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The Shanghai State Security Bureau reports directly to the Central National Security Commission and the Ministry of State Security (MSS).
Answer: True
Explanation: The Shanghai State Security Bureau reports to the Central National Security Commission, the Central Political and Legal Affairs Commission, and the Shanghai Municipal Party Committee, with its parent ministry being the Ministry of State Security (MSS) of China.
The SSSB solicited public submissions for a logo for its cover organization, the Shanghai Secrecy Administration Bureau, in June 2014.
Answer: True
Explanation: In June 2014, the SSSB solicited public submissions for a logo for its cover organization, the Shanghai Secrecy Administration Bureau, from which the final insignia was selected.
The SSSB's use of the hammer and sickle emblem signifies its direct affiliation with the ruling Communist Party.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Shanghai State Security Bureau (SSSB) officially utilizes the Ministry of State Security (MSS) shield, which features the hammer and sickle emblem of the Chinese Communist Party, signifying its direct affiliation with the ruling party.
The SSSB's headquarters is bordered by water on three sides.
Answer: True
Explanation: The headquarters of the Shanghai State Security Bureau is situated at 1 Ruining Road in the Xuhui District, bordered by water on three sides.
Cai Xumin is cited as an exception to the general lack of upward career mobility for SSSB directors within the MSS, having been promoted to MSS vice minister.
Answer: True
Explanation: Cai Xumin is noted as an exception to the typical pattern of limited upward career mobility for Shanghai State Security Bureau (SSSB) directors within the Ministry of State Security (MSS), having achieved promotion to MSS vice minister.
The Shanghai State Security Bureau (SSSB) is a national-level bureau directly under the Chinese Ministry of State Security (MSS).
Answer: False
Explanation: The Shanghai State Security Bureau (SSSB) functions as a municipal bureau operating directly under the purview of China's Ministry of State Security (MSS).
The Shanghai State Security Bureau was formed in April 1984, succeeding the Investigation Department of the Shanghai Municipal Committee of the CCP.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Shanghai State Security Bureau was established in April 1984, assuming intelligence functions previously managed by the Investigation Department of the Shanghai Municipal Committee of the CCP.
The SSSB headquarters is a glass high-rise designed to accommodate around 5,000 employees.
Answer: False
Explanation: The SSSB headquarters is a glass high-rise office tower designed for approximately 10,000 employees, not 5,000.
The Shanghai Municipal State Secrecy Administration Bureau is the SSSB's primary operational intelligence gathering unit.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Shanghai Municipal State Secrecy Administration Bureau is presented as the SSSB's primary operational intelligence gathering unit, functioning as a public-facing front organization.
The SSSB operates at least 20 subordinate branch offices within Shanghai, one in each administrative division.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Shanghai State Security Bureau (SSSB) maintains at least 18 subordinate branch offices, with one situated in each of the city's administrative divisions.
Directors of the Shanghai State Security Bureau typically experience significant upward career mobility within the Ministry of State Security (MSS).
Answer: False
Explanation: Directors of the Shanghai State Security Bureau (SSSB) generally do not experience significant upward career mobility within the Ministry of State Security (MSS).
The SSSB officially uses the National Emblem of the People's Republic of China on its insignia.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Shanghai State Security Bureau (SSSB) officially utilizes the Ministry of State Security (MSS) shield, which features the hammer and sickle emblem of the Chinese Communist Party, rather than the National Emblem of the People's Republic of China.
The Shanghai Municipal Party Secrecy Committee acts independently of the SSSB in presenting a public-facing front organization.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Shanghai Municipal Party Secrecy Committee collaborates with the Shanghai State Security Bureau (SSSB) in presenting a unified public-facing front organization.
The Shanghai Municipal State Secrecy Administration Bureau serves as the SSSB's primary overseas intelligence gathering post.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Shanghai Municipal State Secrecy Administration Bureau functions as a front organization, not the SSSB's primary overseas intelligence gathering post.
The Shanghai State Security Bureau was formed in June 1955.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Shanghai State Security Bureau was formed in April 1984, not June 1955.
