OnPolitics: Alaskan tourists or Chinese spies?

Most incidents to get on base have been chalked up to mistakes by foreign visitors. But some don't appear as innocent.

Advertisement Read in browser Read in browser On Politics Wed May 31 2023 Hi there, OnPolitics readers. We're keeping that pin in the debt ceiling news as the House is yet to vote on the deal. Instead, we bring you this scoop about suspected Chinese spies from USA TODAY reporter Tom Vanden Brook. Chinese citizens posing as tourists but suspected of being spies have made several attempts in recent years to infiltrate Alaskan military bases. Most incidents were chalked up to mistakes by foreign visitors intent on viewing the Northern Lights and other attractions in Alaska. But some attempts appear to be probes to learn about U.S. military capabilities in Alaska, according to multiple soldiers familiar with the incidents but who were not authorized to speak publicly about them. Why it matters: Alaska is home to three large military bases – Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, and Fort Wainwright and Eielson Air Force Base near Fairbanks. The state is seen as key to homeland defense because of its location. Keep reading: Suspected Chinese spies, disguised as tourists, tried to infiltrate Alaskan military bases 📨 Stay in the know on politics: Sign up for the OnPolitics newsletter McCarthy-Biden debt deal would expand food stamps, CBO estimates House Republicans wanted to cut spending on food stamps but the debt limit deal House Speaker Kevin McCarthy agreed to could increase costs. READ MORE Advertisement Chris Christie to join 2024 presidential race: What we know The former New Jersey governor has branded himself as the only Republican willing and able to take down former President Donald Trump. READ MORE Mike Pence to announce presidential campaign June 7 in Des Moines Former Vice President Mike Pence is expected to jump into a growing GOP presidential field, which is led by his former running mate, Donald Trump. READ MORE AI poses risk of human extinction, tech leaders warn in open letter Hundreds of scientists and technology executives are warning that AI could become as big a threat as nuclear war or a COVID-like pandemic. READ MORE Battling Biden: A look at Ken Paxton's mixed record at Supreme Court Despite a 6-3 conservative advantage, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has had a mixed record battling Democrats at the Supreme Court. READ MORE Sign up for the news you want Exclusive newsletters are part of your subscription, don't miss out! We're always working to add benefits for subscribers like you. SEE ALL NEWSLETTERS ➔ SEE ALL NEWSLETTERS ➔ Advertisement Newsletters   |    eNewspaper   |   Crosswords Follow Us Problem viewing email? View in browser Unsubscribe  •   Manage Newsletters  •  Terms of Service  •   Privacy Policy/Your California Privacy Rights  •  Privacy Notice  •   Do Not Sell My Info/Cookie Policy  •  Feedback