U.S. intelligence officials warn that China deploys artificial intelligence (AI) and big data for espionage operations inside South Korea, aiming to weaken the Korea-U.S. alliance. Stephen Stemson, a U.S. foreign policy analyst, highlighted this threat in a recent report released on February 25.
PLA Targets Alliance Through Infiltration
Stemson stated that China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) manipulates intelligence networks within South Korea and interferes in elections as part of a broader strategy to erode the bilateral alliance. “China’s national objectives focus on the foundations of the Korea-U.S. partnership,” he noted. He further explained that Beijing views South Korea as a critical weak link in America’s alliance network and prioritizes spreading disinformation or stoking public discontent to exploit it.
AI Enables Remote Spy Operations
The report emphasizes China’s asymmetric advances in AI and large language models (LLMs). These technologies allow remote creation of spies by translating, adapting, and generating information tailored to target cultures. Chinese intelligence leverages cultural affinities with ethnic Koreans abroad and massive datasets to train LLMs for joint operations, enhancing infiltration capabilities.
Officials indicate that successful influence campaigns could enable China to surpass U.S. dominance in the region, extending pressure to secondary allies like Japan and the Philippines.
History of Targeting South Korea
China has previously targeted South Korea aggressively. During the 2016 THAAD deployment, Beijing imposed economic boycotts, cyberattacks, and tourism restrictions alongside diplomatic isolation. Chinese state media amplified anti-Korea narratives in incidents such as the 2014 Sewol ferry disaster and joint Korea-Japan intelligence-sharing efforts.
Recommendations for Countermeasures
To address these threats, experts urge South Korea and the U.S. to bolster intelligence-sharing through binding memorandums of understanding (MOUs). Collaboration on AI technologies with allies including Japan and the Philippines is also essential. South Korean authorities have issued their own assessments of foreign influence operations to raise awareness.
