Former Obama team member Ben Rhodes claimed on this week’s episode of MSNBC’s “Andrea Mitchell Reports” that China was attempting to gather information from two Navy sailors in order to better prepare for an anticipated military conflict with the United States. He also said that China’s latest espionage actions are examples of “China moving extremely far more aggressively at attempting to prepare for the possibility of a military contingency with the United States.”
“Two Navy sailors were temporarily detained, the State Dept. and the Dept. of Commerce were hacked, and a New York Times investigation revealed a deeper worry about malware ingrained in our military,” according to host Andrea Mitchell.
“And if you look closely at the arrests, these were individuals who were revealing naval secrets, Navy exercises, the characteristics of our ships, and the characteristics of our bases,” Rhodes said. “In advance of a future confrontation, China is attempting to gather intelligence in that manner. The virus operates in a similar manner. This indicates that China is acting considerably more actively in its efforts to get ready for a possible military conflict with the United States, which is obviously concerning.”
When Mitchell questioned Rhodes about whether he was alluding to a future confrontation with Taiwan, Rhodes replied that he was.
