In this file photo dated July 8, 2022, the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) headquarters are pictured in Langley, Virginia. (PHOTO / AFP)

China's national security agency recently uncovered a case of espionage involving the United States' CIA, which persuaded a cadre who was studying abroad to join one of the nation's ministries and act as a spy.

The Ministry of State Security disclosed the case on Monday and warned Chinese citizens to be vigilant and urged them to consciously resist the allure of individuals offering suspicious incentives.

Hao secretly contacted CIA personnel several times in China to provide them with information and received money in return, the ministry said

The 39-year-old suspect, surnamed Hao, is an official at an unnamed government department.

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While studying in Japan, he met a man named "Ted", an official at the US embassy there, when he applied for a US visa, according to the ministry.

Ted and Hao gradually developed a close relationship, often dining together and exchanging gifts. After a while, Ted asked Hao to help him write papers, promising to pay him for his assistance. Hao agreed.

Before the end of his term at the embassy, Ted introduced Hao to Li Jun, one of his colleagues.

According to the ministry, as Hao neared the end of his studies in Japan, Li identified himself a member of the CIA's Tokyo bureau and persuaded Hao to engage in acts of rebellion against the Chinese government, asking him to work in core and sensitive departments after returning China.

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Hao agreed with Li's requests and signed an agreement with the US to act as a spy. Subsequently, Hao accepted assessment and training provided by the US, the ministry said.

After returning to China, Hao successfully entered a national ministry after attempts. He secretly contacted CIA personnel several times in China to provide them with information and received money in return, the ministry said.

Later, national security agencies discovered Hao's espionage activities and began an investigation, which is ongoing.