A gripping new book reveals China’s covert espionage operations targeting U.S. national security. Explore the hidden threats shaping global intelligence conflicts.
Jason Ho’s new book, The Big Plot, delves into China’s extensive espionage operations and their impact on the United States. Co-authored by Ho and Moe Fukada, it examines how the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has engaged in large-scale intellectual property theft, posing significant threats to U.S. national security and businesses.
An Insider’s Perspective
Jason Ho, a seasoned expert in computer chip design with over 400 international patents, provides an insider’s perspective on these covert activities. He explains that Chinese operatives have stolen critical military designs, including components for advanced stealth fighter jets and bombers, allowing China to save billions in development costs. Ho notes that the theft of terabytes of data related to the F-35 stealth fighter has enabled the CCP to create operational replicas.
“China’s strategy is to exploit vulnerabilities and acquire technologies that would otherwise take decades to develop,” Ho says. He emphasizes that this strategy undermines U.S. technological superiority and economic stability.
Espionage Tactics and Economic Impact
The book reveals that more than 20,000 CCP operatives are active in the U.S., infiltrating military projects and major corporations such as Google, Microsoft, and TikTok. These agents conduct cyberattacks, often exploiting software back doors initially designed for intelligence and law enforcement. Their targets include sectors like artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and facial recognition.
The economic ramifications of these operations are staggering. The Congressional Select Committee on the CCP estimates that China steals $600 billion in U.S. intellectual property annually. This theft not only hampers American innovation but also poses risks to national security.
Comparisons to Historical Espionage
Recent events emphasize the book’s relevance. The FBI has described a cyberattack attributed to the CCP, known as Salt Typhoon, as the most extensive in U.S. history. This incident highlights the ongoing and pervasive nature of Chinese espionage efforts.
“The Big Plot” parallels the CCP’s espionage activities with the Soviet Union during the Cold War. However, the book notes that China’s efforts are much larger and less understood by the public. It also outlines the role of China’s Ministry of State Security in recruiting individuals and leveraging partnerships with neighboring countries to strengthen its network.
Jason Ho’s technical expertise adds depth to the narrative. He recounts how China allegedly stole designs for computer chips he developed for the F-35’s flight control and display systems. Ho reported these incidents to the FBI, which placed him under its Victim Assistance Program.
His background includes a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from Pennsylvania State University and a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the National Chiao Tung University in Taiwan. Over his 30-year career, Ho’s inventions have been utilized by global corporations and government agencies, including Toyota, Nissan, Intel, and the Japanese National Lab.
Co-author Moe Fukada is a Japanese journalist and information technology analyst with extensive experience in executive management and finance. She conducted comprehensive research and interviews with government agencies in countries neighboring China, providing additional insights into China’s strategies.
Exposing Espionage
“This is a pervasive and largely unseen threat,”
Ho says. He emphasizes that the book is intended for government officials and business leaders considering partnerships with Chinese companies. “The Big Plot” aims to inform and prepare stakeholders to address the challenges posed by China’s espionage activities by shedding light on these covert operations.
The Big Plot is the first installment in a planned series. It is available on Amazon in color and black-and-white editions. More information can be found at https://thebigplot.us/.
Given the present global landscape, understanding the intricacies of international espionage becomes increasingly crucial. The Big Plot offers a comprehensive examination of these issues, providing readers with the knowledge to understand and respond to the challenges ahead.
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