What is the primary function of the Shanghai State Security Bureau (SSSB)?
Answer: B. To conduct intelligence operations within Shanghai and engage in foreign espionage.
Explanation: The Shanghai State Security Bureau (SSSB) is primarily responsible for conducting intelligence operations within Shanghai and engaging in foreign espionage.
When was the Shanghai State Security Bureau (SSSB) officially formed?
Answer: B. April 1984
Explanation: The Shanghai State Security Bureau (SSSB) was officially formed in April 1984.
Which agency did the Shanghai State Security Bureau (SSSB) succeed in taking over intelligence functions?
Answer: C. The Shanghai Public Security Bureau (PSB)
Explanation: The Shanghai State Security Bureau (SSSB) assumed intelligence functions previously handled by the Shanghai Public Security Bureau (PSB).
What is the official Chinese name for the Shanghai State Security Bureau?
Answer: B. 上海市国家安全局
Explanation: The official Chinese name for the Shanghai State Security Bureau is 上海市国家安全局.
Where is the headquarters of the Shanghai State Security Bureau located?
Answer: B. 1 Ruining Road, Xuhui District
Explanation: The headquarters of the Shanghai State Security Bureau is situated at 1 Ruining Road in the Xuhui District of Shanghai.
Approximately how many employees is the SSSB headquarters designed to accommodate?
Answer: C. 10,000
Explanation: The SSSB headquarters is designed to accommodate approximately 10,000 employees.
Which ministry is the parent ministry of the Shanghai State Security Bureau?
Answer: C. Ministry of State Security (MSS)
Explanation: The Ministry of State Security (MSS) is the parent ministry of the Shanghai State Security Bureau.
The Shanghai Municipal State Secrecy Administration Bureau is presented as what type of organization by the SSSB?
Answer: B. A front organization
Explanation: The Shanghai Municipal State Secrecy Administration Bureau is presented by the SSSB as a front organization.
How many subordinate branch offices does the SSSB operate within Shanghai, according to the source?
Answer: B. At least 18
Explanation: The Shanghai State Security Bureau (SSSB) operates at least 18 subordinate branch offices within Shanghai.
What emblem does the SSSB officially use on its insignia?
Answer: B. The hammer and sickle emblem of the Chinese Communist Party
Explanation: The Shanghai State Security Bureau (SSSB) officially uses the hammer and sickle emblem of the Chinese Communist Party on its insignia.
The SSSB headquarters is located at 1 Ruining Road in the Xuhui District of Shanghai.
Answer: True
Explanation: The headquarters of the Shanghai State Security Bureau is situated at 1 Ruining Road in the Xuhui District of Shanghai.
The Shanghai State Security Bureau has maintained a close relationship with the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences (SASS) since at least 2014, using its employees as spotters.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Shanghai State Security Bureau (SSSB) has maintained a close relationship with the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences (SASS) since at least 2014, utilizing its employees as spotters.
A freelance journalist was approached by the SSSB for information regarding US policy in Burma and contacts with North Korea.
Answer: True
Explanation: A freelance journalist specializing in Asian affairs was approached by the SSSB for information concerning US policy in Burma and contacts with North Korea.
The SSSB is considered one of the least prolific MSS units targeting the United States.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Shanghai State Security Bureau (SSSB) is identified as one of the most prolific MSS units targeting the United States.
SSSB case officers seek intelligence from US assets primarily concerning Chinese domestic policy.
Answer: False
Explanation: SSSB case officers do not primarily seek intelligence from US assets concerning Chinese domestic policy; their focus is on US policy deliberations.
The SSSB's operations extending far beyond Shanghai indicate its limited strategic importance within China's intelligence apparatus.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Shanghai State Security Bureau's (SSSB) operations extending beyond the Shanghai metropolis signify its broad reach and national-level strategic importance within China's intelligence apparatus.
The SSSB's domestic intelligence work includes monitoring internal enemies of the United States.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Shanghai State Security Bureau's (SSSB) domestic intelligence work includes monitoring the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) internal enemies, not internal enemies of the United States.
