Chinese Communist Espionage: An Intelligence Primer

by Peter Mattis, Matthew Brazil

This is the first book of its kind to employ hundreds of Chinese sources to explain the history and current state of Chinese Communist intelligence operations. It profiles the leaders, top spies, and important operations in the history of China's espionage organs, and links to an extensive online glossary of Chinese language intelligence and security terms. Peter Mattis and Matthew Brazil present an unprecedented look into the murky world of Chinese espionage both past and present, enabling a better understanding of how pervasive and important its influence is, both in China and abroad.

Genres: China, History, Politics, Nonfiction, Asia, International Relations, Espionage

376 pages, Hardcover

First published November 15, 2019

Reviews

[cowlikesbeef · Rating 3 out of 5]

The utility of this book lies in its nature as a reference/encyclopedic text for specialists in subterfuge but is certainly not intended for the lay/general reader seeking an overarching understanding of contemporary Chinese espionage.

A general understanding of a Chinese approach towards espionage could be gleaned, perhaps, from a patient assessment of the assiduous research the authors have engaged in pertaining to the complexities and history of pre/post Mao-era spying activities. Unfortunately, the authors have not provided such a general analysis of pre-Modern CCP espionage but have resorted to a reference approach of listing the activities/incidents/notable personnel that have warranted the attention of the CCP and external parties, propaganda notwithstanding.

There is scarcely any material on the authors' views on the development of subterfuge in China, but contains a summary of Chinese espionage activities from the 1930s to the 2010s. This book provides little for the lay reader to bite on in terms of understanding, which may explain its labelling as a "Primer". There is an unfortunate paucity of information and guiding principles regarding the prevailing espionage networks and techniques that relate to modern-day China, which the reader today would assumedly concern himself/herself with (i.e Chapter 7 reads more like an afterthought).

Regardless, given the difficulties involved in ascertaining objective facts regarding espionage in a time of absolute authoritarianism, this is a commendable work given its comprehensiveness and level of detail provided.

[Nick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mattis' work is best used as a reference volume or starting point for learning about the personalities and history of China's intelligence organizations. The book is well-sourced and provides a basic outline for Chinese espionage operations since the 1920s. However, I felt that the middle chapters would have been better organized chronologically and by case, rather than alphabetically, so as to flow better. The first and final chapters are organized as such and are the easiest to read. The organization of the middle chapters also lends itself to repetition and a sense of disorganization. It would also have been helpful if Mattis had provided more commentary on the middle chapters and throughout the book, drawing on his expertise, rather than just highlighting select individuals and cases.

A better organization for an intelligence primer on China could have looked at how the intelligence cycle (tasking, collection, analysis) informs high-level decision making, the evolution of the specific -ints (signals, human, imagery intelligence), or the specific roles different organizations have played in collection and analysis over time. Granted, sources for much of this information may not be available in English, if at all, but organizing the book in this way would have more clearly highlighted the gaps between understanding how Chinese intelligence organizations compare with the rest of the world.

[East West Notes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Former CIA counterintelligence analyst Peter Mattis and CCP historian and former corporate security manager Matthew Brazil provide a comprehensive history and security assessment in Chinese Communist Espionage: An Intelligence Primer.

The straightforward descriptions of their methodology, sources and research limits show how difficult it is to compile a history of Chinese intelligence operations throughout revolutions, wars and purges. Popular histories and journalistic overviews of national security matters and business trade secrets often avoid Chinese language sources, which may lead to "miscalculation, misunderstanding and prejudice" by governments and companies. There is no shortage of recently released books on Chinese foreign influence, spies and espionage, but this book deserves special consideration for its meticulous research and staggering profiles of key leaders, notable operatives and criminal case defendants.

T. Greer of The Scholar's Stage recently discussed how China analysts must develop four traits to interpret the intentions and actions of the CCP. First, Chinese fluency is absolutely necessary. Next, the analyst must be able to consume huge quantities of official documentation filled with jargon, dubious statistics and empty clichés while remaining acutely attuned to what might be an slight indication of the truth. Then, the analyst must decode this hidden language, a subtle political language beyond street Mandarin, while integrating the sociocultural history behind these carefully selected words, phrases and actions. How many self-described old China hands read the People's Daily? How many journalists actually listen to any government speeches? The authors of this book are those sort of people. In the words of Laszlo Ladany (China watcher, 1914 - 1990), they have surely absorbed "industrial quantities of the most indigestible stuff."

