The Saad Truth with Dr. Saad Discussing "The Great Heist - China's Epic Campaign to Steal America's Secrets" (The Saad Truth with Dr. Saad_939)
Dec 15, 2025
David R. Shedd, a former senior U.S. intelligence official, and Andrew Badger, a former DIA case officer, delve into China's systematic intellectual property theft. They discuss how China's cultural ethics rationalize espionage and the influence of historical factors on current strategies. The conversation highlights the urgent implications of Western naivete and the need for policy shifts, including protecting critical technologies. With alarming insights about cybersecurity threats and the culpability of both U.S. political parties, they present a compelling case for national security reforms.
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China's Rapid Rise Fueled By Systemic Theft
- China accelerated its rise by systematically stealing Western IP, know-how, and data across sectors.
- This theft enabled rapid technological and economic advances that would have taken decades otherwise.
Guanxi And Joint Ventures Drive Tech Transfer
- Guanxi and joint-venture structures institutionalize transfer of technology to Chinese partners.
- Western firms entering 51/49 ventures often lose proprietary control and expect replication inside China.
Espionage Framed As A State Duty
- China treats espionage as a legitimate, moral tool tied to state duty and strategy.
- Legal obligations and laws like the 2017 National Intelligence Law enforce broad citizen and company cooperation.
