Ex-Engineer Receives Death Sentence for Espionage in China

A former engineer at a Chinese research institution, known only as Liu, has been sentenced to death for selling sensitive materials to foreign intelligence agencies. According to China's Ministry of State Security, Liu devised a "carefully designed" scheme to profit from the classified information after resigning from his position. This action has highlighted Beijing's growing concerns over espionage and the recruitment of its citizens by foreign entities.

Liu's case comes amid heightened scrutiny around espionage in China. The Ministry of State Security reported that Liu, disgruntled due to perceived unfair treatment at his former workplace, took classified materials upon his departure, intending to use them for revenge. Upon joining an investment firm and facing financial difficulties, he was lured by a foreign spy agency, who allegedly purchased the stolen intelligence at a minimal cost. After the agency ceased communication, Liu attempted to further distribute the information, reportedly traveling to several countries to facilitate the leaks.

In recent years, China has intensified its warnings regarding foreign espionage, emphasizing the risk posed to its national security. Serious consequences await those attempting to betray the country, as illustrated by Liu’s sentence. Similar cases have surfaced, such as the death penalty imposed on another individual last November for espionage linked to a USB drive and a suspended death sentence for Australian writer Yang Hengjun, who remains imprisoned on espionage charges, despite calls for his release from Australian officials. Global tensions have been escalating, with many countries arresting Chinese nationals for alleged espionage activities, mirroring concerns about Chinese influence and infiltration efforts on a larger scale.