In a significant move aimed at countering China’s sophisticated espionage activities and cyber threats, the United States is bolstering its intelligence cooperation with several Asian nations. These partnerships, which include the “Quad” grouping (comprising the US, India, Japan, and Australia) and trilateral agreements with Japan and South Korea, as well as Japan and the Philippines, reflect the US’s efforts to enhance regional resilience against Chinese cyber operations.
US officials, who requested anonymity when discussing classified matters, revealed the existence of these intelligence-sharing arrangements in Asia. They also mentioned the expansion of bilateral information sharing with countries such as Japan, India, and Vietnam. These new and reinforced partnerships are a part of a broader strategy to deepen regional ties and address growing concerns about the threat posed by China’s expanding spy network.
Daniel Byman, a specialist on intelligence matters at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, emphasized the significance of intelligence liaison relationships, stating, “Intelligence liaison can serve as an important force multiplier. It can expand overall collection as different countries will have access to different secrets in different parts of the world.”
While these partnerships are seen as essential in countering China’s growing intelligence capabilities, they also serve the broader objective of strengthening cooperation across the Asian region. This effort is driven by mounting concerns about China’s assertiveness in the area and leadership changes in some Asian capitals, which have made countries like South Korea and the Philippines more receptive to collaboration.
Furthermore, some regional partners are looking to these intelligence ties for added security in the event of a potential return to power by former US President Donald Trump in the next presidential election. The closer cooperation has already yielded positive outcomes. For instance, strengthened intelligence-sharing between India and the US reportedly played a pivotal role in India’s successful repulsion of a Chinese military incursion in the Himalayas late last year.
In May 2022, the Quad countries (US, India, Japan, and Australia) announced an agreement to provide data from commercial satellites to Pacific nations. This data enables tracking of activities such as China’s maritime militia movements, smuggling, and illegal fishing.
The deepening of intelligence ties with Japan is notable, as it follows Washington’s efforts to address long-standing concerns about Tokyo’s ability to safeguard sensitive information. In May, the US Space Force delivered advanced satellite-tracking equipment to Japan. During a recent meeting with US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, Japan’s Defense Minister Minoru Kihara pledged to enhance information protection and cybersecurity capabilities with American assistance.
However, challenges remain in building these alliances, partly due to concerns about the US’s ability to safeguard classified information. In April, the US Justice Department charged a 21-year-old National Guard airman, Jack Teixeira, with illegally disseminating classified information, including sensitive battlefield data related to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and revelations about US surveillance of allies like South Korea.
These intelligence partnerships will complement the “Five Eyes” alliance, which has long been a cornerstone of US intelligence cooperation. The Five Eyes comprises the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, and it has increasingly shifted its focus toward China in recent years. However, its exclusive English-speaking membership limits its reach and relevance in Asia.
While the Five Eyes remains dominant, the emergence of new spy pacts in Asia signals a shift in priorities. As China’s influence continues to grow, countries like Japan and South Korea are becoming more crucial partners, alongside regional Five Eyes members such as Australia and New Zealand. These evolving intelligence relationships will play a vital role in countering the complex and ever-evolving challenges posed by China’s espionage and cyber activities.
