What is the Shanghai State Security Bureau (SSSB)?

The Shanghai State Security Bureau (SSSB) is a municipal bureau operating under China's Ministry of State Security (MSS). It is responsible for conducting intelligence operations within Shanghai, China's most populous city. The bureau is known for its aggressive stance and significant international activity, engaging in long-term global foreign espionage and extensive cyberespionage campaigns that extend far beyond the Shanghai metropolitan area.

When was the Shanghai State Security Bureau formed, and what agency did it succeed?

The Shanghai State Security Bureau was formed in April 1984. It took over intelligence functions previously handled by the Shanghai Public Security Bureau (PSB), which itself had evolved from the Investigation Department of the Shanghai Municipal Committee of the CCP established in June 1955.

What is the official Chinese name and Pinyin transcription for the Shanghai State Security Bureau?

The official Chinese name for the Shanghai State Security Bureau is 上海市国家安全局. Its transcription in Hanyu Pinyin is Shànghǎi Shì Guójiā Ānquán Jú.

Where is the headquarters of the Shanghai State Security Bureau located?

The headquarters of the Shanghai State Security Bureau is situated at 1 Ruining Road in the Xuhui District of Shanghai, China. This location is near the Lupu Bridge and is bordered on three sides by water, specifically at the confluence of the Huangpu River and the Rihui River.

Can you describe the physical appearance and capacity of the SSSB headquarters?

The SSSB headquarters is a glass high-rise office tower designed to accommodate approximately 10,000 employees. It is noted as the largest among several large facilities operated by the SSSB within the city.

What is the estimated number of employees at the Shanghai State Security Bureau?

While the exact number of employees is classified, it is stated that the Shanghai State Security Bureau has at least 10,000 employees.

What is the Shanghai Municipal State Secrecy Administration Bureau, and what is its relationship to the SSSB?

The Shanghai Municipal State Secrecy Administration Bureau is a front organization that the Shanghai State Security Bureau (SSSB) and the Shanghai Municipal Party Secrecy Committee present themselves as publicly. They represent themselves as one institution, a strategy that involves a dual identity for operational purposes.

What are some of the key areas of operation for the Shanghai State Security Bureau?

The SSSB is actively involved in targeting the United States, running the Hafnium hacking group, and conducting operations to influence Buddhist communities in Asia while countering Indian Buddhist influence. It also maintains a significant business empire through front companies.

How many subordinate branch offices does the SSSB operate within Shanghai?

The Shanghai State Security Bureau operates at least 18 subordinate branch offices, with one located in each of the city's administrative divisions.

What languages and regional dialects does the SSSB seek in potential recruits, according to a 2016 report?

A 2016 report by The New York Times indicated that the SSSB sought university majors in English, Japanese, German, French, and Russian. Additionally, they looked for students with knowledge of Tibetan, Uyghur, Kazakh, Mongolian, Hokkien, Hakka, and Cantonese, suggesting a focus on diverse intelligence targets and domestic monitoring.

What is the SSSB's role in targeting the United States?

The SSSB is identified as one of the most prolific MSS units targeting the United States. Its operations include recruiting human intelligence sources and engaging in cyberespionage campaigns against American interests and entities.

What specific types of intelligence does the SSSB typically seek from its US-based assets?

Intelligence sought by SSSB case officers from US assets generally pertains to internal US policy deliberations and the State Department's reactions to discussions with China. This information is crucial for understanding US foreign policy and decision-making processes.

What is the Shanghai State Security Bureau's connection to the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences (SASS)?

According to FBI assessments since at least 2014, the SSSB maintains a close relationship with the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences (SASS). The SSSB utilizes SASS employees as spotters and assessors and employs SASS affiliations as cover identities for its intelligence officers.

How has the SSSB been described in terms of its recruitment strategy in the United States?

Sinologist Peter Mattis described the Shanghai bureau's recruitment method as a 'high-volume model of casting a wide net to see whoever they can reel in.' This approach aims to identify and recruit individuals by casting a broad net, with success measured by the number of individuals who 'bite'.

What kind of information was a freelance journalist asked to provide by the SSSB?

