CIA publishes recruitment video aimed at disaffected Chinese soldiers

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.

The CIA released a Chinese-language recruitment video on YouTube on Thursday, February 13, 2026, targeting members of China's military. The video, part of a series aimed at Chinese and Russian citizens, provides instructions on how to securely contact the CIA using the encrypted Tor Browser. It depicts a fictional Chinese military officer disillusioned with his government and concerned about his daughter's future. He ultimately decides to spy for the U.S., viewing it as a way to fight for his family and nation. The video encourages viewers to contact the CIA, suggesting they hold the "fate of the world" in their hands.

In a Lunar New Year address, Chinese President Xi Jinping urged the People's Liberation Army (PLA) to enhance combat readiness and training. This directive follows an anti-corruption drive that exposed vulnerabilities within the military and led to the investigation of high-ranking officials, including Zhang Youxia and Liu Zhenli, for corruption. The investigations, which began in 2023, have resulted in the dismissal of 18 generals and the absence of at least 16 more from key meetings. Beijing accused Zhang and Liu of damaging the military's combat effectiveness. Xi emphasized the need for the PLA to address funding loopholes and rectify flaws revealed by the anti-corruption efforts.

The CIA released a video targeting Chinese military officers, seeking to recruit them as informants. This action follows the recent removal of a high-ranking Chinese general and aims to capitalize on potential discord within the People's Liberation Army (PLA). The video depicts a disillusioned officer and provides instructions in Chinese on how to securely contact US intelligence. This is part of an ongoing US effort to increase human intelligence gathering on China. CIA Director John Ratcliffe stated the agency's videos have reached many Chinese citizens and offer an opportunity for officials to work towards a brighter future. The move also comes after a crackdown on military corruption in China.

In a rare public statement, Chinese President Xi Jinping acknowledged a recent anti-corruption crackdown within the People's Liberation Army (PLA) during his annual Chinese New Year greetings. He stated the army had undergone "revolutionary tempering" in fighting corruption and addressed risks, following the removal of top military officials, including General Zhang Youxia, a close ally, in January for alleged "serious violations of discipline and law." This purge follows another in October 2025, where nine generals were removed. Xi emphasized the PLA's loyalty and capabilities after "in-depth political rectification." These remarks, the first reference to corruption in his annual address since 2022, come amid a series of purges that have significantly impacted the Central Military Commission.