This book outlines the profiles of intelligence figures, military and political leaders, the organisation of the PRC's intelligence operations and the methods used in a roll call of espionage cases. It wasn't until the founding of the PRC in 1949 that responsibilities were clarified between party, state and military units. Reading how each department was absorbed, transferred and relocated can be slightly dizzying, but is essential for understanding how reporting to superiors functioned and what that meant for staff during the Cultural Revolution. During this time "between eight hundred and one thousand CCP intelligence officers and agents were demoted, fired, or imprisoned in the subsequent purge by Mao." The sections on how rival Red Guard factions formed and led to leaks is both fascinating and appalling. In more modern times, offices have been restructured due to retirements or adultery scandals.

Although not the main focus of this book, Chinese Communist Espionage provides in-depth coverage of Zhou Enlai's major role as the first Special Services Section (SSS) director. The SSS was the predecessor of the Ministries of State Security and Public Security. Zhou was brought up by an adoptive mother from a scholarly family and seemed born for this role. He is described as the founder of intelligence operations, with personal expertise in tradecraft and operations management. He was involved in domestic and foreign intelligence operations for nearly the rest of his life and conceived the party's first foreign intelligence section. Zhou managed the loan of Chinese staff to Soviet military intelligence and had his hand in the creation of numerous other sub-groups. He displayed leadership by stressing the importance of moving from "simple military intelligence to military and political intelligence, economic intelligence and technological acquisition." The authors describe how he has a saint-like following among modern propagandists, but many Western sources of information reveal a man who was nearly super human in his energy, breadth of knowledge and patience. Zhou Enlai was clearly a machine of productivity. Possibly even a saint of productivity.

The CCP, motivated by political paranoia, purged their own intelligence staff repeatedly. How does an organisation gain familiarity with an enemy, without falling under suspicion themselves for coming too close? How do certain structures lead to the politicization of military intelligence? When an intelligence agency is kept secret and in-house, are those analysts pressured to emphasise findings that support policies and ignore issues that might embarrass their higher ups? Are personal advancement, isolated career paths, and data provided without proper context skewing estimates? Is the role of military intelligence to support government policy or military operations? How do domestic intelligence skills transfer to foreign operations or handling foreign sources? This book provides a intriguing analysis of how the Communists faced these issues since their revolutionary days.

Although this book does not shy away from the horrors of mass-surveillance, spies and intelligence operations, it is not an anti-Chinese screed. For example, in their descriptions of domestic intelligence, they outline how illegal drug trafficking in China is a growing problem which must be seriously addressed. Many of these policing methods are used by other nations, however the CCP lacks procedural guarantees of privacy and is highly technologically sophisticated. No judge and warrant are required. Similarly, it describes the activities of foreigners that may 'attract surveillance.' Of course that includes interactions with known dissidents, religious proselytising or being too close to a military zone. The text also outlines how China's household registrations system (hukou) and foreign passports are utilised. The authors urge us to understand that requiring foreigners to carry their passports everywhere is more about accountability (ass covering) in case something goes wrong, rather than surveillance. This book is absolutely packed with conspiracies, blackmail, honey pots, thieves and traitors, but they don't interpret every policy as a nefarious plot. Given their capacity for unique insights, I do wish the case summaries had a few observations included from the authors. Foreign visitors to China may wish to read how modern surveillance and related intimidation methods work, and the final chapters would be a better source of information than relying on online rumours and message board conjecture. However, it would have been interesting if they had included additional firsthand accounts of those who have experienced this.

This book serves as an excellent reference and would suit those with specialist careers in political science, criminology, diplomacy and cyber security. It also deserves a place in the libraries of Chinese and Soviet Union history lovers and Mandarin language students. There are many more personalities memorably outlined in this book than the brief overview of Zhou Enlai above. Throughout the text, the authors kindly provide numerous words and phrases in pinyin and hanzi from the unclassified实用公安小词典 (Shíyòng gōng'ān xiǎo cídiǎn - A Practical Public Security Mini Dictionary). The companion PDF Glossary of Chinese Espionage and Security Terms is freely available on ccpintelterms.com.

This is a timely work, however I'm afraid this book may not receive the attention it deserves as I expect publishers will be scrambling to flood the market with similar books as U.S.-China relations deteriorate. Chinese Communist Espionage avoids scare mongering and sensationalism, with a sophisticated analysis of China's competent and effective intelligence capabilities within diplomatic, military, economic and technological contexts.

A copy of this book was provided by Naval Institute Press for review.

[Rachel Brower · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent, if you care about the subject matter. I could have done without the long list of espionage cases discussed in detail, though. A few examples would have gotten the point across just fine.

