US-China Spying Debates Escalate
Discussions around expanding US surveillance powers and calls to close Chinese espionage facilities highlight growing tensions between the US and China over intelligence activities.
January 2022
Hong Kong placed bounties on multiple activists across several countries
Hong Kong authorities placed bounties totaling US$130,000 (HK$1 million) on 19 activists in the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, and Australia. They also placed an additional US$25,500 (HK$200,000) on 15 more individuals.
Source ↗Hong Kong issued bounties on activists in multiple countries
Hong Kong authorities placed bounties totaling US$130,000 (HK$1 million) on 19 activists across the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, and Australia. An additional US$25,500 (HK$200,000) bounty was placed on 15 other individuals.
Source ↗October 2023
Polling allegedly funded by Aurora Strategies Global following Hamas attacks
A report alleged that polling was conducted by Toronto public relations firm Aurora Strategies Global in the aftermath of the 7 October 2023 Hamas-led attacks on southern Israel. This polling allegedly used biased language to shape support for Israel's actions in Gaza.
Source ↗January 2025
CSIS reports Chinese intelligence tactics shifting in Canada
CSIS's 2025 annual report stated that the People’s Republic of China’s intelligence services had shifted tactics in Canada. These services allegedly posted fake job advertisements through front companies on mainstream employment websites to recruit Canadians with access to proprietary or classified information.
Source ↗February 2025
Germany establishes National Security Council over election interference
Germany, the 4th most-targeted country in 2025, established a National Security Council following confrontations with Russian operations around its federal election. The government summoned the Russian ambassador and included explicit FIMI-tackling provisions in its coalition agreement.
Source ↗Poland's NASK monitors disinformation following 2025 election
Poland activated the National Research Institute (NASK) to monitor disinformation following its 2025 presidential election. NASK reported over 46,000 cases of disinformation to social media platforms and flagged potential foreign-funded advertisements.
Source ↗Macron speaks in New Delhi on information threat defenses
President Emmanuel Macron spoke in New Delhi, arguing that defending free speech without algorithmic transparency is meaningless. He shifted the debate away from censorship vs. free speech toward algorithmic understanding.
Source ↗March 2026
Saudi Arabia bans sharing rumors and unknown origin videos
Saudi Arabia issued a statement banning the sharing of rumors or videos of unknown origin. The nation also launched a campaign discouraging residents from taking or posting photos, including a hashtag stating that "photography serves the enemy."
Source ↗April 2026
EFF archived post detailing Gulf restrictions on reporting
The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) archived a post detailing increasing restrictions across the Gulf region for journalists and citizens. These restrictions involve access limitations and warnings regarding legal consequences for wartime reporting.
Source ↗UAE arrests nearly 400 people for conflict-related recording
Authorities in the UAE arrested nearly 400 people. The arrests were related to recording conflict events or circulating information described by police as misleading or fabricated.
Source ↗Report alleges US espionage campaign targets Vatican
Investigative journalist Ken Klippenstein reported that the US administration was spying on Pope Leo XIV. The report alleged intelligence activities escalated following comments made by Donald Trump regarding the Pope.
Source ↗Journalist alleges US intelligence spying on Vatican
Investigative journalist Ken Klippenstein released a report alleging a years-long US intelligence campaign targeting the Vatican. The report stated that the CIA, NSA, and FBI were monitoring the Holy See's activities.
Source ↗Story appeared detailing surveillance controversy at Common Dreams
A story concerning government surveillance appeared on Common Dreams. It covered an exchange of gunfire outside the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. The event occurred days before a deadline for extending surveillance powers.
Source ↗Trump claims shooting justifies expanding surveillance powers
Donald Trump claimed that an exchange of gunfire outside the White House Correspondents’ Dinner proved the FBI must be permitted to spy on Americans without warrants. This statement was made days before a deadline for extending government surveillance powers.
Source ↗Section 702 expires, prompting Trump's comments
Section 702, which allows US intelligence agencies to surveil foreign nationals' communications overseas without a warrant, was set to expire around this date. The law allows for the collection of communications belonging to US citizens.
Source ↗ICIJ published 'China Targets' on PRC abuses
The International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) published an article series titled 'China Targets.' These articles illustrated how the Chinese Communist Party abuses international institutions. The goal was to terrorize critics and extend repressive tactics worldwide.
Source ↗May 2026
China spread disinformation targeting Japanese PM Takaichi
Pro-China entities reportedly used disinformation to undermine democracy in Japan. This targeted Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and her government through state media and online campaigns.
Source ↗Peter Wai and Bill Yuen found guilty of spying
Peter Wai, a Home Office official, and Bill Yuen, the manager of the Hong Kong trade office, were found guilty after a nine-week trial at the Old Bailey. They were found guilty of assisting a foreign intelligence service.
Source ↗MI5 advises public on transnational repression
MI5 released new guidance advising citizens on how to protect themselves from transnational repression. The guidance mentioned threats from a series of foreign states.
Source ↗MI5 released guidance on transnational repression
MI5 released new guidance advising citizens on protecting themselves from transnational repression. The advice warned individuals about risks including harassment and surveillance from foreign states.
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