What type of intelligence does the SSSB typically seek from its US-based assets?
Answer: B. Internal US policy deliberations and State Department reactions to China discussions
Explanation: SSSB case officers typically seek intelligence from US assets concerning internal US policy deliberations and State Department reactions to discussions with China.
What is the significance of the SSSB's operations extending beyond the Shanghai metropolis?
Answer: C. It points to broad reach and national-level strategic importance.
Explanation: The SSSB's operations extending beyond the Shanghai metropolis indicate its broad reach and national-level strategic importance within China's intelligence apparatus.
The SSSB's domestic intelligence work includes monitoring which group?
Answer: C. The Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) internal enemies
Explanation: The SSSB's domestic intelligence efforts include monitoring the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) internal enemies.
The SSSB's operations include targeting the United States, running the Hafnium hacking group, and influencing Buddhist communities in Asia.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Shanghai State Security Bureau's (SSSB) operations encompass targeting the United States, managing the Hafnium hacking group, and influencing Buddhist communities in Asia.
Xu Zewei, an employee of an SSSB contractor, was charged with cyber espionage for exploiting zero-day vulnerabilities to steal COVID-19 research.
Answer: True
Explanation: Xu Zewei, an employee of an SSSB contractor, was charged with cyber espionage for exploiting zero-day vulnerabilities to acquire COVID-19 research data.
China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Mao Ning described the charges against Xu Zewei as an attempt to 'maliciously smear China.'
Answer: True
Explanation: China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Mao Ning, characterized the charges against Xu Zewei as an effort to 'maliciously smear China.'
The SSSB's Hafnium group targeted COVID-19 research, including vaccine development, at institutions like the University of Texas Medical Branch.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Shanghai State Security Bureau's (SSSB) Hafnium group targeted COVID-19 research, including vaccine development, at institutions such as the University of Texas Medical Branch.
The Hafnium group is also known as Silk Typhoon and is a subsidiary of the Shanghai State Security Bureau.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Hafnium group is also identified as Silk Typhoon and operates as a subsidiary of the Shanghai State Security Bureau.
The SSSB's cyberespionage activities targeting COVID-19 research were conducted by a group known as Silk Typhoon.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Shanghai State Security Bureau's (SSSB) cyberespionage activities targeting COVID-19 research were attributed to a group known as Silk Typhoon.
Hafnium, also known as Silk Typhoon, is identified as a subsidiary of the Ministry of State Security (MSS).
Answer: False
Explanation: Hafnium, also known as Silk Typhoon, is identified as a subsidiary of the Shanghai State Security Bureau (SSSB), not the Ministry of State Security (MSS).
The Hafnium group primarily targeted financial institutions and government tax agencies.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Hafnium group primarily targeted institutions involved with COVID-19 research, not financial institutions or government tax agencies.
The FBI disrupted Hafnium operations in 2021 by seizing servers and arresting key personnel.
Answer: False
Explanation: The FBI disrupted Hafnium operations in 2021 by obtaining a court order to access compromised computers and remove malicious code, not by seizing servers or arresting personnel.
The alleged motivation behind the SSSB's cyber espionage targeting COVID-19 research was an interest in acquiring general economic intelligence.
Answer: False
Explanation: The alleged motivation behind the SSSB's cyber espionage targeting COVID-19 research was to acquire cutting-edge scientific and medical intelligence, not general economic intelligence.
James Lewis suggested that the SSSB's hacking operations were likely directed by the Chinese consulate in San Francisco.
Answer: False
Explanation: James Lewis suggested that the SSSB's hacking operations were likely directed by the Chinese consulate in Houston, not San Francisco.
What hacking group, identified as a subsidiary of the SSSB, is known for exploiting zero-day vulnerabilities?
Answer: C. Hafnium
Explanation: Hafnium, identified as a subsidiary of the SSSB, is known for exploiting zero-day vulnerabilities.
What specific type of research was targeted by the SSSB's Hafnium group?
Answer: C. COVID-19 research and vaccine development
Explanation: The SSSB's Hafnium group targeted COVID-19 research and vaccine development.
