COMMENTARY: The history of espionage activities, both for and against the United States goes back to early formative stages of the country. The tools and techniques associated with the tradecraft of spying have changed over time and kept up with modern society.

Today, China’s espionage activities/targets go far beyond government and military targets and now include leading private sector technology companies. Acts of espionage that have been attributed to China are said to have reached new “intolerable levels”. Representative Mike Rogers of Michigan, chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, said that “Beijing is waging a massive trade war on us all, and we should band together to pressure them to stop.” He went on to pretty much DEMAND the FBI provide answers!

Many point to insiders saying they are helping our adversaries perform acts of espionage. One little known fact is that historically spies volunteer to collect and sell sensitive information, rather than being recruited.

Inside sources say the heightened espionage activities go far beyond China and are said to include some countries that we call allies! International sources say this is the pot calling the kettle black. They believe the U.S. is as bad, if not worse, that those we point fingers at. However, Russia in a very unusual move also publicly claimed China had actually stolen secrets about a military (missile) system.

Clearly this is a complex issue that must be addressed immediately if the U.S. economy and national security is not to be further impacted. In addressing this issue it must go beyond just singling out China!