From Outside Assaults to Insider Threats: Chinese Economic Espionage

China’s campaign of economic espionage has evolved into a sophisticated ecosystem that blends cyber intrusions, insider theft, and corporate fronts to capture U.S. technology. The report reveals how state-backed programs, private companies, and academic partners work in concert to siphon trade secrets across aerospace, energy, AI, and advanced manufacturing. Case after case shows how U.S. firms are penetrated through phishing attacks, talent-recruitment schemes, and long-term insider placements. The analysis calls for stronger preemptive strategies to defend industry innovation and national security.