US General Expresses Concerns Over Chinese Military Exploiting US Airmen’s Knowledge
The nominee for the top US military general position, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Charles Q. Brown, has issued a warning to US airmen regarding the Chinese military’s attempts to exploit their knowledge and skills for their own military gains. In a letter addressed to airmen, Gen. Brown expressed concern over foreign companies targeting and recruiting US and NATO-trained military talent to train China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA).
Highlighting the potential risks to national security, Gen. Brown emphasized that those who accept contracts with foreign companies are not only endangering their fellow servicemembers and the country but may also be violating the law. He stressed the importance of protecting national defense information, stating that this responsibility lies with every servicemember and veteran.
The issue of western pilots training China’s military has become a growing concern in recent years among countries like Australia, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand, all members of the Five Eyes intelligence sharing alliance. These countries have taken steps to prevent former military pilots from providing their expertise to China. Last year, the UK Ministry of Defense revealed that it believed up to 30 former British military pilots were offering training in China, prompting measures to counter Chinese recruitment schemes. Australia’s defense minister also expressed the need for a review of safety procedures following reports of Australian pilots providing military training in China.
Even the United States has been dealing with similar cases. A former US fighter pilot has been indicted over allegations of training Chinese pilots in aircraft carrier landings, a skill he acquired during his own military training. However, he has denied these allegations, claiming that he was only assisting Chinese civilian pilots in improving their skills. Additionally, two Navy sailors were recently arrested and indicted for allegedly divulging classified information to Chinese intelligence officers.
The concerns raised by Gen. Brown and other military officials reflect the global apprehension surrounding China’s efforts to exploit the expertise of foreign military personnel. As nations work to counter these recruitment schemes, protecting the integrity of national security remains paramount. It is crucial for servicemembers and veterans to remain vigilant and uphold their responsibility in safeguarding sensitive defense information.
