CIA Operations in China—Another CIA Domestic Op?

By Ralph McGehee, [April 1996]

Is the United States on a collision course with the People's Republic of China? All-too-familiar patterns of deception and demonization as a precursor to U.S. aggression appear in the U.S. media in a wave of anti-China propaganda. The propaganda casts China in various roles: aggressor against Taiwan, violator of human rights against dissidents at home, torturer of its orphans, and proliferator of nuclear weapons to Pakistan, Iran and other developing nations.

In testimony to Congress in 1996, Deutch declared the CIA will be paying its closest attention to China because that nation has the greatest military power for the foreseeable future. This, of course, conceals the overwhelming issue of the tremendous economic power building in China that threatens an Asian economic Falling Dominoes—the same reason we began the Vietnam war. This, more than China's current military strength, concerns our elite policymakers—ensuring major CIA covert operations to discredit, demonize and overthrow the current government.

The current operations appear now to occur under the rubric of the National Endowment for Democracy such as Harry Wu's Laogai foundation, and the other 17 openly funded operations of NED to alter the government of China.

An operation whose sponsorship is becoming clearer is Human Rights Watch/Asia. This organization appears to be an offshoot of the Helsinki Watch, in part funded by NED (CIA?). It was a report by Human Rights Watch/Asia on the treatment of orphans in China that kicked off a media frenzy, especially when tied to the testimonials about human rights abuses by Harry Wu of the U.S.-financed Laogai Foundation.

This on-going campaign re human rights violations in China, finds NED totally emersed in the publicity and permits us to see more clearly the direct link between NED and CIA and NED's Human Rights campaign and the CIA's Operation Yellow Bird.

Operation Yellow Bird—is the name for clandestine rescue from China of most important pro-democracy leaders. For 6 months after the June crackdown, CIA's most valued agents in China, Hong Kong, and Macao provided A safe haven and means of escape. Wuer kaixi and Li Lu disappeared, later Other leading dissidents wan Runnan and Yan Jaiqi, made it to west. During Last week in may, U.S. Ambassador Lilley handed out more than 200 visas to Intellectuals, scientists, and students and on several occasions lent money To escapees. In absence of credible CIA leadership in China, Lilley was Once again CIA's Beijing COS. Chinese astrophysicist, Feng Lizhi, went to Embassy for safe haven. Perry, m. (1992). Eclipse: the last days of the CIA 247-8

President Bush ordered a covert action that rescued Pro-democracy leaders in China. CIA coordinated underground railroad that smuggled perhaps hundreds to Hong Kong in Operation Yellow Bird that involved the use of CIA-supplied disguises, scrambler telephones, night-vision Gunsights, infra-red signalers, speedboats and weapons for off-shore ops. For a 6 month period following crackdown, a network of dozens of CIA's most valued agents in China, Hong Kong and Macao provided a safe haven and means of escape for most important organizers. Bush's finding endorsed a program already underway. Mark Perry's, Eclipse: the last days of The CIA. Washington times 9/17/92 a6

Operation Yellowbird was a daring plot to help dissidents escape. Over the past 7 years 500 Chinese dissidents rescued including Wuer Kaixi. Op an alliance of human-rights advocates, western diplomats, businessmen, professional smugglers, and kings of Hong Kong's underworld. More than 80 mainland dissidents are still stuck in Hong Kong, waiting for asylum somewhere. Some have been there for years. Operation Yellowbird was born night of Beijing massacre. Within hours 40 pro-democracy activists united to form Yellowbird. They collected money from the business community (comment—probably the CIA) and conspired with mob bosses and smugglers. On at least five occasions extraction teams were sent into China to find and rescue top dissidents they had scrambler devices, night-vision goggles, infrared signalers, even make-up artists. Some saw hand of CIA but these accusations denied. Worked with cooperative Local officials. In aftermath of 89 the U.S. And France threw open their doors for escaping students. The group that takes care of new arrivals is, The Alliance in Support of the Patriotic Democratic Movement in China. Wuer Kaixi is now a student in California, he plans to help coordinate protests In Hong Kong. Newsweek 4/1/96 45. (Comment—Newsweek either did not check the public record or may be relying on officialdom in denying CIA involvement).

