Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Counterintelligence China Ncsc topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Nominee for NCSC Warns of Chinese 'Whole of Society' Exploitation, Promises Outreach
Summary
Wes Street, nominee to lead the National Counterintelligence and Security Center, described Chinese efforts to exploit U.S. academia, industry and veterans and said he would strengthen interagency collaboration and outreach if confirmed.
Wes Street, nominated to be director of the National Counterintelligence and Security Center, told the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence that China uses a "whole of society approach" to exploit U.S. research, industry and academic institutions and that strengthening outreach and interagency collaboration will be a priority if he is confirmed.
In opening remarks, Street described nearly 33 years of military and counterintelligence service and said adversaries ‘‘penetrate our critical infrastructure, telecommunications and cyber networks, exploit our academic communities, infiltrate our research efforts, and victimize our private industries.’’ He singled out China and said Chinese law "mandates that all Chinese companies and citizens cooperate with the intelligence services of the Chinese government."
Street told senators he would work to establish the NCSC as a "center of gravity for the counterintelligence fight," improve linkages with field elements, and strengthen ties to the National Counterintelligence Task Force and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. When asked about outreach to academic institutions, Street said "the NCSC is statutorily obligated to do outreach with private sector and academia" and pledged to enhance engagement nationwide.
Senators also asked about China recruiting former U.S. military personnel. Street called that a "critical" national-security issue and said China represents the "most significant recruiter of our talent," adding that debriefing and pre-briefing processes should be coordinated across DOD, FBI and other domestic partners.
Senators applauded the emphasis on close interagency work. Street said he would pursue regular collaboration with the FBI-led national counterintelligence task force "to ensure that we are synchronized and collaborating together as a whole of government to achieve effects against the adversary."
The committee indicated it will submit follow-up written questions to the nominee; no formal action was taken at the hearing.
