What Happened
January 13th, NASA scientist Meyya Meyyappan pled guilty to lying to federal investigators about his ties to foreign universities and the Thousand Talents Program (TTP), a Chinese government recruitment initiative.

Why it Matters
Since 2008, China has heavily invested in recruitment and espionage activities in the United States. Their intelligence services use the TTP to recruit foreigners, below 55 years of age, in universities and industries related to technology, aerospace, and engineering, among others. In the last 15 months, activity has been traced to the Linkedin website, where it is easier to assess the placement and access of individuals before approaching them directly. Recruitment has expanded from Chinese researchers, scientists, and professors towards any foreigner fitting the profile including; students, contractors, and any identifiable individual with formal training or experience in a target industry. Anyone with a Linked account that either has or is connected to anyone with these backgrounds, should be cautious and take extra measures to scrutinize new or unfamiliar contacts and conversations.

Background
The TTP is a Chinese government program to recruit people familiar with foreign technology and intellectual property. The program primarily targets Chinese citizens who were educated in elite programs overseas and who have been successful as entrepreneurs, professionals, and researchers. The program also recognizes a small number of elite foreign-born experts with skills that are critical to China's international competitiveness in science and innovation. In 2020, the Justice Department escalated its crackdown on Chinese influence within U.S. research institutions with three high profile arrests, the closing of the consulate in Houston, and deportations