CIA publishes recruitment video aimed at disaffected Chinese soldiers

The Guardian - World NewsEN 2 min read 100% complete by Amy Hawkins Senior China correspondentFebruary 13, 2026 at 01:43 PM

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The CIA has released a Mandarin-language recruitment video targeting Chinese soldiers, aiming to capitalize on recent instability within the People's Liberation Army (PLA). Published on YouTube, the video depicts a fictional PLA officer disillusioned with his leadership and seeking to protect his daughter's future. This is the fifth Mandarin-language recruitment ad released by the CIA since October 2024, despite YouTube being blocked in China. The PLA is currently experiencing turmoil due to corruption investigations and purges of high-ranking officials, including top general Zhang Youxia, ordered by Xi Jinping. Xi Jinping has acknowledged the turmoil, stating that the army has undergone revolutionary tempering in the fight against corruption.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

John Ratcliffe 30% Liu Zhenli 40% Li Shangfu 40% Zhang Youxia 50% Chinese Communist Party 50% United States 60% China ×270% Xi Jinping ×370% People's Liberation Army (PLA) ×580% Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) ×690%

Keywords

cia recruitment 100% chinese soldiers 90% people's liberation army 80% corruption 70% political purges 60% xi jinping 50% disloyalty 40% internal instability 40%