The threat of foreign espionage targeting U.S. military installations has reached alarming levels, according to Representative Glenn Grothman (R-WI), who disclosed startling revelations about the infiltration tactics employed by adversarial nations.
A top lawmaker revealed that China and other adversaries are getting creative with the manner in which they are infiltrating the U.S. military's sensitive sites.
Chinese nationals tried to enter U.S. military bases and related installations at least 100 times last year.
They… pic.twitter.com/WWruKN7L2N
— ❣️Anne❣️ (@USA_Anne711) May 16, 2024
In an interview with DailyMail.com, Grothman highlighted China’s aggressive efforts to penetrate U.S. military bases, revealing that Chinese nationals attempted over 100 breaches last year. These individuals often disguise themselves as tourists or delivery drivers, exploiting vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access to sensitive sites.
Chinese nationals have gained access to over 100 U.S. military bases and sensitive sites in recent years.
We must put a stop to these potential forms of espionage immediately. pic.twitter.com/KXObLbbKRe
— Sen. Marsha Blackburn (@MarshaBlackburn) September 11, 2023
However, China is not alone in its espionage activities. Grothman cited reports of involvement from Iran, Russia, and various terrorist groups from the Middle East, underscoring the multifaceted nature of the threat.
The congressman emphasized the need for heightened vigilance and proactive measures to counter these infiltration attempts, warning of the potential consequences of gathering intelligence on U.S. military capabilities.
Grothman expressed particular concern about the surge in espionage attempts coinciding with the influx of non-Hispanic foreign nationals crossing the U.S.-Mexico border. He pointed to instances where foreign nationals illegally breached military installations, highlighting the vulnerabilities posed by lax border security.
“Why would a country be sending people here who are taking pictures of military bases or what have you unless it was for — in preparation for or contingency for some either terrorist act, or even concerned about war,” the Republican lawmaker questioned. “When you see other countries collecting data, as far as what’s going on in America, you have to worry a little bit.”
“If you were coming to United States, either for a job or for tourist reasons, I don’t think you’d be hanging around outside military bases,” Grothman added.
The scale of the challenge was underscored by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) data, which revealed nearly 25,000 arrests of Chinese nationals since October, further illustrating the scope of the threat.
The committee’s classified hearing, slated to address the growing threat of foreign infiltration, signals a concerted effort to bolster national security defenses and safeguard critical assets against hostile actors. Grothman’s revelations serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to mitigate the risks posed by foreign espionage and safeguard America’s military capabilities.
