Spy War with China," David Wise delves into the intricate web of espionage between two global superpowers, revealing a narrative that, despite being penned in 2010, continues to resonate profoundly in today’s geopolitical landscape. This book serves not only as a historical account but also as a testament to the enduring complexities of Sino-American relations.
Wise’s narrative is compelling for its depth and the humanization of its subjects. It transcends mere recounting of events to explore the motivations, vulnerabilities, and ethical ambiguities faced by individuals entrenched in the world of espionage. The portrayal of agents from both sides of the espionage battle emphasizes a universal human nature, driven by common desires and susceptible to similar temptations. This exploration of human motivations in a high-stakes environment underscores the book's thematic assertion: moral virtues in espionage are not absolute but are shaped by allegiance and perspective.
The book’s relevance stretches beyond its historical context, providing insights into the ongoing strategic contest between China and the US. It prompts readers to ponder the fluidity of moral virtue in intelligence operations and the impact of geopolitical dynamics on individuals’ actions.
For readers intrigued by the intricacies of international espionage, especially within the Sino-American sphere, "Tiger Trap" offers a rich, nuanced perspective. It leaves one pondering the ethical dimensions of espionage and eager for more narratives that unveil the covert operations shaping global politics.
In conclusion, "Tiger Trap" is not just a recounting of espionage tales but a profound exploration of human nature within the shadowy realm of international intelligence. It remains a significant contribution to the understanding of geopolitical strategies and the human element within global espionage activities.
Wise’s narrative is compelling for its depth and the humanization of its subjects. It transcends mere recounting of events to explore the motivations, vulnerabilities, and ethical ambiguities faced by individuals entrenched in the world of espionage. The portrayal of agents from both sides of the espionage battle emphasizes a universal human nature, driven by common desires and susceptible to similar temptations. This exploration of human motivations in a high-stakes environment underscores the book's thematic assertion: moral virtues in espionage are not absolute but are shaped by allegiance and perspective.
The book’s relevance stretches beyond its historical context, providing insights into the ongoing strategic contest between China and the US. It prompts readers to ponder the fluidity of moral virtue in intelligence operations and the impact of geopolitical dynamics on individuals’ actions.
For readers intrigued by the intricacies of international espionage, especially within the Sino-American sphere, "Tiger Trap" offers a rich, nuanced perspective. It leaves one pondering the ethical dimensions of espionage and eager for more narratives that unveil the covert operations shaping global politics.
In conclusion, "Tiger Trap" is not just a recounting of espionage tales but a profound exploration of human nature within the shadowy realm of international intelligence. It remains a significant contribution to the understanding of geopolitical strategies and the human element within global espionage activities.
October 5, 2022
As far as nonfiction books on espionage and counterintelligence go, I'd place this one on the top rung. It's a good read, much like a suspense novel. Wise knows his territory, having done years of research and a 150 interviews. Spies such as Katrina Leung, who had love affairs with two FBI Agents, and was a double agent, herself, for the Chinese and the FBI, are depicted here. She was a prominent business woman in the LA area. For years U.S. intelligence officers got information from here, paying her over a million dollars. But it eventually came to light that Leung also worked for the MSS, the Chinese equivalent of the CIA. There was a trial of her and one of her FBI lovers, but the DOJ botched the case, and both got off with light punishment. Then there's the well known case of Wen Ho Lee, a scientist at Los Alamos, in New Mexico. He was suspected of giving nuclear-related secrets to MSS. At a trial in Albuquerque, FBI agents lied, and prosecution again did a poor job. He served a year in jail, and was set free. It wasn't an open and shut situation, yet Lee did some things that indicated he passed some information. Wise describes a love affair Richard Nixon had with a suspected Chinese spy in Hong Kong. And there are several other instances of espionage. Cyber crime is covered, as well. Some of the cases are complex and subtle. Indeed, the MSS studies The Art of War, the ancient book by Sun Tzu.
August 23, 2019
This book starts as a gossip rag; really getting you emotionally invested in it. From there it's instance after instance on how China doped the US; each is at least fairly entertaining. But at the end of the book I was going back to the picture section to remember who is who.
