The United States intelligence has issued a formal warning about growing espionage efforts by Chinese intelligence agencies aimed at recruiting both current and former U.S. government employees. The alert, released on Tuesday by the National Counterintelligence and Security Center (NCSC), comes at a time of widespread federal layoffs spearheaded by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency.

According to the bulletin, foreign intelligence operatives—especially those linked to China—are increasingly using deceptive online strategies to lure individuals with government backgrounds. These recruitment attempts often involve impersonating consulting firms, think tanks, corporate headhunters, and other professional entities on career-oriented platforms and social media.

Tactics Growing More Sophisticated as Officials Leave Government Roles

The center emphasised that these tactics are becoming more advanced, particularly as more government personnel transition into the private sector following recent layoffs. The warning urged both current and former federal employees to remain cautious and vigilant, especially when approached with unsolicited job offers or networking inquiries.

"Foreign intelligence entities, particularly those in China, are targeting current and former U.S. government (USG) employees for recruitment by posing as consulting firms, corporate headhunters, think tanks, and other entities on social and professional networking sites," the NCSC stated.

It also reminded individuals with security clearances that they are still legally and ethically obligated to protect sensitive and classified information, even after leaving public service.

Beijing Denies Allegations, Accuses Washington of Hypocrisy

In response, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs denied any knowledge of the accusations. Spokesperson Lin Jian dismissed the claims, labelling them as politically charged and unjustified. Lin accused the U.S. of hypocrisy, saying, "The U.S. is engaging in global espionage without any disguise," and described Washington’s conduct as "irresponsible practices."

The warning also follows previous reporting by Reuters that revealed a network of companies allegedly connected to a covert Chinese tech firm. These entities had been working to recruit recently terminated U.S. government employees, raising concerns about the vulnerability of individuals with access to sensitive national information.

Growing Tensions as Espionage Risks Escalate

This latest warning reflects escalating tensions between Washington and Beijing, particularly in areas concerning cyber operations, global surveillance, and national security. U.S. officials are urging heightened caution within the federal workforce, especially among those navigating employment transitions, as foreign intelligence efforts adapt and intensify.

The situation underscores the broader risks posed by online platforms and recruitment scams that are being weaponised by foreign actors in an effort to undermine U.S. security from within.