A freelance journalist focused on Asian affairs was approached by the SSSB for information related to US policy in Burma, contacts with North Korea, and discussions with Cambodia concerning the South China Sea. These requests were reportedly made to the US State Department or the National Security Council.

What is the Hafnium hacking group, and what is its relationship to the SSSB?

Hafnium, also known as Silk Typhoon, is a hacking group identified as a subsidiary of the Shanghai State Security Bureau. This group has been involved in cyber espionage, including exploiting zero-day vulnerabilities to steal sensitive information, such as COVID-19 research.

What was the nature of the cyber espionage activities involving Xu Zewei and the Hafnium group?

Xu Zewei, an employee of a contractor for the SSSB, was charged with cyber espionage as part of the Hafnium group. They exploited zero-day vulnerabilities to steal COVID-19 research, targeting over 12,700 email accounts, including those of immunologists and virologists at institutions like the University of Texas Medical Branch.

What specific targets were mentioned in relation to the Hafnium group's cyber espionage activities?

The Hafnium group, linked to the SSSB, targeted over 12,700 email accounts. Specific targets included researchers at the University of Texas Medical Branch and the Galveston National Laboratory, particularly those working on COVID-19 vaccines. They also attacked universities and global law firms in their Microsoft Exchange Server attacks.

How did the FBI disrupt the Hafnium hacking operations?

The FBI disrupted the Hafnium hackers in 2021 by obtaining a court order. This order permitted agents to access the compromised computers and remove the malicious code that had been installed.

What was the Chinese government's response to the charges of cyber espionage against Xu Zewei and the Hafnium group?

China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Mao Ning, stated that the charges against Xu Zewei and another accused Chinese spy were a ploy to 'maliciously smear China.' Conversely, Xu's lawyer claimed his client was a victim of mistaken identity.

What is the career mobility outlook for directors of the Shanghai State Security Bureau within the MSS?

It is believed that the Shanghai State Security Bureau (SSSB) does not typically offer significant upward career mobility to other parts of the Ministry of State Security (MSS). Cai Xumin is cited as an exception, having been promoted to MSS vice minister before being reassigned back to Shanghai.

Who was the founding chief of the Shanghai State Security Bureau, and what was his background?

The founding SSSB chief was Ding Shenglie. He came from a background in the Central Investigation Department and, as an ethnic Korean, had been involved in clandestine operations in Seoul during the Korean War.

Who is the current Director of the Shanghai State Security Bureau?

As of the provided information, Zhu Weikang is the current Director of the Shanghai State Security Bureau.

Can you list the directors of the Shanghai State Security Bureau and their terms of service?

The directors of the Shanghai State Security Bureau and their terms are: 1. Ding Shenglie (February 1984 – June 1991) 2. Wang Yunzhang (June 1991 – December 1995) 3. Cai Xumin (December 1995 – June 23, 2004) 4. Wu Zhonghai (June 23, 2004 – February 15, 2012) 5. Zhu Xiaochao (February 15, 2012 – 2015) 6. Dong Weimin (2015 – 2020) 7. Huang Baokun (April 2020 – 2023) 8. Zhu Weikang (2023 – Incumbent)

What insignia does the Shanghai State Security Bureau officially use?

The SSSB officially uses the 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.

What is the SSSB's involvement with the Buddhist community in Asia?

The SSSB is significantly involved in targeting the Buddhist community. For instance, the Nanshan Temple in Sanya, which houses the Guanyin of Nanshan statue, is owned by an SSSB front company and serves as a platform for influence operations targeting Buddhist populations in Southeast Asia and countering Indian Buddhist influence.

What happened to a cryptographer at the Japanese Consulate in Shanghai in 2003-2004, according to reports?

According to reports, the SSSB blackmailed a cryptographer at the Japanese Consulate in Shanghai who was involved in an affair with a prostitute. This led to the cryptographer providing personal information of a Japanese diplomat and ultimately committing suicide in 2004. His suicide note indicated he was threatened by Chinese intelligence agents with exposure of an 'abnormal relationship' and demands for Japanese diplomatic secrets.

What is the SSSB's approach to recruiting individuals for intelligence gathering?

