China’s rapid rise as a global power has caused increased concern in the United States, with its relentless pursuit of advanced technology posing a direct challenge to national security. Beijing’s actions—ranging from cyberattacks on critical infrastructure to strategic acquisitions of cutting-edge tech—demonstrate their goal to challenge American dominance.

But the rivalry between China and America isn’t just about economic competition. It’s also about a militaristic competition and China’s state-backed efforts to acquire sensitive military and technological know-how have intensified, creating a pressing need for stronger defenses.

The Chinese government has made no secret of its goal to become a technological and military superpower. Through programs designed to lure experts and steal intellectual property, China is closing the gap with the U.S. at an alarming pace.

These efforts often exploit insiders, leveraging their access to sensitive data. A recent case involving stolen missile defense technology reveals just how far China is willing to go.

A Guilty Plea in Missile Tech Theft

On Monday, a significant development unfolded as 59-year-old Chenguang Gong, a dual U.S.-Chinese citizen and former engineer from San Jose, California, pled guilty to theft of trade secrets. The Justice Department disclosed that Gong admitted to stealing critical U.S. government-developed technology information, including systems for detecting nuclear missile launches, tracking ballistic and hypersonic missiles, and enabling fighter jets to evade heat-seeking missiles. The stolen data, valued at hundreds of millions of dollars, represents a serious breach of national security.

Details of the Breach

Gong, who faces up to 10 years in prison, is currently free on a $1.75 million bond awaiting sentencing. His plea agreement revealed that between March and April 2023, he transferred 3,600 files from a research and development company that he worked for. The company is based out of the Los Angeles area.

These files, moved to personal devices including a laptop, contained blueprints for infrared sensors used in space-based missile detection and sensors for military aircraft to counter heat-seeking missiles. Authorities later found some of these files at Gong’s home, according to the Justice Department.

Exploiting Talent Programs

From 2014 to 2022, Gong pursued opportunities through Chinese government “talent programs” while employed at major U.S. tech firms. The Justice Department explained that these programs aim to identify experts in advanced sciences to enhance China’s economy and military capabilities.

Gong’s applications to these programs closely mirrored the technologies he accessed at work. Per investigators, in September 2020, he applied for a program focused on “low light/night vision” image sensors, citing the exact model number of a sensor developed by a defense company he worked for from 2015 to 2019.

The Department of Justice also uncovered Gong’s trips to China to meet with talent program managers. In an email from 2019, he admitted he “took a risk” traveling to China “because [he] worked for…an American military industry company.” These actions suggest a deliberate effort to transfer sensitive technology to a foreign power.

This guilty plea comes as U.S. officials intensify efforts to curb intellectual property theft by China, which costs American companies an estimated $300 to $600 billion annually. Gong’s case is a reminder of the sophisticated and persistent methods used to undermine U.S. technological leadership.

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