How did the FBI disrupt the Hafnium hacking operations in 2021?
Answer: C. By obtaining a court order to access compromised computers and remove malicious code.
Explanation: The FBI disrupted Hafnium operations in 2021 by obtaining a court order to access compromised computers and remove malicious code.
What specific types of information were Xu Zewei and other Hafnium hackers ordered to search for in email mailboxes?
Answer: B. 'Chinese sources', 'MSS', 'HongKong', US policymakers
Explanation: Xu Zewei and other Hafnium hackers were instructed to search email mailboxes for terms including 'Chinese sources,' 'MSS,' and 'HongKong,' as well as information pertaining to US policymakers and government agencies.
James Lewis suggested that the SSSB's hacking operations were likely directed by which now-shuttered Chinese consulate?
Answer: C. The Chinese Consulate in Houston
Explanation: James Lewis suggested that the SSSB's hacking operations were likely directed by the now-closed Chinese consulate in Houston.
What was the alleged motivation behind the SSSB's cyber espionage targeting COVID-19 research?
Answer: B. To acquire cutting-edge scientific and medical intelligence
Explanation: The SSSB's Hafnium group allegedly targeted COVID-19 research, including vaccine development, by exploiting zero-day vulnerabilities, suggesting an interest in acquiring cutting-edge scientific and medical intelligence pertinent to global health crises.
The Nanshan Temple in Sanya is owned by an SSSB front company and is used for influence operations targeting Buddhist populations.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Nanshan Temple in Sanya is reportedly owned by an SSSB front company and is utilized for influence operations targeting Buddhist populations.
The SSSB's alleged role concerning the Buddhist community in Asia involves using front companies for influence operations and countering Indian Buddhist influence.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Shanghai State Security Bureau's (SSSB) alleged role concerning the Buddhist community in Asia involves the deployment of front companies for influence operations and the counteraction of Indian Buddhist influence.
The SSSB's front companies are primarily involved in the technology and software sectors.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Shanghai State Security Bureau's (SSSB) front companies are primarily involved in sectors such as property development, international shipping, and telecommunications, not exclusively technology and software.
The Nanshan Temple in Sanya is used by the SSSB as a platform for what purpose?
Answer: C. To influence Buddhist populations and counter Indian Buddhist influence
Explanation: The Nanshan Temple in Sanya is used by the SSSB as a platform to influence Buddhist populations and counter Indian Buddhist influence.
What is the SSSB's alleged role in targeting the Buddhist community in Asia?
Answer: C. Using front companies for influence operations and countering Indian Buddhist influence
Explanation: The SSSB's alleged role in targeting the Buddhist community in Asia involves using front companies for influence operations and countering Indian Buddhist influence.
The SSSB maintains an "immense business empire" through front companies involved in which sectors?
Answer: B. Property development, international shipping, and telecommunications
Explanation: The Shanghai State Security Bureau maintains an extensive business empire comprised of front companies operating in sectors including property development, international shipping, and telecommunications.
The SSSB's recruitment strategy is characterized by a 'high-volume model of casting a wide net.'
Answer: True
Explanation: The Shanghai State Security Bureau's (SSSB) recruitment strategy is characterized by a 'high-volume model of casting a wide net.'
The recruitment of individuals with knowledge of Tibetan and Uyghur languages by the SSSB suggests a focus on domestic intelligence related to ethnic minority groups.
Answer: True
Explanation: The recruitment of individuals possessing knowledge of Tibetan and Uyghur languages by the Shanghai State Security Bureau (SSSB) suggests a focus on domestic intelligence concerning ethnic minority groups.
According to a 2016 report, the SSSB sought recruits with knowledge of languages such as Spanish, Arabic, and Portuguese.
Answer: False
Explanation: According to a 2016 report, the Shanghai State Security Bureau (SSSB) sought recruits with knowledge of languages such as Tibetan and Uyghur, not Spanish, Arabic, or Portuguese.
Sinologist Peter Mattis described the SSSB's recruitment method as a 'low-volume, highly selective model.'