Recently the CIA began publicizing China's shipment of magnets to Pakistan. (One aspect not mentioned in all of this is that the CIA's 1980s operation to arm radical Islamic fundamentalists in Afghanistan via Pakistan, facilitating the contacts leading to trade in arms links now between China and Pakistan).

My fears are that our policymaking elite may be determined to fight the growth of China's power in world affairs and may order more aggressive covert, and later possibly even military operations, aimed at China. We have the book Intervention by the much consulted (especially re China) Richard Haass of the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR). Haass' book argues that the American military be used in intervention operations around the world. Haass is the same man who honchoed the 1996 CFR Study, Making Intelligence Smarter, which argues for more activism and power for the CIA.

The current military and economic domination of the U.S. in world affairs, the increasing activism of the U.S. elite, their lack of restraint, their control of the U.S. intelligence product, their domination of media coverage, their ability to manage perceptions while demonizing targets, the naivety of the Americans who want to believe their leaders, all warn about the future of United States relations with China.

The CIA-initiated Vietnam-like Quagmire may be repeated with even direr consequences for the United States. My fervent caution to all—do not trust the CIA, especially its intelligence. It could be our downfall.

Since the earlier posting re CIA operations in China a few additional facts have appeared.

Before I list these I should note why I oppose the CIA's policy of overthrowing the Chinese government. First, the Agency's operations around the world have universally suppressed the poor, the workers, concerned, loyal, progressive elements while empowering despots. There is no reason to assume it would be any different for China.

China probably does not have the best record in human rights but we can be assured it would be much worse after a CIA coup. China's prison population now is about the same as that in the U.S. with a fourth of the population. China has few homeless—compare that to our record. Are we so wise that any government we create for China would be better than a government decided by the Chinese.

The Vietnam syndrome—we began the Vietnam War to create an economic empire for the United States. This is the same reason we are targeting China. We have already seen the eagerness with which our leadership challenges the Chinese government—the Seventh Fleet and its flotillas in the waters around China and the political operations to create a new government—a la Ngo Dinh Diem. How soon will various provocations lead to an Vietnam-type escalation?

We can predict that as the time to turn over of Hong Kong to Chinese authority nears—there will be CIA-generated demonstrations—in Hong Kong and in the United States and probably a number of other countries. Many of these demonstrations will be manned by the Chinese dissidents who exited China via CIA Yellowbird assets. Disinformation and demonizing stories will permeate our media based on CIA-generated stories.

Another reason for opposing NED/CIA operations against China is the incompetency of the CIA—both its operations and intelligence. Its flawed information will lead us into another quagmire exacerbated by its own operations.

The new material

The Bulletin of Concerned Asia Scholars ran an interview with Fang Lizhi, China's most prominent and vocal advocate of democracy. More than any other individual, he sparked, stoked and gave voice to the [Tiananmen Square incident]. After the demonstrations of 6/4/89, Fang fled to the U.S. Embassy where he remained a year. In 1992, Fang became a tenured professor at the University of Arizona where he champions human rights worldwide, especially in China.

In the interview Fang admitted that he is a member of Human Rights in China, is Vice President of the Chinese Committee to end the Chinese Gulag (obviously the Laogai Foundation headed by Harry Wu and funded by the National Endowment for Democracy/CIA) which in Fang's words is part of Asia Watch. Asia Watch is undoubtedly Human Rights Watch/Asia the same organization that produced the study on orphans in China that created a media frenzy. Human Rights Watch/Asia claims it is privately funded. So we can see the current NED/CIA demonizing operation in graphic detail.

Tibet. A group of marchers are trekking seven hours a day from the Chinese embassy in Washington to New York City. The walk is sponsored by the International Tibet Independence Movement, the U.S. Tibet Committee, the Tibetan Woman's Association, and Students of Free Tibet. The group is led by Thubten Jigme Norbu—the Dalai Lama's eldest brother and Palden Gyatso. In 1959, Gyatso organized 500 monks against the Chinese. Larry Gerstein, a coordinator of the march for Tibet's independence said, We (sic) are not interested in negotiating with China, we're interested in a free and independent Tibet. Comment: Earlier the CIA sponsored Tibetan guerrillas who were trained at Camp Hale in Colorado. A group of Americans who happened to see them at an airport were held at gunpoint for an extended period.

