The United States faces a serious challenge from China, one that goes beyond simple competition. According to experts like David Shedd and Andrew Badger, authors of “The Great Heist: China’s Epic Campaign to Steal America’s Secrets,” China has been actively stealing American intellectual property for decades, using this stolen knowledge to fuel its rise as a global power.
China’s rapid economic growth, often called the “China miracle,” wasn’t built on innovation alone. Instead, it was heavily supported by the theft of valuable technology and ideas from the United States. Shedd and Badger, who have spent years fighting Chinese industrial espionage, argue that the cost of doing business with China has been far too high, and the consequences are only beginning to be felt.
The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has a clear goal: to replace the United States as the world’s leading superpower. They are using every tool at their disposal to achieve this, including the systematic theft of American technology. A key element in this effort is the “863 Program,” launched in 1986. This program was designed to help China catch up with the West in critical areas like space, biotechnology, and information technology. The program’s goal was simple: to equal or surpass international leaders in these fields by 2005.
China’s espionage efforts have grown significantly over the years. The Ministry of State Security (MSS), China’s main spy agency, has expanded its power and resources, becoming a major force in securing China’s rise. The Chinese government uses a “whole of society” approach, meaning that every citizen is expected to assist in intelligence gathering when asked. This was formalized in 2017 with a National Intelligence Law that requires citizens to support the MSS.
For Chinese spies, the focus is on results, regardless of rules or regulations. This lack of restraint gives them an advantage that other intelligence agencies cannot match. According to Shedd and Badger, no other spy agency in history has such a broad mandate and the resources available to the MSS.
However, China’s success also relies on the willingness of some in the West to cooperate, often driven by the hope of financial gain. The desire to convert and open market also plays a part. For many years, there was a belief that economic engagement with China would lead to political change, with the expectation that China would eventually adopt Western values and principles. This belief was common in Washington, D.C., and on Wall Street, where many business leaders saw the potential for huge profits. The Chinese government used these ambitions to its advantage, attracting investors and businesses with the promise of wealth, only to steal their designs and technologies.
The damage caused by China’s theft is immense. Many companies are reluctant to report their losses, fearing further damage to their reputations and finances. The loss of jobs and the erosion of American competitiveness are also significant consequences. From Silicon Valley to the agricultural heartland, the CCP seeks to steal what it cannot create, using its newfound power against the United States.
“The Great Heist” highlights the scale of this theft, which has occurred largely in plain sight. Despite the billions of dollars lost and the lives affected, Americans have yet to fully grasp the long-term costs. It is imperative that the United States take stronger action to protect its intellectual property and ensure fair trade practices, safeguarding its economic future and national security. The time has come for America to wake up and defend itself from this ongoing assault, re-establish trade, and protect American interest.
