Chinese whistleblower reveals how China spies on citizens – at home and abroad | CNN

Chinese whistleblower reveals how China spies on citizens – at home and abroad

Ivan Watson

By Ivan Watson, CNN

Published 10:14 PM EST, Fri February 27, 2026

02 THUMBNAIL YT MA RUILIN 2.png

Chinese whistleblower reveals how China spies on citizens – at home and abroad

A man who spent 24 years working as an official for the Chinese Communist Party describes how the government spies on its citizens at home and abroad. Former Chinese official Ma Ruilin tells CNN’s Ivan Watson why he decided to flee to America.

4:50 • Source: CNN

World News 13 videos

02 THUMBNAIL YT MA RUILIN 2.png

Chinese whistleblower reveals how China spies on citizens – at home and abroad

4:50

Now playing

• Source: CNN

thumbnail watson iranian ship 1.jpg

US submarine torpedoes warship for first time since WWII

1:34

Now playing

• Source: CNN

iran 2.jpg

CNN enters Iran as conflict with US and Israel widens

1:21

Now playing

• Source: CNN

npc 16x9.jpg

What's on the agenda for China’s biggest annual political gathering?

1:25

Now playing

• Source: CNN

Canadian PM doesn't rule out participation in war with Iran

1:22

Now playing

• Source: CNN

117681_TheSourceMikePence digvid.jpg

Pence praises Trump for ‘pulling the trigger’ on Iran

0:55

Now playing

• Source: CNN

Hotel owner tells CNN she is angry Hezbollah dragged Lebanon into a US-Israel and Iran conflict

Hotel strike highlights growing frustration as Hezbollah drags Lebanon into US-Israeli war with Iran

2:32

Now playing

• Source: CNN

Reza Sayah.jpg

'I hate it... make it stop': Journalist based in Tehran speaks to CNN's Erin Burnett amid new strikes

3:15

Now playing

• Source: CNN

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in this file photo in Tehran, Iran on January 9, 2026.

Who will be Iran's next Supreme Leader? Here are some potential candidates

2:47

Now playing

• Source: CNN

Airplanes are parked at the Dubai International Airport after its closure in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Sunday, March 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)

How Middle East flight disruptions are leaving foreigners stranded

1:25

Now playing

• Source: CNN

260304_hegseth 8a_HT hrzt.jpg

Hegseth confirms sinking of Iranian warship

0:55

Now playing

• Source: CNN

<p>Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez Wednesday said his country's position was "no to war" </p>

Spain's Sanchez says "no to war"

0:50

Now playing

• Source: CNN

117650_KJUSculpture digvid 1.jpg

North Korea unveils first-ever seen Kim Jong Un sculpture

0:56

Now playing

• Source: CNN