China Has Its Spy Agencies Everywhere

China's rising power has got world governments tensed as it continues its quest for world dominance. However, the global leaders are not pleased because they are aware of the Chinese tactics ranging from loan trap to extracting vital government information through 'spies'. Reports show that activities of 'Confucius Institutes' on US campuses were under scrutiny.

The US Senate sub-committee investigations found that 'the centres' were tightly controlled arms of the Chinese government. The report brought to the fore whether the centre's employees should be registered as 'foreign agents'. However, Beijing has called the findings 'baseless accusations'. Chinese officials say its another, one of the many, attempts to politicize the institutes. China maintains the its institutes are academic centres for cultural exchange, partnerships and language lessons.

Australia had also carried out investigations on the Confucius Institute's role which seems to be more than just language and culture. Reports highlight that Australian security organizations are trying to build relationships with universities and provide briefings on what they regard as a 'potential danger to academic freedom, sensitive research and intellectual property'.

Ross Babbage, the former head of strategic analysis at the Australian Office of National Assessments, believes the academic community had underestimated the risks that came with Confucius Institutes.

He said 'spying' cannot be ruled out.