Concerns about foreign adversaries infiltrating U.S. military installations are growing as revelations emerge about their increasingly sophisticated methods.
Chinese nationals have gained access to over 100 U.S. military bases and sensitive sites in recent years.
We must put a stop to these potential forms of espionage immediately. pic.twitter.com/KXObLbbKRe
— Sen. Marsha Blackburn (@MarshaBlackburn) September 11, 2023
Rep. Glenn Grothman (R-WI) disclosed in an exclusive interview with DailyMail.com that China and other hostile nations are resorting to unconventional tactics to access sensitive information.
Grothman revealed that Chinese nationals made approximately 100 attempts to breach U.S. military bases and related facilities last year alone. These individuals often pose as tourists or even DoorDash drivers, exploiting unsuspecting situations to gain access to restricted areas.
A top lawmaker revealed that China and other adversaries are getting creative with the manner in which they are infiltrating the U.S. military's sensitive sites.
Chinese nationals tried to enter U.S. military bases and related installations at least 100 times last year.
They… pic.twitter.com/WWruKN7L2N
— ❣️Anne❣️ (@USA_Anne711) May 16, 2024
“It’s not just China,” Grothman emphasized. “We’re seeing involvement from Iran, Russia, and various terrorist groups from the Middle East.”
While Grothman didn’t specify which terrorist organizations were involved, he highlighted the gravity of the situation. He confirmed that these concerns would be addressed during a classified hearing by the House Oversight Subcommittee on National Security, the Border, and Foreign Affairs.
Foreign nationals, Grothman noted, are resorting to various methods, including using drones for surveillance and infiltrating military bases by posing as delivery drivers.
The Wisconsin Republican expressed alarm at the surge in espionage attempts, attributing it in part to the influx of non-Hispanic foreign nationals crossing the U.S.-Mexico border. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reported nearly 25,000 arrests of Chinese nationals since October, underscoring the scale of the challenge.
“Why would a country be sending people here who are taking pictures of military bases or what have you unless it was for — in preparation for or contingency for some either terrorist act, or even concerned about war,” the Republican lawmaker questioned. “When you see other countries collecting data, as far as what’s going on in America, you have to worry a little bit.”
“If you were coming to United States, either for a job or for tourist reasons, I don’t think you’d be hanging around outside military bases,” Grothman added.
Grothman emphasized the vulnerability posed by the porous border, pointing to instances where foreign nationals illegally entered military installations. In one case, a Chinese national breached a remote military training base in California, highlighting the ease with which individuals can gain unauthorized access.
He underscored the potential motives behind foreign espionage, citing concerns about terrorism and hostile actions against the United States. Grothman warned of the strategic implications of gathering intelligence on U.S. military capabilities, urging vigilance and proactive measures to counter these threats.
The committee’s classified hearing, convened to address the growing threat of foreign infiltration, signals a heightened focus on national security vulnerabilities and the need for robust defenses against hostile actors.
