Sex, spies and memory sticks

China can't seem to get any slack these days. The latest comes from Britain's MI5, which has accused China of some pretty nefarious practices to cull secrets from British firms and government. In the report, the Threat from Chinese Espionage, circulated to business and government leaders in the UK, MI5 warns that vigilance is needed, as well as government-security intervention to thwart the Chinese threat.

Apparently, there have been Chinese electronic attacks on Britain's defense, energy, communications and manufacturing companies, as well as the government. As well, there has been cases of sexual entrapment and espionage involving electronic gifts and bugged hotel rooms.

None of this is entirely new of course. China regularly spies on foreign governments. And so do western governments spy on China. What's alarming however, is China is also spying on businesses. Some will argue, especially the Chinese government, that they are innocent of any espionage against western businesses. Why would they want to, when western businesses are tripping over themselves to get into China? That is hardly a rebuttal of the accusations however. Chinese industry is hungry for western know-how. Western companies are hesitant in sharing. Why give away the gold mine?

It doesn't help China that its most successful of businesses are so tied to the communist party and the government. It's impossible to be successful in China without greasing the communist wheel. Where does the line get drawn then, between the government and the industries that are in the palm of its hands?

In the western democracies, this problem is compounded by the fact that we live in relatively open societies. We make it easy by leaving the door open. It is the very nature of our society. To close our doors is to change what we are. So they won't close -- and they shouldn't -- but some vigilance is surely called for. And, from China, the world should expect more. To join the ranks of respected nations that are stewards of a globally integrated economy and to foster dialogue instead of a call to arms, China needs to have a clear separation of political and business interests. China needs to champion a shared justice, and not just their unique brand of repression. If the Chinese government did not sponsor the attacks on western businesses, it needs to demonstrate it can do something about the perpetrators acting in its name. Even if it's a scapegoat -- though I trust a government that keeps such a closed fist on its people must know who the true culprits are.

in reference to:

"The Threat from Chinese Espionag"
- China bugs and burgles Britain - Times Online (view on Google Sidewiki)