China Spy Scandal Rocks US Colleges – Are Kamala and Joe Sleeping on the Job?
By Mick Farthing|October 4, 2024
China Spy Scandal Rocks US Colleges – Are Kamala and Joe Sleeping on the Job?

Under the Biden-Harris administration, Communist China has been given free rein to spy on Americans. Whether it’s a spy balloon drifting over U.S. airspace or Chinese companies purchasing land dangerously close to military bases, China’s espionage activities seem to be unchecked.

The infamous spy balloon incident earlier this year, which flew across the continental U.S. without any serious intervention, raised alarm bells. It highlighted a frightening reality: China is becoming increasingly bold in its efforts to gather intelligence, and our current leadership seems unwilling—or unable—to stop them.

Even more concerning is the trend of Chinese companies buying up land near sensitive military installations. Recent reports reveal that Chinese-connected entities have bought land next to U.S. military bases across the country, a move that national security experts warn could be part of China’s long-term intelligence-gathering strategy.

From farmland in Texas to real estate near critical bases in North Dakota, these purchases are too close for comfort. And yet, the Biden administration has done little to address these alarming developments. It begs the question: Are they asleep at the wheel or simply turning a blind eye?

From Just the News:
One late summer night last year the National Guard discovered five Chinese students near a lake after midnight. The students claimed they were part of the “media” and promptly left the area…

The Justice Department charged the five students Wednesday over their alleged attempts to cover up their real reason for traveling so close to the military base. Warrants were issued for their arrest, though the individuals’ whereabouts are unknown, according to The Detroit News.

Chinese Nationals Spying at Camp Grayling

The recent charges against five Chinese students only add fuel to the fire. According to an undercover investigation, these students were caught lurking near Camp Grayling, Michigan, after midnight, attempting to photograph military vehicles.

The National Guard discovered them, but at the time, the guardsmen were unaware of their true intentions. The students, who claimed to be part of the media, traveled 200 miles from the University of Michigan just to “snap a few photos.” But it wasn’t an innocent field trip.

The Justice Department has since charged these individuals with crimes related to espionage. They allegedly tried to cover up their real mission—spying on one of the National Guard’s largest military training sites. This incident, along with previous cases involving Chinese nationals in Michigan, shows the growing threat of Chinese espionage in the U.S.

What’s more disturbing is that these students, who entered the country as part of a joint program with a Chinese university, are now nowhere to be found. Their whereabouts remain a mystery.

Gaps in National Security Exposed

Former Ambassador Joseph Cella, now the director of the Michigan-China Economic and Security Review Initiative, has sounded the alarm. Cella points to this case as yet another example of massive gaps in our national security. The situation at Camp Grayling is particularly worrying because of a proposed battery plant nearby, owned by Gotion, a company with direct ties to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

Local communities have pushed back, accusing the company of bribery and conflicts of interest. Yet, despite these concerns, the project continues to move forward.

Cella and other national security experts warn that Gotion’s presence near Camp Grayling could serve as a “launch pad for espionage.” The students’ attempts to photograph military vehicles at the base only validate these fears.

In a state where Chinese land purchases are raising red flags, this latest case further demonstrates the real dangers posed by China’s growing influence on American soil.

China’s Deepening Hold on U.S. Territory

This isn’t the first time Chinese nationals have been caught spying in Michigan or elsewhere. In 2020, two Chinese students were arrested for photographing a naval base in Florida.

Such incidents have become more frequent, highlighting how China uses students, businessmen, and seemingly ordinary citizens to collect intelligence. Bill Evanina, a former top U.S. counterintelligence official, testified before Congress that projects like Gotion’s plant would “100 percent” be used by China to spy on the U.S.

Worse still, it’s not just about Michigan. Chinese companies have been purchasing land near military bases in at least 19 different states, according to recent reports. These land purchases allow China to set up intelligence collection sites under the guise of legitimate business activities.

Retired Air Force Brigadier General Robert S. Spalding III warns that this gives the CCP opportunities to influence local politics and gather critical information.

Espionage Threat Not Taken Seriously by Biden Administration

Despite these growing threats, the Biden administration has failed to act. In fact, after taking office, they scrapped the Trump-era China Initiative, a program designed to combat Chinese espionage.

They cited concerns over racial profiling, but the result has been a weakened defense against CCP spying operations. While the Department of Justice insists they are still fighting national security threats, the actions—or lack thereof—speak volumes.

Last week, Michigan Senate Republicans called on the state to halt the Gotion project in light of the latest espionage charges. With more evidence emerging of the CCP’s involvement, lawmakers argue that allowing Gotion to operate near a military base is asking for trouble.

State Senator Aric Nesbitt called on Governor Whitmer to immediately revoke state funding for the project, while U.S. Representative John Moolenaar echoed similar concerns, stating, “The CCP obviously has an interest in Camp Grayling, and this is further evidence it would be a mistake for Michigan leaders to allow Gotion to build in our state.”

Time to Take Action

The writing is on the wall. From spy balloons to Chinese nationals caught taking photos of military vehicles, China’s espionage efforts are only ramping up. The Biden administration must stop dragging its feet and take decisive action to protect our national security.

The consequences of inaction are too grave to ignore. If we continue to allow CCP-linked entities to operate unchecked, we risk further exposure to China’s insidious spying operations. It’s time to wake up, tighten security, and send a clear message that America will not tolerate espionage on its soil.

Key Takeaways:

  • Under Biden-Harris, China has gained increasing access to sensitive U.S. sites.
  • Five Chinese students were charged with espionage for attempting to photograph military vehicles at Camp Grayling, Michigan, further highlighting the threat of Chinese nationals spying on U.S. soil.
  • Despite mounting evidence of espionage, the Biden administration has weakened efforts like the China Initiative, leaving national security vulnerabilities exposed.

Source: Just the News


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Mick Farthing
Mick is a freelance writer, cartoonist, and graphic designer. He is a regular contributor for the Patriot Journal.
Mick is a freelance writer, cartoonist, and graphic designer. He is a regular contributor for the Patriot Journal.