What is the Chinese government after when it comes to the U.S. government? Everything. A former State Department employee wound herself into a twisted web when she entered into relationships with several Chinese handlers. In sentencing last week, U.S. District Court Judge Randolph Moss noted Candace Claiborne didn’t provide classified information to the Chinese, or the sentence would have been even harsher. Claiborne did provide information about visits by U.S. dignitaries and U.S. policies, however, and worked to hide her relationship with Chinese nationals from the U.S. government.
Claiborne had extensive contact with two Chinese intelligence agents, exchanging emails, text messages and phone calls. She even journaled about her interactions with the agents, noting in one entry that she could “Generate 20k in 1 year”.
ClearanceJobs contributor and CIA-veteran Christopher Burgess provided analysis of Claiborne’s case earlier this year, specifically noting how she was targeted:
“…leverage points included financial disarray and her sense of responsibility for the well-being of a 20-something family member whose Chinese residency was part of the quid pro quo. The DOJ notes how she received, “gifts and benefits included cash wired to Claiborne’s USAA account, Chinese New Year’s gifts, international travel and vacations, tuition at a Chinese fashion school, a fully furnished apartment, a monthly stipend and numerous cash payments.” These were given to Claiborne for her own use or that of her family member.”
Issues brought up in sentencing were the length of the relationship – Claiborne interacted with the Chinese operatives over a five-year period. Additionally, when the relationship came to light, Claiborne repeatedly lied about it. In light of Claiborne’s clear desire to leverage her position of U.S. trust for financial gain, a three-year prison sentence seems lenient, if anything.
Claiborne may not have appeared to have delivered classified information to her Chinese handlers, but as other espionage cases show, the Chinese are adept at gathering pieces of information and using them to formulate dossiers. China’s plan to dominate global business hinges on its ability to steal from its competitors, including the U.S. Economic policy data is among the information Claiborne gave to the Chinese. Even if you don’t have access to classified information – if you have access to sensitive information, you’re a target.