Tibet. Funding. The American Society for a Free Asia, is ostensibly a private lobbying group, but was set up with CIA help. It sponsored a United States lecture tour in 1956 by Thubten Norbu the Dalai Lama's eldest brother. Prados, J. (1986). Presidents' Secret Wars, page 154. See below for additional CIABASE traces on these elements.

CIA Operations in China

A brief summary of CIABASE traces reveal

China, 80-95 interview with fang lizhi. china's most prominent and vocal advocate of democracy. more than any other individual, fang lizhi sparked, stoked and gave voice to the popular yearning for democracy in china. deng xiaping said he was one of black hands behind the massive demonstrations of 89 (tiananmen square). after the demonstrations of 6/4/89, fang and his wife, were at the top of china's most wanted list and were sheltered in the u.s. embassy where they remained for a year. the chinese gvt allowed them to leave. in early 91 fang became a visiting fellow at the institute for advanced study in princeton. in 92, fang became a tenured professor at the university of arizona in tucson where he champions human rights worldwide, especially in china. fang is a member of human rights in china and is the vice president of the Chinese committee to end the Chinese gulag (laogai?), Which is part of Asia watch. Fang interview by marlowe hood. Bulletin of Concerned Asian scholars 5/95 21

China, 89 China accuses people in the u.s., england and hong kong for Conspiring in the pro-democracy demonstrations. Those elements offered more Than $1 million, including bounties to those barricading roads, destroying Military vehicles and killing soldiers. China accused especially bao tong, Head of a liberal think tank, fang lizhi and the the stone corporation, a Private high-tech firm that donated tens of thousands of dollars in Materials to the demonstrators. Wp 7/7/89 a19,24. The beijing stone Computer company singled out for criticism. Washington post 7/6/89 a19

China, 89 The u.s. Embassy is still home for chinese dissidents fang Lizhi and li shuxian. Fang has played a curious role in the democratic Sentiment. Chinese security officials barred him from attending pres bush's Banquet in 2/89. Washington post 8/4/89 a25,27

China, 89-90 Op yellow bird—unofficial name for clandestine rescue from China of most important pro-democracy leaders. For 6 months after june Crackdown, cia's most valued agents in china, hong kong, and macao provided A safe haven and means of escape. Wuer kaixi and li lu disappeared, later Other leading dissidents wan runnan and yan jiaqi, made it to west. During Last week in may, u.s. Ambassador lilley handed out more than 200 visas to Intellectuals, scientists, and students and on several occasions lent money To escapees. In absence of credible cia leadership in china, lilley was Once again cia's beijing cos. Chinese astrophysicist, feng lizhi, went to Embassy for safe haven. It evident pro-democracy leaders could not have Made their way to west without tacit assistance of chinese security Officials. A number of western intel agencies helped—such as french, British. Perry, m. (1992). Eclipse: the last days of the cia 247-8

China, 89 President bush ordered a covert action that rescued Pro-democracy leaders in china. Cia coordinated underground railroad that Smuggled perhaps hundreds to hong kong in operation yellow bird that Involved use of cia-supplied disguises, scrambler telephones, night-vision Gunsights, infra-red signalers, speedboats and weapons for off-shore ops. For 6 month period following crackdown, a network of dozens of cia's most Valued agents in china, hong kong and macao provided a safe haven and means Of escape for most important organizers. Bush's finding endorsed a program Already underway. Info from book by mark perry, eclipse: the last days of The cia. washington times 9/17/92 a6

China, 96 Op yellowbird, daring plot to help dissidents escape. Over past Seven years 500 chinese dissidents rescued including wuer kaixi. Op an Alliance of human-rights advocates, western diplomats, businessmen, Professional smugglers, and kings of hong kong's underworld. More than 80 Mainland dissidents are still stuck in hong kong, waiting for asylum Somewhere. Some have been there for years. Op yellowbird born night of Beijing massacre. Within hours 40 pro-democracy activists united to form Yellowbird. They collected money from the business community and conspired With mob bosses and smugglers. On at least five occasions extraction teams Sent into china to find and rescue top dissidents they had scrambler Devices, night-vision goggles, infrared signalers, even make-up artists. Some saw hand of cia but these accusations denied. Worked with cooperative Local officials. In aftermath of 89 the u.s. And france threw open their Doors for escaping students. The group that takes care of new arrivals is, The alliance in support of the patriotic democratic movement in china. Wuer Kaixi is now a student in california, he plans to help coordinate protests In hong kong. Newsweek 4/1/96 45

china, tibet, 96 a group of marchers trekking seven hours a day from the chinese embassy in d.c. to new york city. walk sponsored by the international tibet independence movement, the u.s. tibet committee, the tibetan women's association, and students of free tibet. group led by —-thubten jigme norbu—the dalai lama's eldest brother and palden gyatso. in 59, gyatso organized 500 monks against the chinese invasion of tibet's capital. larry gerstein, a coordinator of the march for tibet's independence said, we are not interested in negotiating with china, we're interested in a free and independent tibet. the progressive 5/96 16

