THE RED SPIES THEORY

The Chinese economic intelligence scheme

Synopsis

In 2006, 70% of patents used in mainland China came from abroad. The aim is to reverse this trend.

To achieve this, the government has announced the creation of the concept of "re-innovation", meaning getting foreign know-how and technology, then adapting them before registering domestic patents.

Aeronautics, nuclear, telecommunication, transportation, green energy... All major economic sectors are covered by the "chen diyu", the "deep water fish" as Beijing likes to call its intelligence agents.