THE TEL AVIV POLITICAL SCIENTIST WAS skeptical about the message that popped up on his social media feed offering attractive rewards if he came to work in China. "I just ignored it," he told Newsweek. "It was kind of funny.” Yet the message from the Zhejiang Torch Center in Hangzhou was completely serious-part of a multiyear, multiprong effort by the Communist Party of China (CCP) to transfer human talent and top technology to fuel its "China Dream" of global preeminence by 2049, the 100th anniversary of the Communist revolution.
In messages on WeChat, China's main social media app, "Casey Xu" presented himself as an "international recruiter." Xu shared examples of people from "past projects" identified only by a three-letter country code and three-digit number. One blurry photograph showed "GBR 004" (Great Britain), a specialist in microwave photons used in cooking but also quantum physics and radio communications in hard-to-reach spots such as tunnels or jungles. "NZL 002" (New Zealand) was an expert in nanomaterials that are important for aerospace and defense. "IND 004" (India) specialized in integrated circuits, key to the "Internet of Things" that is increasingly connecting people and devices everywhere. Since China also values inside information, the Israeli policy expert could perhaps have had a future as "ISR 007."
The Zhejiang Torch Center boasts that it hosts a unit of China's national science and technology development "863 Plan," making it likely it seeks military applications, as that's what the plan was set up to do. The pitch promised "attractive rewards and benefits." The center was an official project of the local government, "supported by the Chinese government," Xu said helpfully. He added, "If you travel to China, you might not get a visa. However, if you are a member of a talent introduction project, the company and local government will assist you with this issue."
This story is from the August 19, 2022 edition of Newsweek Europe.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the August 19, 2022 edition of Newsweek Europe.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Poring Over the Mystery of an Egyptian Cup
The first comprehensive scientific analysis of a Bes mug's residues uncovered a psychedelic concoction used in rituals
John David Washington
FOR JOHN DAVID WASHINGTON, BRINGING NETFLIX'S THE PIANO LESSON (November 22) from stage to screen was a family affair.
Philomena Cunk
PHILOMENA CUNK IS JUST AS SURPRISED AS anyone else at her own popularity.
A Walk in the Parks
Jim O'Heir shares his memories of the hit NBC mockumentary andits cast’s hopes of areunion
SOLVING THE PLASTIC PROBLEM
PLASTIC WASTE IS HARMING ANIMALS AND OUR PLANET. CAN THE DAMAGE BE UNDONE?
'I Was Struck by How Humbled and Insignificant I Felt'
An explorer says coming face-to-face in vild with a grizzly and her cubs changed his perspective on life
Has AI Turned On Health Care?
Hospitals hoped artificial intelligence would lighten their staff's workload, but the same tech could be to blame as insurance firms increasingly deny Medicare Advantage claims
The Next Phase of War
After thousands of elite soldiers from North Korea joined Vladimir Putin’s forces against Ukraine, how has this latest move affected the conflict?
Hey, Don't Be So SAD
Seasonal affective disorder affects millions of people. Here’s how you can prep your body and mind for darker days
America's Best CONTINUING CARE
EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES, RESTAURANTstyle dining, unlimited pickleball-an impressive number of amenities are becoming standard at Continuing Care Retirement Communities.