[Scottloar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Without doubt the content was thoroughly researched, most especially through Chinese language sources which fact by itself tells how deplorable is the state of original research when such a competent source book arrives at such late date. Even so, this Who's Who of PRC intelligence actors and events is not for the casual reader but specific to sinologists or those interested in intel ops. Although destined for a narrow readership the competency nevertheless rates 5 stars. It is especially appreciated that names, events and phrases are given in both standard romanization (pin yin) and characters; neglecting so is a frustrating bother.

[Ben · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spy Tactics: From 5G to Balloon-Warfare

Unveiling the clandestine world of Chinese Communist Party espionage, this book is a real eye-opener.

It provides a detailed and well-researched insight into the vast landscape of espionage carried out by the CCP. I was already familiar with a few cases, but this book shed light on many more.

The author, Peter Mattis, has done an excellent job of compiling a primer on Chinese Communist Espionage.

His work is especially relevant today, with the recent appearance of Chinese spy balloons.

This book is a must-read for those interested in international relations, national security, and foreign policy.

I highly recommend this book to anyone seeking to understand the hidden side of global politics, and the espionage tactics employed by the Chinese Communist Party.

With well-documented cases and compelling insights, this book is a great book for anyone looking to understand the contemporary world we live in - and being monitored in.

4.5/5

[Martin Petersen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review originally appeared in the Cipher Brief: https://www.thecipherbrief.com/book-r...

Chinese Communist Espionage: An Intelligence Primer is precisely what the subtitle says it is, a primer, and a very useful one. It is not a history of PRC intelligence organs or an examination of Chinese tradecraft and operations, although the primer touches on both. It is more reference aid, one the authors hope “will appeal to both general interest readers…and to specialists in fields such as intelligence and security, recent Chinese history, and the politics of the PRC.” And, to their credit, the authors have walked well the difficult path of serving the interests of two different audiences.

There are chapters on PRC intelligence organizations since the Party’s founding in 1921; prominent figures in the history of PRC intelligence; notable spies during the civil war and early PRC; economic espionage cases; CCP and PRC intelligence operations before 1989; more recent cases; and surveillance practices today. Each chapter is a compilation of thumbnails—brief descriptions of organizations, people, and incidents. There is some repetition as a result, but because it is a reference aid, a reader can focus on a topic or incident and come away with the essentials without having to read the book cover to cover.

The authors have done a fine job of pulling together a great deal of information in one place. The chapter on economic espionage is the longest, and is enlightening both to the scale of Chinese activities, their breath of interests, and what the authors characterize as the PRC’s “entrepreneurial” approach to collection. With over 360,000 students in the United States—few of whom are studying American literature–an entrepreneurial approach, and a sophisticated cyber capability, the PRC is well positioned to acquire proprietary as well as classified information.

The authors have covered all the major personalities and cases that I can recall with the exception of the Loral Hughes satellite launch controversy and allegations of illegal campaign contributions, both in 1996. These led to a series of Congressional investigations, which were more notable for their political theater than for anything they uncovered. But, these cases plus the Wen Ho Lee accusations, which the authors cover, led to the creation in 1998 of the House Select Committee on U.S. National Security and Military/Commercial Concerns with the People’s Republic of China. Better known as the Cox Committee, its report led to some major legislative and administrative reforms.

There is no real discussion or analysis of Chinese tradecraft, although the reader can pull threads from the thumbnail sketches. The introduction to the book tries to highlight themes, but I would have welcomed a more overarching essay, one that presented the authors’ key takeaways on Chinese tradecraft and what we can expect going forward.

Serious students of Chinese espionage and anyone interested in doing additional research—which the authors encourage—will find the footnotes and the bibliography extremely helpful. There are 68 pages of footnotes, and the bibliography covers 18 pages, including seven of primary Chinese language sources from the mainland and Taiwan. There is also an online glossary of Chinese intelligence terms at www.ccpintelterms.com, which the authors plan to update. I encourage them to add a list of abbreviations and a consolidated timeline.

The secondary sources are comprehensive, although I would encourage any researcher to also look at Yeh Wen-hsin’s article in the August 1989 issue of the Journal of Asian Studies, Dai Li and the Liu Geqing Affair: Heroism in the Chinese Secret Service During the War of Resistance, and Brian Martin’s extensive work on the Green Gang, especially The Shanghai Green Gang Politics and Organized Crime 1919-1937 and Shield of Collaboration: The Wang Jingwei Regime’s Security Service, 1939-1945 in the Winter 2001 issue of Intelligence and National Security.

[Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who is finishing up a PhD in Chinese literature, it is rare for me to read a book about modern Chinese history and finish by saying, "I knew nothing about any of this." But that is what happened once I finished reading this book.

Mattis and Brazil do an excellent job of creating a primer on Chinese espionage, something I knew little about. But the real reason that you should, if you have any interest in modern Chinese history, read this book is because it illuminates hidden corners of the history of the 20th Century. The discussion of Chinese intelligence techniques was interesting, but I felt like every page had something where I thought I knew the history, but I was missing some chunk. Because so many of these intelligence matters are either not known about or not written about by general historians of China, so much of the information that they provide has just not yet filtered into the general historiography on China.

Yes, as some other reviewers have pointed out, it is written in the form of a primer, which means that, if you are looking for a beach read, you might want to look elsewhere (though I read it some on a beach...). That is not really a fault of the book, that is just the nature of this genre.

[Chad Manske · Rating 4 out of 5]

Former CIA counterintelligence specialist Mattis and CCP historian Brazil scratch the surface of an opaque, yet available compendium of the history of the CCP espionage apparatus. More of a reference guide, than a history, it reveals NUMEROUS cases of arrested and convicted spies of all sorts that engaged in economic, technological, IP, trade secrets, agricultural secrets, etc. of US citizens (commercial, engineering, military, etc.)—naturalized or otherwise—who engaged in illegal activity and were found out. Not intended to be comprehensive as the authors readily admit, however, this 2019 published volume is extensively researched and cross-referenced among hundreds of credible sources, and continues to be added to today, of activities breaking US export law and numerous acts prohibiting the same. Readers eyes will be opened and the curiosity to go deeper will naturally have readers wanting more.

[Mihai Pop · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book brought me almost nothing. It serves the purpose of introduction and definitions in a contract, where the subjects of the below contract just mentioned. It is more of a dictionary of origins of the organizations and some notable figures, from within and from cases. The book feels it is just a google search result on the matter, that was also extended to Chinese.

The only thing that I take from this is the history of the setup, but that is not much, as I was aware of how Communist similar setups were done, and there is no major element standing out.

For a better story, read Pacepa, it gives more nitty gritty on espionage, and it's coming from a smaller country, with more limited resources.

[Evan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Yikes, I avoided listening to audiobooks because I dreaded turning this one back on. So, I have to give it two stars because I clearly didn't like it. However, I would probably give the information it contains 5 stars. What an amazing amount of research. It was just too foreign (I could only keep about two names straight) and too esoteric (the last 5 hours of the audiobook are a listing of document Chinese espionage).

This, depending on your line of work, will be a great reference. For the casual reader on China, it is probably going to be hard to read.

[Dennis Murphy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is not a book. Part of it is a dictionary or encyclopedia of relevant people and events in connection to China's intelligence operations. I did read it, or more accurately listened to it. Some good information, some interesting characters, but this is something you go back to as a reference text. I have no idea why this was ever given an audio version. For what it is, its fine. You'll be able to learn quite a bit, but I'm not a fan of needing to extract useful information from the book by piecing together scraps from its entries.

[Steven Hull · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is exactly what it says it is, a primer on CCP espionage, historical through current times. It is a reference book, not a narrative history. It is likely more apropriate for intelligence professionals, as a reference book. The authors' clearly state the book's purpose at the outset.

[John]

Very Interesting...

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

I ended up buying this. it's less a book to read at one go and more of a reference work. the Chinese terminology and references are invaluable.

[Naim Peress · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good book for those who like reading Chinese history. I enjoyed learning how intelligence gathering got its start for the Chinese Communists from its early days when the Party faced total annihilation from its enemies, the Nationalists. It was also interesting to learn how intelligence often became a handmaiden to the country’s domestic politics. Finally, the reader learns how China’s intelligence agencies went from being mostly domestic to expansion into operations in the U.S. and the rest of the West. Very worthwhile for students of Chinese history.

[Savannah]

DNF at 31%.

[Amelia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Had to read this for school, wasn't too bad

[Zalor Tien · Rating 4 out of 5]

前几章介绍间谍组织架构和演变值得参考，后几章写得有些流水账

[C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rare value-add to the China discourse

[Jack Janzen · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is not so much a discussion of CC espionage as a reference index of public available information of Chinese communist activities in its history. The people and instances are arranged in alphabetical order in each chapter. Each chapter covers a different aspect of espionage.

There was nothing extraordinary about what China targets. Little in the way of methods was covered.