Overview
- A Times (UK) investigation, echoed by multiple outlets, cites industry insiders and current and former U.S. counterintelligence officials alleging China and Russia use seduction-based tactics to obtain tech and defense secrets.
- Pamir Consulting’s James Mulvenon reports a surge of sophisticated LinkedIn approaches from accounts posing as attractive young Chinese women and describes two such women attempting to access a Virginia conference.
- Sources say some operatives pursue long-term relationships, including marriage and children, and describe a broader 'whole-of-society' collection strategy that extends beyond traditional spies.
- Reporting highlights nontraditional vectors such as startup pitch competitions and venture capital engagement that can expose business plans and intellectual property, with officials urging stronger insider‑threat training and behavioral monitoring.
- China has officially denied state‑sponsored theft, while public attention intensified after Elon Musk’s viral quip and as estimates from the IP theft commission put potential losses up to $600 billion annually.