From AI theft to phishing scams and targeted death threats, Chinese cybercriminals are ramping up their attacks on American security and society. Experts warn that Beijing-backed operatives are aggressively advancing cyber warfare tactics while infiltrating the U.S. tech sector and political landscape.
Unpaid Tolls Scam: A New Phishing Threat
A new scam is spreading through text messages, falsely claiming recipients have “unpaid tolls” and urging them to make payments. According to security experts, Chinese cybercriminals are behind the scheme, using phishing tactics to steal personal and financial information. These scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, often mimicking legitimate agencies to lure unsuspecting victims.
Is China Stealing American AI Research?
A major accusation is shaking the artificial intelligence industry—OpenAI claims that DeepSeek, a Chinese AI model, is built on stolen U.S. research. OpenAI asserts it has solid evidence that DeepSeek copied its work without authorization. This revelation has sparked concern among policymakers and tech leaders about China’s aggressive pursuit of AI dominance.
The issue has escalated to Washington, where officials and major tech companies are investigating the extent of China’s AI espionage. The U.S. Navy has already taken action, banning its personnel from using DeepSeek over security fears. Former Trump administration officials warn that the U.S. cannot afford complacency, as Beijing’s AI ambitions pose a direct challenge to national security.
Death Threats Target U.S. Lawmakers and Falun Gong Practitioners
A disturbing new wave of intimidation is hitting American soil. Practitioners of Falun Gong, a spiritual group persecuted in China, have received death threats via email in the U.S. Some of these threats also target U.S. lawmakers who have voiced support for the group. Experts suspect Chinese operatives or affiliated actors are behind the harassment, part of a broader campaign to silence critics of the Chinese Communist Party.
Microsoft and TikTok: Trump Weighs In
Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump has revealed that Microsoft is in discussions to acquire TikTok, the popular social media platform owned by China’s ByteDance. The potential deal reignites debates over TikTok’s security risks and its impact on U.S. data privacy.
U.S.-Taiwan Relations: A Stronger Partnership
Taiwan has reaffirmed its cooperation with the U.S., emphasizing that the alliance is mutually beneficial. As China increases its military threats against the island, U.S.-Taiwan relations continue to strengthen through defense collaborations and economic partnerships.
A New Vision for the Pentagon
Former Army officer and Fox News host Pete Hegseth is outlining his vision for the Pentagon, advocating for a stronger, more strategically focused U.S. military. With growing threats from China and other adversaries, Hegseth argues that national defense must remain a top priority.
Tech Markets Bounce Back from AI Selloff
After an initial slump triggered by concerns over DeepSeek and AI security, U.S. tech shares have begun to recover. Investors are closely watching how Washington will respond to China’s continued attempts to infiltrate and exploit American technology.
As these cyber and political battles unfold, one thing is clear: the U.S. must remain vigilant in protecting its technological edge, national security, and democratic values from foreign threats.
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