by Peter Worthington: In 2005 when he was leader of the Opposition, Stephen Harper quoted CSIS sources as saying Chinese industrial espionage was costing Canada $1 billion a month.
He blamed Paul Martin’s government for ignoring the problem.
Last year, around the time of the G8 and G20 meetings, CSIS Director Richard Fadden walked into hot water when he said the Chinese wielded undue influence with some Canadian politicians.
He quickly back-tracked, but damage was done. A spokesman for Stephen Harper, now PM, said he had “no knowledge” of possible Chinese spying or espionage.
That’s the way it is in politics. The higher the position, the worse the memory. So Chinese defectors claiming 1,000 “spies” (to use the word loosely) operate in both Canada and Australia are met with a shrug.
Still, the record shows there is considerable Chinese intimidation directed at Falun Gong supporters around the world – not because Falun Gong is a subversive organization, but because its popularity is a rebuke to the Chinese Communist Party.
Does China indulge in industrial espionage? Huh. Might as well ask if the Pope is Catholic.
Shades of James Bond, the British Telegraph recently delved into the French experience with Chinese espionage, including the use of “honey traps” (sexy women) to lure industrial secrets from select businessmen. More at Toronto Sun
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