In a joint bulletin released by the United States and its closest intelligence partners, including the UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, it has been revealed that China has ramped up its efforts to recruit former Western military pilots and service members to train its own aviators. The bulletin, issued on Wednesday, highlights concerns about Beijing's struggles with air operations and its desire to enhance its technical capabilities to counter Western aviation tactics.

China has long faced challenges in terms of pilot proficiency and countering Western tactics, despite its significant buildup of air and naval forces as part of its preparation for a potential military takeover of Taiwan. By recruiting Western-trained pilots, China gains access to knowledge ranging from air combat tactics to aircraft carrier landings, providing them valuable insight into countering Western combat strategies.

The warning issued by the Five Eyes nations emphasizes the aggressive recruitment tactics employed by China's People's Liberation Army (PLA) to train their aviators. The director of the National Counterintelligence and Security Center, Michael Casey, stated that while recent actions by Western governments have impacted these operations, PLA recruitment efforts continue to evolve.

The bulletin also reveals that China has been employing private companies, often concealing their ties to the Chinese military, to attract Western pilots. These companies engage with pilots through headhunters or professional networking sites, offering lucrative contracts and the opportunity to fly exotic aircraft. The most sought-after targets are military pilots, flight engineers, air operations center personnel, and technical experts with knowledge of Western military tactics.

To circumvent crackdown efforts by the US, some of these third-party companies have set up operations in countries such as South Africa, Singapore, and Laos, maintaining a semblance of independence. The recruited Western pilots, numbering at least in the dozens, then train Chinese military officials who return to China to further train more pilots.

The bulletin marks years of growing concern among the US and its allies about PLA's ambitions to gain insight into Western military tactics and technology by recruiting former pilots. Tensions have escalated between China and Taiwan, with China conducting large-scale military drills surrounding the island in response to what it perceives as "separatist acts" after Taiwan's recent presidential election.

The significance of China's aviation force in the Indo-Pacific region was highlighted by Admiral John Aquilino, former head of US Indo-Pacific Command, who stated that the PLA Navy and PLA Air Force together constitute the largest aviation force in the Indo-Pacific.

Earlier this year, General Charles Q. Brown, then Air Force chief of staff and now chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, cautioned against foreign companies targeting and recruiting military talent from the US and NATO to assist the PLA. Such actions not only undermine national security but also risk the safety of fellow servicemembers and may even violate the law.

The issue of Chinese recruitment of Western military personnel for air training gained public attention in October 2022 when former US Marine fighter jet pilot, Daniel Duggan, was arrested in Australia for allegedly training PLA pilots on aircraft carrier landings. Investigations into similar cases have been initiated by Canada and Australia.

While the US seeks Duggan's extradition, it awaits a final decision from the Australian Attorney General. The Arms Export Control Act, which prohibits the training of foreign military personnel without explicit authorization, is being invoked in this case. The bulletin also comes on the heels of several recent incidents involving US service members leaking classified intelligence to China, underscoring the PRC's determination to obtain critical information for its advantage.

The intensified recruitment efforts by China serve as a wake-up call for the US and its allies, highlighting the need for increased vigilance and measures to counter these recruitment tactics. As tensions continue to rise, it remains crucial for Western nations to safeguard their military knowledge and prevent unauthorized leaks that may compromise national security.