The revelations surrounding John Shing-wan Leung, a resident of Hong Kong with US citizenship, has stirred both local and international news. The tale is emblematic of the high-stakes world of espionage and the alleged tactics deployed by the US in its intelligence operations against China.
The Man in Question: John Shing-wan Leung
On Monday, China’s national security agency, the Ministry of State Security (MSS), took to its official WeChat account to illuminate the circumstances surrounding Mr. Leung. This Chinese-born US citizen had been operating under the radar for over three decades, serving as an informant for the US intelligence community. Born on May 1, 1945, in Hong Kong, the journey of Leung into the world of espionage culminated in a life sentence this past May, thus closing a chapter that had remained concealed for more than 30 years.
Furthermore, the sentence stripped Leung of his political rights for the rest of his life and resulted in a financial penalty: confiscation of 500,000 yuan (equivalent to $71,800) of his personal assets.
From Restaurant Owner to Spy
The MSS’s detailed account traces Leung’s initial steps into this clandestine profession. In 1983, Leung, then an immigrant, started his life in the US running a restaurant. Merely three years later, in 1986, agents from US intelligence agencies began their approach. They explicitly identified themselves and sought Leung’s cooperation. By 1989, things formalized when Leung was signed on as an informant under a “cooperation agreement”. This contract laid out their modus operandi, including secret communication methods and a fixed stipend of $1,000 monthly, with added incentives based on Leung’s contributions. The year 1989 also saw Leung embrace the US as his new homeland, becoming a naturalized citizen.
Crafting a Persona
US intelligence agencies understood the importance of perception. To bolster Leung’s credibility, they allegedly constructed an elaborate backstory for him. According to the MSS statement, they fabricated claims of him being an alumnus of a British university, a former United Nations official, and even a veteran of the Vietnam War.
In an intriguing strategy, they purportedly guided Leung in making donations to US state legislators, not for political leverage, but for image-enhancement. Moreover, they bankrolled Leung’s involvement in various Chinese community organizations, propelling him to positions of significance, such as president or chairman. This was a dual-pronged strategy: firstly, to amplify Leung’s stature among overseas Chinese communities, and secondly, to elevate his visibility back in China. Here, the American agencies are said to have portrayed him as a “patriotic philanthropist” through orchestrated charitable activities.
Espionage Activities: A Closer Look
With his well-crafted persona in place, Leung started his intelligence gathering. He became a conduit for the US, leveraging Chinese community events to gain access to Chinese diplomatic institutions and personnel stationed in the US. The MSS report contends that Leung kept tabs on Chinese nationals and overseas Chinese in America. This was facilitated through designated communication channels.
Additionally, Leung took advantage of his position to gather intelligence on Chinese officials visiting the US. He would reportedly host them at pre-selected venues fitted with surveillance equipment. The MSS even alleges that Leung would resort to setting up compromising scenarios to entice Chinese personnel into defecting.
The extent of Leung’s cooperation was further illustrated with revelations of his participation in sting operations orchestrated by the US. Leung was instructed to lure targeted individuals into sensitive dealings, ostensibly to manufacture “evidence” for fabricated Chinese spy allegations.
Such dedication to his role allegedly earned Leung accolades from his American handlers, including a medal for his distinguished service.
The Final Chapter
In 2020, the world grappled with the COVID-19 pandemic, severely curtailing international travel. However, this did not deter the US intelligence community. Seeing an opportunity, they directed the septuagenarian Leung to penetrate the Chinese mainland. As 2020 drew to a close, Leung utilized various identification documents to navigate his way into mainland China. Once there, he embedded himself in various social circles, ostensibly to continue his intelligence collection.
His operations, however, were curtailed in April 2021, when Suzhou’s state security apparatus detained him on espionage suspicions.
The Legal Implications
China’s Criminal Law mandates heavy sentences for those endangering national security through espionage, ranging from a decade to a lifetime behind bars. The Counter-Espionage Law offers a caveat: individuals can avoid prosecution if they willingly divulge their coerced involvement in overseas spying to Chinese authorities.
A Stern Message
Li Haidong, a professor at China Foreign Affairs University, opined to the Global Times that this case underscores the perceived threat of the US’ Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) to China. He noted that those affiliated with or implanted by the CIA face grim prospects, as evidenced by Leung’s plight. Li poignantly stated, “Leung’s fate should be a moment of introspection for those involved in such endeavors. They can either come forward or prepare for dire consequences.”
The Leung case, as presented by the MSS, serves as a vivid portrayal of the intricate and shadowy world of international espionage. Its revelations, true or embellished, offer a unique glimpse into the lengths nations might go to, to safeguard their interests and supremacy.
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