Tibet, funding. American society for a free asia, ostensibly private lobby Group, set up with cia help sponsored u.s. Lecture tour in 1956 Of Thubten Norbu the dalai lama's eldest brother. Prados, J. (1986). Presidents' Secret Wars 154

China, tibet, 94-95 The tibet fund for democracy programs in tibet. National endowment for democracy newsletter summer 94-95

Tibet, china, 94 Ned $25,000 for promoting info about tibet. National Endowment for democracy annual report 94 48

Worldwide. Minority groups. Encouraged groups and abandoned them—cubans in Miami, khambas in tibet, sumatran colonels in indonesia, meos in laos, Montagnards in vietnam, nationalist chinese in burma, ukrainians in russia And kurds in iraq. Powers, t. (1979). The man who kept the secrets 37

Tibet, china, 94 Ned grant tibet fund 35,420 to distribute cassettes, Videotapes and booklets on democracy in tibet, and among tibetan exile Communities in india and nepal. National endowment for democracy annual Report 94 49

Tibet, china, 94 Ned funded tibet voice, to produce tapes for Distribution. Tapes included multiple addresses by the dali lama. National Endowment for democracy annual report 94 23

Tibet, 89-90 Ned, international fund for development of tibet to Establish center for regional development in tibet to be located in tibet. Center will link tibetans, encourage greater tibetan participation in Development of a market economy and in political process. 1990 $25,000 National endowment for democracy annual report 89 16-7, 90 21

China. More than 200 overflights of mainland china and tibet via cia Airlines. Marchetti, v., & marks, j.d. (1974). The cia and the cult of Intelligence 122-136

China, tibet, 58-61 Cia established a base camp at camp hale near Leadville, colorado where it trained troops of the dalai lama. The Guerrillas trained to fight against communist china via guerrilla raids and By cia contract mercenaries and supported by cia planes. Congressional Research service. (2/18/75). Covert acts of the cia 50-74 2/18/75 5

India. China. Nikhil maitra, director eastern india news agency wrote Book violence in tibet main chapters based on cia material. Ind 28

China, tibet, 59-61 Cia's tibetan op began 8/59 when 20 khamba tribesmen Arr. Camp hale, colorado. They served as cadre in guerrilla army which Devoted most resources to mining major roads. Cia hoped to strengthen role Dalai lama. Ops curtailed may 60 when there 42,000 khambas fighting for Cia. Mccoy, a.w. (1972). The politics of heroin in southeast asia notes 426

China, tibet. Dalai lama 59 A few guerrillas trg in camp hale were among Those who helped guide dalai lama thru mountain passes and over border into India. Wise, d. (1973). The politics of lying 252

China, 93 Ned and/or cipe supporting in china: chinese economists Society, center for modern china, china perspective to support the chinese Intellectual; columbia's university's center for study of human rights, Center for chinese legal studies, and east asian institute for publications And course development; democratic china magazine; ftui to enable asian American free labor institute (aafli) to help activists in china and unions In hong kong and funding hong kong confederation of free trade unions; ftui To enable aafli support chinese activists in exile; future of china society To support conference at princeton university's woodrow wilson school; Legal education and assistance project; iri to promote legislation; laogai Research foundation; press freedom guardian; tibet fund; and, the today Magazine. National endowment for democracy annual report 9/93 39-40

China, 94 Asia watch report notes wang wanxing, a political dissident, Was arrested after staging a one-man demonstration in tiananmen square in 92. He is one of 1,700 named in report by asia watch, ny-based human rights Monitoring org. Report states 93 was worst period for political arrests Since mid-1990. 80% of arrests occurred in tibet where buddhist monks have Demonstrated for independence from china. Washington post 2/21/94 a26