This book lacks the US' s own spy activities, which is needed for this book's sake not the American that's reading it sake. Will I remember all these stories? No. However, as a writer I will definitely refer back to this book when questioning is something plausible.
Overall, entertaining read
If you are searching for your next captivating read visit my website, http://shamont97.wix.com/literaryworks. I am an author looking for an audience.
This book lacks the US' s own spy activities, which is needed for this book's sake not the American that's reading it sake. Will I remember all these stories? No. However, as a writer I will definitely refer back to this book when questioning is something plausible.
Overall, entertaining read
If you are searching for your next captivating read visit my website, http://shamont97.wix.com/literaryworks. I am an author looking for an audience.
October 4, 2018
This book was well written with citations. However, the most value for the reason I chose to read this particular book was in the beginning. This section gave better understanding to the cultural operational differences between the MSS, the KGB, and US intelligence efforts. That was definitely worth the ourchase.
November 30, 2017
Read this for a class.
It was well-written and easy to follow.
It was well-written and easy to follow.
February 12, 2021
Pudo haber sido una gran lectura, en realidad es tedioso, repetitivo y muy muy pesado.
August 5, 2021
This book is well researched and should be read by anyone who wants to know about this subject , it is also alarming
November 14, 2022
Interesting read if you like the subject. Looked at just a handful of cases from around the same time period.
June 24, 2011
I’m not a student of Chinese-US relations. I’d have to launch into fact-checking and further reading to make a halfway decent analysis of the veracity of Wise’s information. Since I’ve got a gargantuan reading list to conquer for school, such an investigation isn’t forthcoming. It is probable that, in time, I will learn more of this topic serendipitously. For now, blissful in my ignorance, I’m delighted to say that this book turned out to be what I’d hoped: A FUN SUMMER READ.
Written for a mainstream audience, Wise’s style is straightforward/journalistic. I found this a blessing as I had to keep track of many names and relationships in the narrative. I was thoroughly entertained by Wise’s reporting of the chicanes that are the stuff of intelligence work. According to the author (or to be precise, according to the people he interviewed) there is an unfamiliar flavor to Chinese spy craft that has bested America thus far. Russian and US espionage is of the same ilk. Both have similar bureaucracies and use identical methods. This similarity, the author implies, levels the playing field. But the Chinese do not operate in the same manner as the Russians and Americans. For them there are no briefcases left underneath vacated park benches, or coded messages scrawled as chalk marks on tree trunks. To oversimplify (a risky endeavor, but what the hell) the Chinese do not directly offer money for secrets; do not accept walk-in cases (in the same way the Russians received Hanssen); and avoid collecting information from damaged or needy people (those in debt, alcoholics, etc.). Instead, they seduce “good people to do bad things” (Kindle loc. 308) by gently and patiently persuading them, over time, that betrayal is a good thing, as it will help China modernize. A fruitful recruitment pool, Wise claims, is Chinese who have immigrated to the States, because this group can have divided loyalties.
China’s spy game makes it sticky for US counter intelligence, since we are not sensitive to Chinese methods. By way of example: The US practice of treating emotionally or financially broken people as security risks is nullified, because although the Russians might target such people to further their aims, China doesn’t touch ‘em. The Chinese approach to spying is fascinating. If what Wise asserts is true, then Russian and American intelligence need to adopt new ways of thinking NOW. (Let’s hope that someone with influence is on that at Langley; huh?)
In spite of the differences between east and west, some methods of spy craft are so fundamental as to be shared by all. If Gertrude Stein were still with us I’m sure she’d agree that a spy is a spy, is a spy. Wise touches on several instances of Chinese espionage but focuses on two particular cases. One of them, the Parlor Maid, flirts with elements of a time-honored method successfully employed by the old school and adopted by a Chinese-American FBI employee who spied for the Chinese: the honeypot. It is doubtful that this approach will ever expire. Though sex is only one of many elements in the Parlor Maid chronicle, its inclusion certainly adds a luscious dimension to the story.
If Wise is correct in claiming that his book introduces entirely new information to the Anglophone world, then I applaud him for his contribution. But I do hope that there aren’t any bozos out there using this book to fuel a spate of sinophobia. Such behavior would be stunningly bad, but depressingly familiar.