The SSSB employs a 'high-volume model of casting a wide net' to identify potential recruits. This strategy involves reaching out to a large number of individuals to identify those who can be successfully recruited to provide information.

What specific types of information did the SSSB seek from a freelance journalist regarding US policy?

The SSSB requested information from a freelance journalist concerning US policy in Burma, US contacts with North Korea, and US talks with Cambodia related to the South China Sea. These requests were reportedly made in relation to US State Department or National Security Council matters.

What was the SSSB's alleged role in the Hafnium attacks on Microsoft Exchange Servers?

The SSSB was heavily involved in the attacks on Microsoft Exchange Servers, known as the Hafnium attacks. Xu Zewei, an individual linked to the SSSB, was ordered to search email mailboxes for specific terms like 'Chinese sources,' 'MSS,' and 'HongKong,' as well as information on US policymakers and government agencies.

What specific COVID-19 research was targeted by the SSSB's Hafnium group?

The SSSB's Hafnium group targeted groundbreaking COVID-19 research. Specifically, they focused on immunologists and virologists conducting research into COVID-19 vaccines at institutions like the University of Texas Medical Branch and the Galveston National Laboratory.

What is the significance of the Shanghai State Security Bureau's headquarters location?

The SSSB headquarters is located at 1 Ruining Road in the Xuhui District, near the Lupu Bridge. Its position at the confluence of the Huangpu River and the Rihui River, bordered by water on three sides, is a notable geographical feature.

What is the stated purpose of the Shanghai State Security Bureau?

The Shanghai State Security Bureau is charged with intelligence operations in Shanghai. It conducts foreign espionage and cyberespionage campaigns, and also engages in domestic intelligence work.

What is the 'Hafnium group' also known as, and what is its connection to the SSSB?

The Hafnium hacking group is also known as Silk Typhoon. It is identified as a subsidiary of the Shanghai State Security Bureau (SSSB), indicating a direct operational link between the cyber-espionage group and the state security apparatus.

What kind of front companies does the SSSB maintain?

The Shanghai State Security Bureau maintains an 'immense business empire' of front companies involved in sectors such as property development, international shipping, and telecommunications.

What was the SSSB's alleged involvement in the case of Kevin Patrick Mallory?

Kevin Patrick Mallory is listed as one of the high-profile American agents of the SSSB caught by US authorities. His case is part of the broader espionage activities attributed to the SSSB against the United States.

What is the significance of the SSSB's recruitment of individuals with knowledge of minority languages in China?

The recruitment of individuals with knowledge of Tibetan, Uyghur, Kazakh, and Mongolian languages, as reported by The New York Times, suggests the SSSB's focus on foreign intelligence targets and potentially domestic intelligence work related to ethnic minority groups within China.

What is the role of the Shanghai Municipal Party Secrecy Committee in relation to the SSSB?

The Shanghai State Security Bureau (SSSB) acts in concert with the Shanghai Municipal Party Secrecy Committee. Together, they represent themselves publicly as a single institution, the Shanghai Municipal State Secrecy Administration Bureau, which functions as a front organization.

What is the SSSB's alleged role in targeting the Buddhist community in Asia?

The SSSB is reported to be heavily involved in targeting the Buddhist community. The Nanshan Temple in Sanya, owned by an SSSB front, is used as a platform for influence operations against Buddhist populations in Southeast Asia and to counter Indian Buddhist influence.

What was the alleged motivation behind the SSSB's cyber espionage targeting COVID-19 research?

The SSSB's Hafnium group allegedly targeted COVID-19 research, including vaccine development, by exploiting zero-day vulnerabilities. This suggests an interest in acquiring cutting-edge scientific and medical intelligence, particularly related to global health crises.

What is the SSSB's connection to the Chinese consulate in Houston, according to one analyst?

James Lewis, a senior vice president at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, suggested that the SSSB's hacking operations, particularly those targeting biotech espionage, were likely directed by the now-shuttered Chinese consulate in Houston. He stated that Beijing would have assigned the priority target to the consulate responsible for such activities.

What specific types of information were Xu Zewei and other Hafnium hackers ordered to search for in email mailboxes?

