Chinese nationals, often referred to as “gate crashers,” have been involved in more than 100 incidents attempting to infiltrate U.S. military bases and other federal sites, according to reports from the FBI and Department of Defense.
This alarming trend raises concerns about potential espionage threats, with suspicions that the Chinese government may be coercing its citizens into service to assess and report on security practices at these installations.
Instances of these gate crashers vary, from Chinese nationals crossing into U.S. missile ranges in New Mexico to scuba divers spotted near a U.S. government rocket launch site in Florida. U.S. officials argue that these activities aren’t benign and may be orchestrated attempts to gather intelligence, the Wall Street Journal reports.
To address this issue, the FBI, Department of Defense, and other agencies conducted a review last year aimed at deterring such incidents. However, it remains unclear how many of these cases were genuinely innocent. Some Chinese nationals have claimed they were following Google Maps to find nearby fast-food restaurants located on military bases.
In more concerning situations, individuals arrived with reservations at hotels on military bases, attempting to force their way past guards. In one example, a group of Chinese nationals recently tried to enter Fort Wainwright, Alaska, claiming they had reservations at a commercial hotel on the base. Fort Wainwright is home to the U.S. Army’s 11th Airborne Division, specializing in Arctic warfare.
Pentagon spokespersons explained that in certain cases, these individuals have managed to gain unauthorized access by speeding through security checkpoints. When caught, they are typically cited criminally, banned from future installation access, and escorted off-base.
These incidents often occur in remote areas far from commercial airports, where tourism is infrequent. Chinese nationals often use scripted language when stopped, claiming they are lost tourists.
This type of low-level Chinese intelligence collection is seen as a numbers game. The Chinese government appears willing to send numerous individuals for collection, understanding that if a few get caught, it’s challenging for the U.S. government to prove any nefarious intent beyond trespassing. This leniency is in stark contrast to how the Chinese government would treat Americans caught engaging in similar activities within China.
The growing number of incidents has raised concerns among U.S. lawmakers, with some suggesting potential federal legislation to address the issue, as most trespassing laws are currently state and local. Repeated incidents have occurred at various locations, including an intelligence center in Key West, Florida, and a U.S. Army range adjacent to White Sands National Park.