Written for a mainstream audience, Wise’s style is straightforward/journalistic. I found this a blessing as I had to keep track of many names and relationships in the narrative. I was thoroughly entertained by Wise’s reporting of the chicanes that are the stuff of intelligence work. According to the author (or to be precise, according to the people he interviewed) there is an unfamiliar flavor to Chinese spy craft that has bested America thus far. Russian and US espionage is of the same ilk. Both have similar bureaucracies and use identical methods. This similarity, the author implies, levels the playing field. But the Chinese do not operate in the same manner as the Russians and Americans. For them there are no briefcases left underneath vacated park benches, or coded messages scrawled as chalk marks on tree trunks. To oversimplify (a risky endeavor, but what the hell) the Chinese do not directly offer money for secrets; do not accept walk-in cases (in the same way the Russians received Hanssen); and avoid collecting information from damaged or needy people (those in debt, alcoholics, etc.). Instead, they seduce “good people to do bad things” (Kindle loc. 308) by gently and patiently persuading them, over time, that betrayal is a good thing, as it will help China modernize. A fruitful recruitment pool, Wise claims, is Chinese who have immigrated to the States, because this group can have divided loyalties.
China’s spy game makes it sticky for US counter intelligence, since we are not sensitive to Chinese methods. By way of example: The US practice of treating emotionally or financially broken people as security risks is nullified, because although the Russians might target such people to further their aims, China doesn’t touch ‘em. The Chinese approach to spying is fascinating. If what Wise asserts is true, then Russian and American intelligence need to adopt new ways of thinking NOW. (Let’s hope that someone with influence is on that at Langley; huh?)
In spite of the differences between east and west, some methods of spy craft are so fundamental as to be shared by all. If Gertrude Stein were still with us I’m sure she’d agree that a spy is a spy, is a spy. Wise touches on several instances of Chinese espionage but focuses on two particular cases. One of them, the Parlor Maid, flirts with elements of a time-honored method successfully employed by the old school and adopted by a Chinese-American FBI employee who spied for the Chinese: the honeypot. It is doubtful that this approach will ever expire. Though sex is only one of many elements in the Parlor Maid chronicle, its inclusion certainly adds a luscious dimension to the story.
If Wise is correct in claiming that his book introduces entirely new information to the Anglophone world, then I applaud him for his contribution. But I do hope that there aren’t any bozos out there using this book to fuel a spate of sinophobia. Such behavior would be stunningly bad, but depressingly familiar.
December 4, 2012
I have a hankering for a good spy thriller, and have been looking for the new wave of China-oriented fiction to come and replace the old Russian-oriented stuff of the Cold War era. I was also interested in the news reports surrounding the (alleged) hacking by Chinese agents of various governments around the world. When I found Tiger Trap, I was really hoping for some sort of insight into this world.
What I got out of Tiger Trap was an extremely dry retelling, and retelling, and re-re-telling of fairly mundane, and for the most part, uninteresting page 3 gossip about Chinese agents in America, and the FBI's (on the whole) inept attempts at dealing with them. I am not sure whether David Wise set out with the intention of telling a coherent narrative, but if he did, he certainly failed miserably.
I found it extremely difficult to track where the characters (albeit real life), and events were taking place in history, as Wise insisted on jumping back and forth through time, rehashing events covered in great detail, and linking unrelated persons, whose only connection was that they were also Chinese agents.
I read recently a book called The Bureau and the Mole by David A Vise, which is a retelling of Robert Hanssen's life as a spy in the FBI. I will admit that I had a bit of author-confusion when I saw a book by David Wise. The aforementioned book by David A Vise is told with much greater clarity and colour than this book. I would recommend that book to anyone interested in real life spy stories.
There are an enormous number of references to interviews and conversations which the Author had with various parties involved in the saga. Surely he could have managed to string together these recollections into more of an interesting narrative. He hints at what are current events, but the truth is that he has almost no truths to be had, outside of what you can find in Wired Magazine and the like. As a re-telling of history, it is interesting, but as a reference for the future, it is meaningless.
I think the greatest message this book achieves is that America doesn't understand Chinese methodologies, and as a result, has had a history of counter intelligence failures. The co-greatest message is that the Author has failed in writing a dull, uninspired book about what should be an interesting and gripping subject.
