China's Expanding Influence Operations Target US Local Governments and Institutions

• •China is expanding influence operations targeting US state governments and local institutions.
• •Lawmakers stress the importance of distinguishing between the Chinese government and Chinese Americans.
• •The CCP's operations include economic espionage, cyber intrusions, and covert lobbying.

A bipartisan Congressional panel has reported that China is increasing its economic espionage and influence operations across the United States, focusing on state governments, universities, and local businesses. During a hearing, lawmakers highlighted the need to differentiate between the actions of the Chinese government and the Chinese American community to prevent discrimination. Committee Chairman John Moolenaar stated that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is conducting a broad campaign that includes economic espionage, cyber intrusions, and covert lobbying. The panel emphasized that local entities are vulnerable targets for these operations. Congressman Ro Khanna acknowledged the theft of American intellectual property by China but cautioned against conflating these actions with discrimination against Chinese Americans. Former intelligence officials noted that China's strategies involve leveraging trade partnerships and academic exchanges to gather information and influence decisions. The panel called for improved coordination among federal, state, and local authorities to combat these threats while maintaining cultural exchanges.