13-02-2026

CIA Recruitment Video Targets Chinese Military Officers

Date: 13-02-2026
Sources: cbsnews.com: 1 | edition.cnn.com: 1 | scmp.com: 2
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Image Source:

Source: edition.cnn.com

Image content: The image depicts a man in a white uniform with epaulets on his shoulders, viewed from behind, as he faces a blurred scene. He is likely seated among others wearing similar uniforms, suggesting a formal or military setting. A logo in the bottom-right corner indicates affiliation with the Central Intelligence Agency. The visible elements are: - A man in a white uniform with epaulets on his shoulders - Other people in similar uniforms - A logo of the Central Intelligence Agency The image shows a man in uniform facing a blurred scene, with others similarly attired nearby, and a CIA logo present. The man is centered, viewed from behind, with short hair and a white uniform featuring epaulets. The background is blurred, with other uniformed individuals visible.

Summary

The CIA has released a new Mandarin-language recruitment video targeting Chinese military officers, amid an ongoing anti-corruption drive within China's People's Liberation Army (PLA). The video portrays a fictional officer grappling with corruption and ultimately choosing to contact the CIA, as part of a broader effort to rebuild the agency's network of sources inside China.

Key Points

  • The CIA's recruitment video aims to appeal to Chinese military officers disillusioned with corruption and President Xi Jinping's leadership.
  • The video is part of a public-facing recruitment campaign aimed at China, described as the CIA's top intelligence priority.
  • China's foreign ministry has condemned the CIA's efforts, stating that they will 'firmly combat infiltration and sabotage activities by overseas anti-China forces.'
  • The anti-corruption drive within the PLA has seen several high-ranking officials investigated for suspected corruption, including two top generals.

Articles in this Cluster

CIA releases new video aiming to recruit Chinese military officers - CBS News

The CIA has released a new Mandarin-language recruitment video targeting Chinese military officers, portraying a fictional officer grappling with corruption within the People's Liberation Army (PLA) and ultimately choosing to contact the American intelligence agency. The video is part of a public-facing recruitment campaign aimed at China, described by CIA Director John Ratcliffe as the agency's top intelligence priority. The campaign is not directed at Chinese President Xi Jinping personally but at individuals within China who may be concerned about the country's direction. The CIA believes its content can circulate despite China's Great Firewall, and previous Mandarin-language videos have reached millions of people and inspired new sources.
Entities: CIA, Chinese military officers, People's Liberation Army (PLA), John Ratcliffe, ChinaTone: neutralSentiment: neutralIntent: inform

CIA pitches Chinese military officers on helping the US in new video amid officer purge in China | CNN PoliticsClose icon

The CIA has released a new Mandarin-language video aimed at recruiting Chinese military officers to work with the US, amid a purge of top generals in China's military. The video appeals to officers disillusioned with corruption and President Xi Jinping's leadership, portraying a fictional officer making the difficult decision to contact the CIA. The agency has had recent success targeting China's government, which it has historically struggled to penetrate. The move is part of a broader effort to rebuild the CIA's network of sources inside China, which was severely damaged in a counterintelligence campaign starting in 2010. China's foreign ministry has condemned the CIA's efforts, stating that they will 'firmly combat infiltration and sabotage activities by overseas anti-China forces.'
Entities: CIA, China, Xi Jinping, US, John RatcliffeTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Make every penny count for combat, China’s military told in countdown to Lunar New Year | South China Morning Post

Chinese President Xi Jinping has called on the People's Liberation Army (PLA) to enhance combat training and maintain readiness as the country approaches the Lunar New Year. The directive comes amid an ongoing anti-corruption drive within the military, which has seen several high-ranking officials, including two top generals, Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli, investigated for suspected corruption. Xi's speech highlighted the PLA's efforts in deepening political rectification and responding to various risks and challenges. The anti-corruption campaign has exposed deep flaws in the PLA's readiness and led to the dismissal of 18 generals since 2023. Xi's call for the PLA to 'make every penny count for combat' underscores the importance of fiscal responsibility and effectiveness in military spending.
Entities: Xi Jinping, People's Liberation Army (PLA), China, Lunar New Year, Central Military Commission (CMC)Tone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

What is China’s Central Military Commission and how does it operate amid anti-graft drive? | South China Morning Post

The Central Military Commission (CMC) of China is facing a leadership reshuffle due to the downfall of most of its members amid an anti-graft drive. President Xi Jinping remains the chairman, while five other members have been removed from their positions. The CMC is China's top military decision-making body, overseeing the People's Liberation Army (PLA) and responsible for decisions on strategy, development, equipment, personnel, and funding. The recent purge has left only Xi Jinping and one other member active on the commission. The CMC consists of 15 departments and oversees the PLA's five theatre commands, service branches, and research institutions. The article discusses the CMC's structure, functions, and the implications of the current leadership reshuffle.
Entities: China, Central Military Commission, Xi Jinping, People's Liberation Army, Zhang YouxiaTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform