China's civilian spy agency has exposed a Chinese national as a CIA spy, increasing the tensions between China and the united states.

In a statement Friday, China's Ministry of State Security said that the suspect, known by his surname Zeng, worked for an unidentified Chinese military-industrial organization in a position that provided him access to sensitive information.


PHOTO | COURTESY CIA

According to the ministry, Zeng, 52, was sent by his employer to further his studies in Italy. According to the statement, he was solicited by a US embassy official while there, and they progressively built a "close relationship" through activities such as dinner parties, trips, and opera watching.

According to the ministry, the US official revealed himself as a CIA officer as their relationship progressed. Zeng was allegedly given "a huge amount" of money and family immigration to the United States in exchange for vital information regarding the Chinese military, according to the statement.

Did you read this?

  1. Chinese Athlete’s Win Revoked After Kenyan Runners Let Him Win
  2. Chinese Astronauts Return To Earth After 'Successful' Mission
  3. Chinese Hackers Accessed US Government Emails, Microsoft Says

According to the report, Zeng signed an espionage agreement with the US and underwent assessment and training.

PHOTO | COURTESY US attorney general

Zeng allegedly went to China after finishing his studies and met with CIA officers many times to offer "a large amount of core intelligence," according to the statement.

After receiving proof of Zeng's espionage actions during an inquiry, the ministry stated it had taken "compulsory measures" against him. It was also said that the case had been turned over to prosecutors for review and indictment.

PHOTO | COURTESY Xi Jinping

China's disclosure about the accused CIA spy comes a week after two US Navy sailors were jailed in California for allegedly passing vital US military information to Chinese intelligence personnel.

The Ministry of State Security in China is a civilian institution in charge of intelligence and counterintelligence in China and abroad. Its mandate has prompted comparisons to a merged CIA and FBI, but it is significantly more clandestine, with no public website outlining its operations.