What China could learn from the CIA moles in Venezuela
The Art of War, a military strategy book written by ancient Chinese general and philosopher Sun Tzu over 2,500 years ago, is the world’s earliest systematic text on espionage.
In its 13th chapter, “The Use of Spies”, Sun Tzu named different types of spies including local spies, internal spies and double agents. He said that victory starts with knowing your enemy, and that knowledge must come from people, not fancy techniques at the time such as voodoo and divination.
That mirrors what happened in Venezuela. Despite top-level security, layers of guards and hi-tech surveillance systems, President Nicolas Maduro fell because of betrayal on Saturday. Spies gave the US everything: his daily routine, his movements, even his personal habits.
This operation broke international law and hurt the US’ global reputation. But it also delivered a valuable lesson to countries like China.
In recent years, China has invested heavily in hi-tech security: quantum communication that’s nearly impossible to intercept, home-grown computer chips, independent operating systems and advanced AI defence systems. All of these make it far harder for outsiders to break into sensitive networks.
But Maduro’s downfall sent a clear message: no technology, no matter how advanced, can protect against betrayal from within.
Maduro has been trying to steer away from US technology for security reasons. He has trusted cutting-edge tech from China – praising his Chinese phones and building a national surveillance network in Venezuela with Chinese cameras, artificial intelligence (AI) and even a satellite programme.
There is no evidence the Americans broke into his devices or cracked his systems.
A source familiar with CIA operations revealed that since August, the agency had deployed an undercover team in Venezuela to gather information on Maduro’s daily routines and whereabouts, according to a report by CNN.
Several people briefed on the operation noted that in the days leading up to the raid – and even during the mission itself – a Central Intelligence Agency informant within the Venezuelan government provided continuous updates on Maduro’s location. These sources confirmed that agency intelligence was crucial to the capture.
General Dan Caine, chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, detailed the covert military operation during a press conference at Mar-a-Lago in Florida on Saturday, saying the mission was meticulously planned.
He explained that after months of intelligence efforts, US operatives had tracked Maduro’s movements, habits, residence, travel routes, dietary preferences, attire and even details about his pets.
“We watched, we waited, we prepared, we remained patient and professional,” Caine said.
China has been a key supplier of Venezuela’s telecoms equipment and tech.
In 2013, China National Electronics Import & Export Corporation (CEIEC) assisted Caracas in launching an integrated surveillance system that included cameras and auxiliary equipment, with plans to install 30,000 security cameras nationwide.
In December 2020, the US Treasury Department imposed sanctions on CEIEC, accusing it of “supporting the illegitimate Maduro regime”.
In July of this year, Maduro mentioned in a podcast that Venezuela had begun collaborating with China to develop sovereign artificial intelligence. He accused existing AI of being biased, reflecting Western colonial and imperial perspectives, and emphasised the need for “our own official, independent AI – one that carries our history and aligns with our way of life”.
At the end of October, during the First International Space Congress of Venezuela in Caracas, Maduro announced the acceleration of the “Gran Cacique Guaicaipuro” communications satellite project, developed in cooperation with China to enhance bilateral collaboration and scientific exchange.
During Saturday’s operation, the US military deployed 150 aircraft – including bombers, fighters, reconnaissance planes and rotorcraft – and disabled Venezuela’s air defence systems as they approached Caracas.
Venezuelan media released images of US air strikes on La Carlota and Fuerte Tiuna military bases, showing destroyed Chinese-made Lynx all-terrain vehicles.
Just one day before the raid, Maduro held a high-level meeting with a visiting Chinese government delegation. This year marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Venezuela and China.
Cheers,
Stephen
| 
