CIA Releases Public Recruitment Video Targeting Chinese Officials, Drawing Millions of Views

The U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) has released a public recruitment video specifically targeting Chinese officials, a video that has rapidly gained 3.8 million views. According to a report from the news channel China in Focus (@ChinainFocus), the video is presented entirely with subtitles in simplified Chinese—the script used in mainland China—and lacks any voiceover. It details nine steps for individuals to contact the agency securely.

This video, published on Thursday, is reported to be the third of its kind released by the CIA. Last May, the agency issued two similar videos featuring Mandarin voiceovers. The latest release represents a continued and overt effort by U.S. intelligence to directly recruit individuals within China.

The public nature of this recruitment campaign is a notable development in the intelligence sphere. While aiming to attract individuals willing to share information, such moves are also observed to heighten suspicion and could impact dynamics within Chinese official circles. The video's viral spread highlights the intersection of modern digital media and traditional intelligence operations.