What I got out of Tiger Trap was an extremely dry retelling, and retelling, and re-re-telling of fairly mundane, and for the most part, uninteresting page 3 gossip about Chinese agents in America, and the FBI's (on the whole) inept attempts at dealing with them. I am not sure whether David Wise set out with the intention of telling a coherent narrative, but if he did, he certainly failed miserably.
I found it extremely difficult to track where the characters (albeit real life), and events were taking place in history, as Wise insisted on jumping back and forth through time, rehashing events covered in great detail, and linking unrelated persons, whose only connection was that they were also Chinese agents.
I read recently a book called The Bureau and the Mole by David A Vise, which is a retelling of Robert Hanssen's life as a spy in the FBI. I will admit that I had a bit of author-confusion when I saw a book by David Wise. The aforementioned book by David A Vise is told with much greater clarity and colour than this book. I would recommend that book to anyone interested in real life spy stories.
There are an enormous number of references to interviews and conversations which the Author had with various parties involved in the saga. Surely he could have managed to string together these recollections into more of an interesting narrative. He hints at what are current events, but the truth is that he has almost no truths to be had, outside of what you can find in Wired Magazine and the like. As a re-telling of history, it is interesting, but as a reference for the future, it is meaningless.
I think the greatest message this book achieves is that America doesn't understand Chinese methodologies, and as a result, has had a history of counter intelligence failures. The co-greatest message is that the Author has failed in writing a dull, uninspired book about what should be an interesting and gripping subject.
December 17, 2012
David Wise has written a very readable account that claims to be a history of Chinese espionage within the borders of the United States. More than history of Chinese actions however, its' also a history lined with leaks both known and unknown within the various intelligence organizations within the United States. Wise begins by detailing the conventional Cold War nature of the espionage community as being focused on the Russia/Soviet Union threat, while China has perhaps eclipsed the Russian threat in terms of the damage it inflicts. China has a different more subtle way of spying that often relies more on gentle persuasion and inducement rather than their Russian counterparts by playing upon a natural nature by first generation Chinese immigrants to America to feel sympathetic towards creating a more prosperous China, and others who may feel sympathetic towards it.
The rest of the book details three spying affairs that snared China unknown amounts of intelligence and caused the fall of employees in the CIA, FBI, and Department of Defense who had sterling careers before the incidents. The book outlines three cases, most notably Tiger Trap, but seems to indicate that the cases are on some level interconnected, another aspect of Chinese espionage rings that differs from the legends of the KGB. Loved the book, but it wasn't perfect. In a book subtitled : America's Secret Spy War against China, I was expecting to hear a little bit more about American attempts to counter China's behavior, the book made it sound other than a brief mention towards the end concerning cyber hackers that the US wasn't mounting any effort to counter China in their efforts. Overall, Wise could've written a big scary, panic in the streets inducing book about how China knows everything and we're doomed, but he didn't, opting instead to write an engaging thorough read that read like any Cold War spy thriller.
The rest of the book details three spying affairs that snared China unknown amounts of intelligence and caused the fall of employees in the CIA, FBI, and Department of Defense who had sterling careers before the incidents. The book outlines three cases, most notably Tiger Trap, but seems to indicate that the cases are on some level interconnected, another aspect of Chinese espionage rings that differs from the legends of the KGB. Loved the book, but it wasn't perfect. In a book subtitled : America's Secret Spy War against China, I was expecting to hear a little bit more about American attempts to counter China's behavior, the book made it sound other than a brief mention towards the end concerning cyber hackers that the US wasn't mounting any effort to counter China in their efforts. Overall, Wise could've written a big scary, panic in the streets inducing book about how China knows everything and we're doomed, but he didn't, opting instead to write an engaging thorough read that read like any Cold War spy thriller.
November 21, 2011
The best thing about this book is that it reads like a spy thriller. The prose is easy to understand (even when discussing technical specifications of nuclear secrets) and at less than 250 pages, it reads very quickly. The characters in the book are well fleshed out, with enough background given that you actually care about what's happening with/to/around them.
