Beijing set off alarms after observing the scale of Mossad’s penetration into Iran during the 2025 Israeli strikes. Chinese military analysts and intelligence agencies described the phenomenon as a “Pandora’s box” threatening global security and forcing a reinforcement of national defense.

The so-called Bureau 9 of the Ministry of State Security is leading the counter-espionage effort. Its mission: detect, neutralize and expel any Israeli attempt to infiltrate Chinese interests, especially those tied to Belt and Road projects across the Middle East and Africa.

The response is technological and deep. Since January 2026, Beijing has pushed Iran to replace US and Israeli software with closed Chinese systems, aiming to cut off the “cyber arms” that Mossad reportedly used to sabotage Iranian radars and air defenses from within.

The plan includes satellite cooperation, reinforced cybersecurity and the integration of Chinese artificial intelligence to protect sensitive infrastructure. China’s 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) places this digital shielding as a strategic priority.