ABSTRACT
In theory and general practice all intelligence activities, whether open or clandestine, are directed at either satisfying information requirements or covertly advancing national objectives. The former are known in intelligence circles as information objectives (IOs): specific requests for certain kinds of data, assigned to human or technical intelligence collectors by a nation's policy-making apparatus. The information objectives of the PRC's leadership differ significantly from those of the global powers because of its unique strategic political and military concerns. General military policy in China has been under intense review since the early 1980s. In the fall of 1989 a new series of information objectives were handed to the PRC intelligence apparatus. China has less of an interest in the global political-military environment than nations with worldwide military commitments. China's intelligence activities support its policy interests by acquiring foreign high technology, identifying and influencing foreign policy trends, and monitoring dissident groups.