Xu Zewei and other Hafnium hackers were ordered to search email mailboxes for terms such as 'Chinese sources,' 'MSS,' and 'HongKong.' They were also instructed to find information pertaining to specific US policymakers and government agencies.

What was the SSSB's alleged involvement in the case of Alexander Yuk Ching Ma?

Alexander Yuk Ching Ma is identified as one of the high-profile American agents of the SSSB who was apprehended by US authorities. His case is part of the broader pattern of espionage activities conducted by the SSSB against the United States.

What is the stated purpose of the Shanghai Municipal State Secrecy Administration Bureau?

The Shanghai Municipal State Secrecy Administration Bureau is presented as a front organization by the Shanghai State Security Bureau (SSSB) and the Shanghai Municipal Party Secrecy Committee. Its purpose is to serve as a public-facing identity for these entities.

What is the significance of the SSSB's operations extending beyond the Shanghai metropolis?

The fact that the SSSB conducts cyberespionage campaigns that stretch far beyond the Shanghai metropolis indicates its broad reach and national-level strategic importance within China's intelligence apparatus. It suggests a mandate that encompasses national security interests across wider geographical areas.

What is the SSSB's role in domestic intelligence work?

The SSSB engages in domestic intelligence work, which includes monitoring the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) internal enemies. This aspect of its operations complements its foreign intelligence and counterintelligence activities.

Shanghai State Security Bureau Wiki: Shanghai's Shadow Network: An Analytical Overview of State Security Operations

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Overview

Municipal Authority

The Shanghai State Security Bureau (SSSB) functions as a key municipal bureau under China's Ministry of State Security (MSS). It is tasked with intelligence operations within Shanghai, China's most populous metropolis.

Global Reach

With an estimated workforce of over 10,000 personnel, the SSSB is recognized as one of the MSS's most active and aggressive units. Its operations extend far beyond Shanghai, encompassing long-term global foreign espionage and significant cyberespionage campaigns.

Collaborative Structure

The bureau operates in conjunction with the Shanghai Municipal Party Secrecy Committee. Publicly, they present themselves as a unified entity known as the Shanghai Municipal State Secrecy Administration Bureau, functioning as a front organization.

Organizational Structure

Official Designation

Chinese Name: 上海市国家安全局
Standard Mandarin (Hanyu Pinyin): Shànghǎi Shì Guójiā Ānquán Jú

Headquarters and Jurisdiction

The SSSB is headquartered at 1 Ruining Road in the Xuhui District, Shanghai. It holds jurisdiction over the entire Shanghai municipality and operates at least 18 subordinate branch offices across its administrative divisions.

Affiliations

The bureau is overseen by the Central National Security Commission, the Central Political and Legal Affairs Commission, and the Shanghai Municipal Party Committee. It is a direct subordinate of the Ministry of State Security (MSS) and is known to operate the 'Hafnium' hacking group as a child agency.

Historical Trajectory

Formation and Evolution

The SSSB's origins trace back to the Investigation Department of the Shanghai Municipal Committee of the CCP, established in June 1955. This entity later evolved into the Shanghai Public Security Bureau (PSB). Upon the establishment of the MSS in April 1984, intelligence functions were transferred from the Ministry of Public Security (MPS), with the PSB's counterespionage and intelligence components being absorbed into the newly formed State Security Bureau.

Strategic Location

Leveraging its location in Shanghai, the bureau benefits from access to leading universities, think tanks, and businesses, which serve as crucial sources for staff recruitment and intelligence gathering on foreign nationals.

Operational Scope

Domestic and Foreign Focus

The SSSB engages in extensive domestic intelligence work, monitoring perceived internal threats to the Chinese Communist Party. Concurrently, it conducts sophisticated foreign espionage, targeting entities and individuals globally, with a notable emphasis on the United States.

Recruitment Strategies

The bureau actively recruits from academic institutions, seeking individuals with diverse linguistic skills (English, Japanese, German, French, Russian, Tibetan, Uyghur, Kazakh, Mongolian, Hokkien, Hakka, Cantonese) and specialized knowledge. Recruitment also extends to current and retired government officials, scholars, and journalists, employing a high-volume, broad-net approach.