China, tibet, 92 Chinese authorities arrested at least 69 persons for Pro-tibetan pro-independence. London-based tibetan information network said Arrests made in villages and remote tibetan monasteries. Washington times 6/20/92 a2

China, tibet, 93 International campaign for tibet, a non-gvt organization (Ngo), pushing human rights in tibet at a press conference said china Trying to change its image over rights violations in tibet. Lodi gyaltsen Gyari, is president of the organization and once was part of the dalai Lama's gvt. Reed brody was another participant at the press conference. He Is director of the international human rights law groups. Tibet, a part of China under last dynasty, was pried loose by england in 1911 when dynasty Collapsed. Washington times 11/16/93 a12

Tibet, 94 Tibetans still flee chinese masters. 35 years after an uprising Failed and the dalai lama fled to india, his people continue to follow him Into exile. President clinton set as one condition on china for renewing Mfn status, protecting tibet distinctive heritage. On 5/26 he dropped any Further linkage between human rights and mfn trade status. Washington times 6/4/94 a9

Tibet, china, 94 Dalai lama, tibet's exiled leader, has dropped plans to Move his hqs from dharamsala, india. Washington times 6/4/94 a8

Domestic op, china. During training of tibetans at camp hale story planted In denver post that defense atomic support agency carrying out top secret Testing program. Robbins, c. (1979). Air america 97

Media. Because tibetans exposed petersen field in colorado, army soldiers Held 47 americans at gunpoint. Story kept out of new york times by personal Intercession mcnamara. Prados, j. (1986). Presidents' secret wars 168

Tibet, 56 Funding. American society for a free asia, ostensibly private Lobby group, set up with cia help sponsored u.s. Lecture tour 56 of thubten Norbu, dalai lama's eldest brother. Prados, j. (1986). Presidents' secret Wars 154

Tibet, circa 57-61 American society for a free asia, a cia front, Propagandized cause of tibetan resistance. Covert action information Bulletin (now covert action quarterly) w/88 49

Clinton backs dalai lama on talks to preserve tibetan religion and culture. International campaign for tibet, said clinton's statement implicit Recognition of dalai lama's political role. Washington times 4/30/94 a4

China, tibet, 95 Six months ago dalai lama announced he had confirmed a Different 6-year-old as reincarnation of 1oth panchen lama, who died in 1989. Beijing accused the dalai lama of meddling in china's internal Affairs. u.s. News & world report 12/11/95 26

China, tibet. It clear tibetan op could only harass the chinese but cia Officers encouraged tibetans believe they being prepared for reconquering Their homeland. Robbins, c. (1979). Air america 100

93 Ned holds 4th world conference in 4/93, dalai lama of tibet made Opening remarks. Speakers in one panel were liu binyan of china, jose Zalaquett of chile, kanan makiya of iraq, and lithuania's former president, Vytautas. President clinton spoke at the reception. Journal of democracy (National endowment for democracy) 7/93 140-1

China, 91-92 Chinese democracy activists and others participated in an Ned-funded conference in wash d.c. Co-sponsored by the tibet forum and Center for modern china. National endowment for democracy annual report 1992 19

China, 92 Loss of central political control has allowed ned to expand its In-country activity which had been focused on supporting projects outside Of china. Concentrated on civil society development: promoting Environmental awareness and activism; supporting democratic developments in Regions of china with large tibetan population; legal education; and Providing legal assistance for victims of political persecution. Ned grants Supported ten publications in china that focused on labor, market Economics, democratization movements inside and outside china, democratic Process and development of pluralistic and civil societies. National Endowment for democracy annual report 1992 42

Asia, 92 Asian organizations supported by national endowment for Democracy in 1992 include: international fund for the development of Tibet, National endowment for democracy annual report 1992 42-49

China, tibet. Since 56 cia helping khamba tribesmen. Between 10/58 and 2/59 Cia dropped close to ten tons of weapons and supplies to newly constituted National volunteer defense army of tibet. In spring of 59 cia helped dalai Lama flee disguised as a peasant. Op to aid khambas Stayed alive into kennedy adm. Parts of op pushed out of india and into Nepal. In spring of 61, khambas ambushed a pla convoy and captured 1,600 Pages of valuable docs. Cia analysts were able to learn sino-soviet split Real. Thomas, e. (1995). The very best men 276-7