China's 'Wolong Association' Targets Young Taiwanese Military Officers for Long-Term Espionage

Taiwan's military is investigating allegations that China's "Wolong Association" is actively recruiting young, promising officers from Taiwan's armed forces. The organization is reportedly employing a long-term strategy, often referred to as "raising spies," to cultivate intelligence assets from an early stage of their careers.

Reports indicate that the targeted officers are often young, with many having graduated from military preparatory schools and subsequently attended regular military academies. Some of these individuals were reportedly identified as early as 2022 and 2023, when they held the rank of second lieutenant. This suggests a potential strategy by Chinese intelligence to identify and establish long-term relationships with potential recruits from the very beginning of their service.

The "Wolong Association" allegedly approaches junior military personnel, offering small loans to those facing financial difficulties. Once debts accumulate, the organization reportedly uses repayment of these debts or financial rewards as leverage to persuade individuals to cooperate. In some cases, recruits may even be required to pledge allegiance.

Investigations have recently led to searches and questioning of more than 20 active-duty Taiwanese army officers. Many of these officers are described as being around 25 to 27 years old, holding the rank of captain, and sharing a common background of military education, often starting from preparatory schools and progressing through military academies. The extent of the alleged intelligence provided and how these officers' personal information, financial situations, and relationships came under the association's purview are still under investigation.