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 11 videos

02 THUMBNAIL YT MA RUILIN 2.png

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

04:50

Now playing

• Source: CNN

<p>President Trump discusses Iran during a meeting at the G7 with the Emir of Qatar, saying the US will not invest in Iran and "Iran will never have a nuclear weapon." </p>

Trump says no investment will go to Iran

00:40

Now playing

• Source: CNN

thumbnail iran ai soccer vid 2.jpg

Iranian AI-generated propaganda video released ahead of their World Cup opener

00:39

Now playing

• Source: CNN

Ukraine oldest church burns after deadly Russian barrage

02:50

Now playing

• Source: CNN

still_22717614_3493864.474_thumb.jpg

Crowds continue to protest Trump-Kushner resort plan in Albania

04:23

Now playing

• Source: CNN

oliver tree 1.jpg

Singer Oliver Tree involved in fatal helicopter crash

00:35

Now playing

• Source: CNN

<p>The US and Iran say they have reached an agreement that will end a US blockade of Iranian ports and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Iranians in Tehran welcome the outcome but remain cautious. </p>

Iranians welcome US agreement to halt war but remain cautious

01:08

Now playing

• Source: CNN

Screenshot 2026-06-15 at 10.39.12 AM.png

Fire engulfs historic monastery in Kyiv following Russian strikes

00:57

Now playing

• Source: CNN

Thumb 1.png

Here's how the right is rising across Britain

06:15

Now playing

• Source: CNN

<p>British painter David Hockney, whose vibrant portraits and sun-drenched depictions of the everyday made him one of contemporary art’s most beloved figures, has died at 88.</p><p>The artist died “peacefully at home” on Thursday, one month short of his 89th birthday, according to a statement provided to CNN by his longtime publicist Erica Bolton.</p>

Celebrated British artist David Hockney dies at 88

03:43

Now playing

• Source: CNN

Family demands justice for 7-month-old killed by Israeli solder

Family demands justice for 7-month-old killed by Israeli solder

04:16

Now playing

• Source: CNN