Answer: False
Explanation: Sinologist Peter Mattis described the Shanghai State Security Bureau's (SSSB) recruitment method as a 'high-volume model of casting a wide net,' not a 'low-volume, highly selective model.'
The SSSB's recruitment efforts in the US have focused on individuals with expertise in Chinese language and culture.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Shanghai State Security Bureau's (SSSB) recruitment efforts in the US have focused on individuals with knowledge of specific minority languages and regional dialects, not exclusively Chinese language and culture expertise.
How did Sinologist Peter Mattis describe the SSSB's recruitment method?
Answer: B. A 'high-volume model of casting a wide net'
Explanation: Sinologist Peter Mattis described the SSSB's recruitment method as a 'high-volume model of casting a wide net.'
Which of the following is NOT among the languages the SSSB sought in potential recruits, according to a 2016 report?
Answer: C. Mandarin
Explanation: Mandarin was not listed among the specific languages the SSSB sought in potential recruits according to a 2016 report; rather, minority languages and regional dialects were highlighted.
The SSSB's recruitment method is described as a 'high-volume model' that aims to:
Answer: B. Cast a wide net to identify individuals who can be successfully recruited.
Explanation: The SSSB's recruitment method, described as a 'high-volume model,' aims to cast a wide net to identify individuals who can be successfully recruited.
Ding Shenglie, the founding chief of the SSSB, previously worked in the Central Investigation Department.
Answer: True
Explanation: Ding Shenglie, the founding chief of the Shanghai State Security Bureau (SSSB), had prior experience working in the Central Investigation Department.
In 2003-2004, the SSSB blackmailed a cryptographer at the Japanese Consulate in Shanghai, leading to his suicide.
Answer: True
Explanation: Between 2003 and 2004, the Shanghai State Security Bureau (SSSB) allegedly blackmailed a cryptographer at the Japanese Consulate in Shanghai, which reportedly led to his suicide.
Kevin Patrick Mallory is identified as a high-profile American agent of the SSSB apprehended by US authorities.
Answer: True
Explanation: Kevin Patrick Mallory is identified as a high-profile American agent of the Shanghai State Security Bureau (SSSB) who was apprehended by US authorities.
Alexander Yuk Ching Ma is identified as a high-profile American agent of the SSSB apprehended by US authorities.
Answer: True
Explanation: Alexander Yuk Ching Ma is identified as a high-profile American agent of the Shanghai State Security Bureau (SSSB) who was apprehended by US authorities.
What was China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Mao Ning's reaction to the charges against Xu Zewei?
Answer: B. She denied any involvement and stated the charges were a ploy to 'maliciously smear China.'
Explanation: China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Mao Ning, stated that the charges against Xu Zewei were a ploy to 'maliciously smear China.'
Who was the founding chief of the Shanghai State Security Bureau?
Answer: C. Ding Shenglie
Explanation: The founding chief of the Shanghai State Security Bureau was Ding Shenglie.
As of the provided information, who is the current Director of the Shanghai State Security Bureau?
Answer: B. Zhu Weikang
Explanation: As per the available information, Zhu Weikang currently serves as the Director of the Shanghai State Security Bureau.
What incident involving a cryptographer at the Japanese Consulate in Shanghai in 2003-2004 is attributed to the SSSB?
Answer: B. The SSSB blackmailed the cryptographer, leading to his suicide.
Explanation: The incident attributed to the SSSB involving a cryptographer at the Japanese Consulate in Shanghai between 2003 and 2004 was the alleged blackmail leading to his suicide.
Which of the following individuals is listed as a high-profile American agent of the SSSB apprehended by US authorities?
Answer: C. Kevin Patrick Mallory
Explanation: Kevin Patrick Mallory is listed as a high-profile American agent of the SSSB apprehended by US authorities.
Who is listed as the Director of the Shanghai State Security Bureau from April 2020 to 2023?
Answer: C. Huang Baokun
Explanation: Huang Baokun served as the Director of the Shanghai State Security Bureau from April 2020 to 2023.