Guests - Ava Chen, Alex Kolodin, Dominic Escamilla

Watch the YouTube Video Here: China Watch

CCP Espionage in America: Recent Arrests Expose Chinese Communist Party's Infiltration Tactics

A conversation with Ava Chen, co-host from the New Federal State of China

Americans are finally waking up to the reality that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is their top adversary. Despite other challenges facing the nation, there's growing recognition that confronting the CCP must begin here in the United States. The recent FBI exposures of American traitors colluding with Chinese officials demonstrate this reality. When citizens become mobilized, educated, and informed about where to look, the enemies hidden among us have nowhere to hide. The power truly rests with the people.

High-Profile Espionage Cases Shake Washington

Ava Chen, an expert on CCP tactics and co-host from the New Federal State of China, highlights two recent cases that demonstrate the severity of CCP infiltration into American institutions. James O'Keefe exposed Daniel Troy, a U.S. Foreign Service officer who maintained a secret romance with the daughter of a top CCP official. Troy reportedly admitted that he defied his own government "for love," demonstrating how personal relationships can be weaponized for espionage purposes. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, with President Trump's full backing, terminated Troy's position immediately following the revelation.

Even more alarming is the case of Ashley Tellis, a senior advisor at the Department of Defense who was arrested by the FBI for allegedly removing over a thousand pages of classified national defense information from secure government facilities and storing them in his home. The FBI's court filing details his behavior, staff catching him on camera, and his meetings with Chinese Communist Party officials while handling secret documents. As Chen points out, reading the affidavit feels like diving into a spy novel, except it's happening in real life.

Tellis, born in India and a naturalized American citizen, has been advising American governments since the mid-1980s. Portrayed as an expert on foreign relations, particularly Southeast Asian relations and defense, he obtained high-security clearance that allowed him access to Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities (SCIFs). FBI surveillance captured Tellis meeting his Chinese handler at a high-end Virginia restaurant called FireFox, under the guise of policy exchange or diplomacy. The affidavit shows Tellis arriving with an envelope but leaving without it, while the CCP official arrived with gift bags and left without them—clear evidence of an exchange.

Understanding CCP's BGY Tactics

Chen explains that the CCP's approach to espionage is particularly dangerous because it relies on deception rather than direct confrontation. When they initially engage targets like Daniel Troy or Ashley Tellis, these individuals often don't recognize they're dealing with an adversary with a hidden agenda. They're seduced by money, relationships, or other personal vulnerabilities.

"Miles Guo's warnings about these tactics have proven insightful and helpful," Chen notes. The CCP uses a strategy known as "BGY" when conducting espionage operations against American targets. Once they identify a person of interest, they create a comprehensive 360-degree personal profile. They study the target, their family members, close relationships, and online activities. They listen to phone conversations, observe behaviors, and compile information about what motivates or annoys the person.

With this profile complete, they custom-build a corruption and bribery plan. If the primary target has strong integrity, they target family members, finding the weakest link. According to Chen, "They're relentless and ruthless in finding cracks in a person's defenses, with a nearly 100% success rate. Once the CCP has targeted someone, especially someone with valuable information access, escape is unlikely."

The Role of American Intelligence and Law Enforcement

The FBI's counterintelligence division has been instrumental in exposing these threats. In Tellis's case, they discovered thousands of pages of classified information in his possession, including details about weapons systems. FBI Director Christopher Wray has repeatedly warned about China's infiltration efforts, noting that there are over 2,000 active cases related to the Chinese government trying to steal American information or technology.

Chen emphasizes that the National Counterintelligence Security Center has provided extensive guidance for government officials, highlighting the vulnerability of those with security clearances to sophisticated social engineering tactics. These tactics don't just target government officials but also extend to corporate America, with the CCP actively working to gain access to intellectual property, research, and business strategies.

China's Economic Espionage and Corporate Infiltration

Beyond government secrets, the CCP aggressively pursues economic espionage. Their "Made in China 2025" initiative aims to dominate global manufacturing in key industries by any means necessary, including theft of American intellectual property. The Justice Department has established a China Initiative specifically to combat these economic espionage threats.

Many Fortune 500 companies have unwittingly become targets through joint ventures, research collaborations, and supply chain relationships. The CCP's strategy involves creating dependencies that can later be exploited. For years, American businesses pursued opportunities in China's massive market while overlooking the security risks these relationships created.

The threat extends to America's academic institutions as well. The Thousand Talents Program has recruited researchers and academics with access to valuable research, often without proper disclosure of these relationships to their American employers. This systematic approach to intellectual property theft costs the U.S. economy hundreds of billions of dollars annually.

America's Awakening to the Threat

There's growing bipartisan recognition of the CCP threat. The Biden administration maintained many of Trump's policies toward China, and now with Trump returning to office, there's continuity in the approach to Chinese espionage and economic coercion. This represents a significant shift from decades of engagement policies that assumed economic liberalization would lead to political moderation in China.