Influence and Fronts

The SSSB maintains a vast network of front companies across sectors like property development, international shipping, and telecommunications. Notably, prominent religious sites, such as Nanshan Temple in Hainan, are reportedly owned by SSSB fronts and utilized for influence operations, particularly targeting Buddhist communities in Southeast Asia.

Cyber Espionage Activities

Hafnium Group

The SSSB is identified as the parent entity of the 'Hafnium' hacking group, also known as Silk Typhoon. This group has been implicated in sophisticated cyberespionage campaigns, including the exploitation of zero-day vulnerabilities.

Targeting Research

Hafnium, operating under SSSB direction, has targeted over 12,700 email accounts globally. A significant focus included researchers in immunology and virology, particularly those engaged in groundbreaking COVID-19 vaccine research at institutions like the University of Texas Medical Branch.

Espionage and Data Theft

The group's activities have involved stealing sensitive information, including COVID-19 research data and intelligence related to US policy on regions like Burma and North Korea. The SSSB contractors reported their progress to supervising officers, indicating direct state direction.

Leadership: Directors

Historical Leadership

The Shanghai State Security Bureau has been led by several directors since its inception. The table below outlines the known individuals who have held this position, along with their tenure.

No.	Director	Took Office	Left Office	Time in Office
1	Ding Shenglie (丁升烈)	February 1984	June 1991	7 years
2	Wang Yunzhang (王云章)	June 1991	December 1995	4 years
3	Cai Xumin (蔡旭敏)	December 1995	June 23, 2004	9 years
4	Wu Zhonghai (吴中海)	June 23, 2004	February 15, 2012	8 years
5	Zhu Xiaochao (朱小超)	February 15, 2012	2015	3 years
6	Dong Weimin (董卫民)	2015	2020	5 years
7	Huang Baokun (黄宝坤)	April 2020	2023	3 years
8	Zhu Weikang (朱伟康)	2023	Incumbent	Incumbent

Official Insignia

Emblematic Representation

Officially, the SSSB utilizes the shield emblem of the Ministry of State Security (MSS). This insignia prominently features the hammer and sickle, the emblem of the Chinese Communist Party, rather than the National Emblem of the People's Republic of China. In 2014, the bureau solicited public submissions for a logo for its cover organization, the Shanghai Secrecy Administration Bureau, subsequently selecting a final insignia from the submissions.

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References

A full list of references for this article are available at the Shanghai State Security Bureau Wikipedia page

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Important Notice

This document has been generated by an AI and is intended for informational and analytical purposes only. The content is derived from publicly available data and aims to provide a comprehensive overview. However, it may not be exhaustive, entirely up-to-date, or reflect all nuances of the subject matter.

This is not professional advice. The information presented here does not constitute legal, security, or intelligence analysis. It is crucial to consult official sources and qualified experts for definitive information and analysis regarding state security organizations and their operations.

The creators of this content are not liable for any errors, omissions, or actions taken based on the information provided herein.

Shanghai's Shadow Network

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Overview 👁️

🏢 Municipal Authority

🌍 Global Reach

🤝 Collaborative Structure

Organizational Structure 🧩

🇨🇳 Official Designation

📍 Headquarters and Jurisdiction

🔗 Affiliations

Historical Trajectory ⏳

📅 Formation and Evolution

💡 Strategic Location

Operational Scope 🌐

🎯 Domestic and Foreign Focus

👥 Recruitment Strategies

🏛️ Influence and Fronts

Cyber Espionage Activities 🔒

💻 Hafnium Group

🔬 Targeting Research

🛡️ Espionage and Data Theft

Leadership: Directors 👨‍💼

📊 Historical Leadership

Official Insignia 🎖️

🚩 Emblematic Representation

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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References

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Overview

Municipal Authority

Global Reach

Collaborative Structure

Organizational Structure

Official Designation

Headquarters and Jurisdiction

Affiliations

Historical Trajectory

Formation and Evolution

Strategic Location

Operational Scope

Domestic and Foreign Focus

Recruitment Strategies

Influence and Fronts

Cyber Espionage Activities

Hafnium Group

Targeting Research

Espionage and Data Theft

Leadership: Directors

Historical Leadership

Official Insignia

Emblematic Representation

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice