China Leaks Stolen US Secrets to Hostile Nations: Report

Strategic Insights -

A draft report by a House committee reveals that China has begun passing on stolen US nuclear, missile, and aircraft secrets to countries hostile to the United States, according to Rep. Christopher Cox, chairman of the select committee on China. The report, to be made public Tuesday, finds that China has shared this data with countries including Iran, Pakistan, Libya, Syria, and North Korea.

Key Takeaways:

  • The report, over 700 pages long, reveals that China has shared stolen US secrets with hostile nations, including nuclear, missile, and aircraft designs.
  • The committee found that China has obtained nuclear, missiles, aircraft, and space weapon technology over the past two decades, with much of the theft occurring at Department of Energy-run national labs.
  • China has given weapons systems and components to Iran, Pakistan, Libya, Syria, and North Korea, according to the report.
  • The Clinton administration labeled China as the number one proliferator of weapons of mass destruction last year.
  • The report recommends that the US enhance its export controls, including denying export licenses for high-performance computers to China unless they agree to on-site inspections.
  • Rep. Norman Dicks, D-Washington, stated that while the recommendations are bipartisan, the report is written in a "worst-case style."

Statistics:

  • Over 30% of the report will remain classified.
  • The US relaxed controls on the sale of high-performance computers to China in 1996, allowing these computers to be used for military purposes.
  • China has used high-performance computers to help perfect its nuclear weapons program, including simulations of tests.
  • The report highlights the transfer of technology during commercial satellite launches and the use of high-performance computers for military purposes.

Sources:

  • "US report says China giving stolen US secrets to others," The Orange County Register, April 19, 1997.
  • House Committee on China report, draft edition.
  • Statement from Rep. Christopher Cox, chairman of the select committee on China.
  • Statement from Rep. Norman Dicks, D-Washington.