The issue I had with this book was the organization. The prologue starts by bringing up the two most important (?) cases of Chinese espionage, and then these two cases are threaded throughout the book. However, between chapters dealing with these two cases (Katrina Leung, Gwo-bao Min), there are many other chapters dealing with other cases of suspected espionage by the People's Republic of China -- often cases that happened years before, or years after -- and the only thing that tied (some of) them to the two main cases was a name that came up during the course of the cases' investigation.
For me, I would have enjoyed a more linear approach, tracing from the beginning to the more recent events, so we weren't jumping from an FBI agent on the verge of being arrested for exceedingly bad judgement with regards to his source, to before he knew the source at all, to well after he had left his job, to a story about someone mentioned for a paragraph in an early chapter, then back to the middle of the FBI agent's story, then to another random story a few decades before, to... etc. If there was a danger of the reader losing interest when reading about stories other than the 'main' story, I might understand the organization of the book, but... it's an interesting subject and a fast read. I certainly wasn't going to lose interest!
The issue I had with this book was the organization. The prologue starts by bringing up the two most important (?) cases of Chinese espionage, and then these two cases are threaded throughout the book. However, between chapters dealing with these two cases (Katrina Leung, Gwo-bao Min), there are many other chapters dealing with other cases of suspected espionage by the People's Republic of China -- often cases that happened years before, or years after -- and the only thing that tied (some of) them to the two main cases was a name that came up during the course of the cases' investigation.
For me, I would have enjoyed a more linear approach, tracing from the beginning to the more recent events, so we weren't jumping from an FBI agent on the verge of being arrested for exceedingly bad judgement with regards to his source, to before he knew the source at all, to well after he had left his job, to a story about someone mentioned for a paragraph in an early chapter, then back to the middle of the FBI agent's story, then to another random story a few decades before, to... etc. If there was a danger of the reader losing interest when reading about stories other than the 'main' story, I might understand the organization of the book, but... it's an interesting subject and a fast read. I certainly wasn't going to lose interest!
February 21, 2014
Very good insight into the mentality of espionage during the Cold War. While the game of espionage is perhaps best represented in the American mindset as US vs USSR, this book takes a look at the other major world power, China. While American and Russian spies focused exclusively on turning people with cash or some other enticement, China prefers to use loyalty to the country in recruiting agents. The book takes on one specific case of espionage and shows how effective the idea is. Another form of espionage difference shown is the bucket of sand mentality versus a thousand grains of sand mentality of espionage. US and Russian spies are shown as preferring and training in the bucket of sand mentality of gaining access to large troves of information and secreting it away back to base; Chinese spies on the other hand are shown providing small tidbits of information that individually make no measurable impact of notice but when the tidbits are placed together create a unique picture.
Criticism of the book may primarily be focused on the way its placed together. The book is organized into chapters which have little relation to each other. A preferred organizational method would be to organize the book by case study wherein each case can be linked to another. The book does this to some extent but is disjointed. While advertised as a single case study it is in fact three different cases, with the last two added on for no apparent reasoning as they are thin with information.
Overall a very good read for an insight into China's spying mentality before the implementation of the internet.
Criticism of the book may primarily be focused on the way its placed together. The book is organized into chapters which have little relation to each other. A preferred organizational method would be to organize the book by case study wherein each case can be linked to another. The book does this to some extent but is disjointed. While advertised as a single case study it is in fact three different cases, with the last two added on for no apparent reasoning as they are thin with information.
Overall a very good read for an insight into China's spying mentality before the implementation of the internet.
February 12, 2012
Maybe it shouldn't have come as a surprise, but the American three letter agencies are asleep at the wheel again. While keeping themselves busy with fighting "the red menace", the real red menace quietly crept upon us. The bureaus did not seem to have even comprehended the Chinese military and industrial espionage tactics, which in addition to "traditional" information buying and blackmail, also included gathering small bits of seemingly unimportant information from exchange students to the USA (and many other countries), persons of Chinese heritage and from any approachable foreign visitor in China and using it to understand the bigger picture. This "thousand grain of sands" tactics fits well into the justification of simply helping the poor motherland to improve its citizens (economical) well being. Of course, that FBI personnel was having sex with the Chinese assets they were supposed to monitor, probably didn't help either ...