The FBI and other intelligence agencies have intensified their focus on CCP infiltration, moving beyond traditional counterintelligence to address the full spectrum of China's influence operations. Recent arrests demonstrate that American law enforcement is becoming more effective at identifying and disrupting these networks.

American businesses are reassessing their relationships with Chinese entities, implementing stronger security protocols, and diversifying supply chains away from excessive dependence on China. Universities are enhancing disclosure requirements for foreign funding and collaborations, particularly in sensitive research areas.

Confronting the CCP on Multiple Fronts

Addressing the CCP threat requires a comprehensive strategy. Beyond law enforcement actions, the U.S. is strengthening alliances with Indo-Pacific partners who share concerns about China's aggressive behavior. Economic and trade policies are being reoriented to reduce vulnerabilities created by supply chain dependencies.

The intelligence community is enhancing information sharing with private sector partners, particularly in critical infrastructure and technology sectors. Congressional actions have imposed restrictions on Chinese access to sensitive technologies and investments in strategic sectors.

Public awareness campaigns are educating Americans about the nature of the CCP threat and how individual citizens can contribute to security efforts. This includes reporting suspicious activities and understanding the tactics used by foreign intelligence services.

Looking Ahead: Vigilance as a National Priority

The challenge posed by the CCP will remain a defining feature of America's security landscape for years to come. As these recent cases demonstrate, the threat operates at multiple levels—from highly placed government officials to corporate boardrooms to academic research labs.

Ava Chen emphasizes that America's response must be equally multifaceted, combining aggressive counterintelligence with strategic economic policies and public awareness. Most importantly, citizens must remain vigilant about the CCP's deceptive practices and understand that confronting this threat is a national priority that transcends partisan politics.

The exposure of figures like Daniel Troy and Ashley Tellis represents not just individual cases of betrayal but windows into a systematic effort to undermine American security and prosperity. By understanding how the CCP operates and taking appropriate countermeasures, America can effectively protect its interests while maintaining its openness and values.

Make-A-Wish: Creating Hope Through Life-Changing Wishes

A conversation with Dominic Escamilla, longtime Make-A-Wish volunteer

The Make-A-Wish Foundation continues its vital mission of granting life-changing wishes to children facing critical illnesses. These wishes serve as powerful medicine, giving children and families hope and strength during their most challenging times. The foundation serves children between ages three and eighteen, including often-overlooked teenagers who face frightening medical challenges.

The Transformative Power of a Wish

Escamilla, a dedicated Make-A-Wish volunteer who proudly claims the distinction of being "the first person" on the committee of local leader Rob Lemaster, shares insights about the organization's impact. When a child receives their wish, the effect extends far beyond a momentary experience. Medical professionals have observed that wishes can be a turning point in a child's treatment journey. Children who receive wishes often show improved mental outlook, increased cooperation with treatment protocols, and greater resilience in facing their medical challenges.

"Once you hear one of these kids' stories, you're hooked," explains Escamilla. "It's that simple."

One powerful testimony came from a former wish recipient who, at age 14, received her wish to ride Vespas through Italy with her family. Years later, now in her late twenties and working as a nurse, she volunteers with Make-A-Wish, demonstrating how these experiences create lasting positive impacts and inspire recipients to give back.

Supporting Make-A-Wish's Mission

Escamilla explains that the foundation maintains an excellent reputation for financial stewardship, with approximately 70% of donations going directly to fulfilling children's wishes. In-kind donations, such as airline miles or business services, go 100% to wishes. While the organization does maintain necessary paid staff, "the tremendous lion's share of work at Make-A-Wish is all volunteer-based," including wish granting and fundraising efforts.

He highlights the leadership of Rob Lemaster, who has been with Make-A-Wish locally for 14 years and "has a real heart for children and their wishes." Through his dedicated service and the work of many volunteers, the organization continues to make profound differences in the lives of children facing medical challenges.

Those interested in supporting this vital mission can participate in the upcoming Make-A-Wish breakfast fundraiser. Information and donation options are available at arizona.wish.org/breakfast. Even small contributions make a meaningful difference in bringing hope to children and families facing difficult medical journeys.

Beyond financial support, Make-A-Wish also seeks to connect with eligible families who might benefit from their services. The foundation serves children in local communities, potentially including neighbors and families within your own community who are facing critical illness challenges.

A Personal Reflection on Legacy

Thirteen years ago marked the passing of a beloved U.S. Marine who instilled values of competitiveness, strong first impressions, and unwavering integrity in his children. His Italian heritage and Marine Corps service were points of immense pride, and his competitive spirit lives on in the memories of those who loved him.

The lessons he imparted—that kindness isn't weakness, that strength comes primarily through intelligence and generosity, and that one should always strive to do better—continue to resonate. When you lose a parent, you never truly get over it. Their guidance, their voice, and their wisdom echo in everyday encounters, particularly when speaking with those who shared similar experiences, like fellow Marines.

His legacy demonstrates that the values of challenge, generosity, and kindness create a foundation that endures long after we're gone, influencing not just immediate family but rippling outward to touch countless lives in the community.