September 12, 2011
Excellent Book!! The author, David Wise, gave a presentation at my place of employment and talked about his methodology and data collection processes that informed his writing. It was just as fascinating as I envisioned it would be. This book is very enlightining and focuses on the counterintelligence efforts the United States has toward China. The title is sort of a play on words, in that it (1) bears the name of a code name of a closed counterintelligence Chinese case; and (2) reflects the representation of the tiger as an often-used symbol for China. If you have an interest in either China or counterintelligence matters, then I strongly recommend you read this book. This is one of the best books on the topic that I have read.
February 20, 2012
Many books have been written on the Soviet Union and Russia spying on the United States but I have not come across many that are focused on China and their quest to spy on the US. There have been names and stories that have popped up in the main stream over the past few years, Wen Ho Lee, Google hacks and the like, but those stories don't go into the depth that you find in this book. While the chapter on cyber espionage was fairly light, which was a bit of a disappointment, the level of depth around the actors involved in both sides was pretty impressive. If you want a better understanding as to why the US needs to pay attention to China, this is a good book to start with.
May 26, 2013
Not the most engaging writer, but an interesting introduction to the topic. The real villains don't seem to be the Chinese, but rather the FBI and the Department of Justice. Ego, hubris, and a penchant for extramarital affairs are excellent facilitators for espionage.
I also found the whole topic of "graymail" fascinating. Prosecuting unregistered agents of foreign powers remains difficult because of the calculated threat by defense attorneys to make sure that top secret materials get entered into the public record if their clients go to trial.
I also found the whole topic of "graymail" fascinating. Prosecuting unregistered agents of foreign powers remains difficult because of the calculated threat by defense attorneys to make sure that top secret materials get entered into the public record if their clients go to trial.
September 8, 2016
The story telling itself was not impressive (2-star, maybe). But the subject was interesting (for me).
There were some stuff that wasn't what I thought before I read this book. Like, I always thought that counter-intelligence agents were supposed to be the best agents a country had. They weren't. Spionage was a very serious crime. Didn't seem to be.
The way the FBI handled spionage case in this story made me understand why failure reports in my company were just heaps of rubbish.
I don't think the writer should have thrown in the story of Nixon, the Maks, and the others at the end.
There were some stuff that wasn't what I thought before I read this book. Like, I always thought that counter-intelligence agents were supposed to be the best agents a country had. They weren't. Spionage was a very serious crime. Didn't seem to be.
The way the FBI handled spionage case in this story made me understand why failure reports in my company were just heaps of rubbish.
I don't think the writer should have thrown in the story of Nixon, the Maks, and the others at the end.
August 14, 2011
Very well written in the first few chapters. Sense of intrigue and unbelief created. However on some chapters like the one on the Trident II Missile, the reader is left wondering after all the leads results in dead ends. Interesting look at the world of counterintelligence. Makes my head spin just thinking about it. Kudos to the fact that this is one of the first modern books exploring this angle.
October 11, 2011
Explores the spy game between China and the US. Argues that China, not Russia, may be are most dangerous foe. Filled with intrigue and sex scandals (including President Nixon's tryst with a young Chinese woman who may have been a Chinese spy) it is the sort of stuff that John le Carre himself couldn't make up.
October 5, 2014
A fascinating and thrilling read, recounting major events of the last 30 years concerning Chinese espionage within the U.S. Wise delivers an adrenaline filled narrative of U.S. counterintelligence maneuvering in step with Chinese spy networks, uncovering a vipers nest of PRC-sponsored agents with access to the U.S.'s most prized military secrets and government officials.
December 17, 2019
Good little page turner for Grade 4 - 8 about a young girl and her brother who find themselves in the midst of some dangerous situations related to the trafficking of exotic and endangered animals. Possibly, not as action packed as some of Eric Walters other tween to teen books. High level readers should enjoy it.
Want to read
September 20, 2011Those of you who haven't read it might be interested in this Vanity Fair article (in which I am quoted off the record!).
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http://taosecurity.blogspot.com/2011/...
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http://taosecurity.blogspot.com/2011/...
July 10, 2012
Just finished reading this book and enjoying... I am a big fan of LeCarre spy novels and modern day Chinese history. I was interested to see how the story turns out. [spoiler warning...] I am a little discouraged by the lack of justice for those who betray our nation...
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