2 November 2026 (Navroze Bureau) US President Donald Trump has claimed that the United States conducts intelligence operations against China and Russia more effectively than the two countries spy on Washington. Speaking at a campaign rally in Iowa ahead of the November 3 US midterm elections, Trump dismissed concerns about foreign espionage and said American intelligence agencies were also monitoring their international rivals.
Trump made the remarks while addressing supporters at the Iowa Republican Candidates’ Campaign Rally on Sunday, November 1. Recalling a conversation about Chinese and Russian intelligence activities, he said the United States was conducting similar operations against both countries.
“Somebody said, ‘China’s spying on us, sir.’ I said, ‘Yeah, and we’re spying on them too. Don’t worry about it,'” Trump told the gathering.
He continued, “They said, ‘Terrible! China! Russia! They’re spying on us, sir!’ I said, ‘That’s true. And we’re doing it to them also, but we do it even better, so don’t worry about it. Don’t worry.'”
The comments came amid growing attention on alleged Chinese intelligence activities targeting US military personnel, installations and sensitive information.
Trump Dismisses Concerns Over Foreign Espionage
Trump’s remarks reflected his position that intelligence gathering is a regular part of international relations and that the United States also carries out operations against countries seeking information about American security and defence activities.
The president did not disclose specific intelligence operations or provide details about the methods used by US agencies against China and Russia.
His comments came as national security and foreign intelligence activities remained important issues in the US political debate ahead of the midterm elections.
The United States has repeatedly accused foreign governments of attempting to obtain sensitive military, technological and government information. China and Russia have also faced allegations of conducting intelligence operations targeting American interests.
Two Chinese Nationals Sentenced in US Espionage Case
Trump’s comments came shortly after the US Department of Justice announced that two Chinese nationals had each been sentenced to 30 months in prison for conspiring to act as agents of the Chinese government without notifying the US Attorney General.
The defendants were identified as Liren ‘Ryan’ Lai, 40, and Yuance Chen, 39. According to the Justice Department, they operated under the direction of China’s Ministry of State Security (MSS).
Prosecutors said the two men facilitated secret cash payments in exchange for sensitive information and attempted to recruit potential intelligence sources from within the US military.
Court documents revealed that the defendants arranged a clandestine payment of approximately $10,000 in January 2022 through a so-called dead-drop arrangement in Livermore, California.
Their activities also included collecting photographs of US military installations, naval personnel and recruitment facilities, along with personal information about potential intelligence targets.
The FBI arrested both men on June 27, 2025, following a counterintelligence investigation.
The case has added to scrutiny of alleged Chinese efforts to obtain information about US military activities and personnel.
Intelligence Operations Remain a Major US Security Issue
Intelligence gathering is a significant component of national security strategies worldwide. Governments use intelligence agencies to collect information about foreign military capabilities, political developments, technological advances and potential security threats.
The United States operates several intelligence agencies, including the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), National Security Agency (NSA) and Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA).
China and Russia also maintain extensive intelligence networks and have been repeatedly accused by Western governments of conducting espionage and cyber operations.
While intelligence agencies generally do not publicly disclose operational details, allegations of foreign spying frequently lead to diplomatic tensions, criminal investigations and changes in security policies.
Trump’s latest remarks did not identify any particular operation or provide evidence for his claim that American intelligence activities were more effective than those of China and Russia.
Trump Focuses on National Security Ahead of Midterms
The Iowa rally was part of Trump’s campaign activity ahead of the November 3 congressional midterm elections, in which control of the US House of Representatives and Senate is at stake.
National security, foreign policy, economic conditions and the ongoing conflict involving Iran have featured prominently in the political debate.
Trump’s comments on intelligence operations also allowed him to highlight the capabilities of American security agencies while responding to concerns about foreign surveillance.
With the midterm elections approaching, his remarks placed renewed attention on the intelligence competition between Washington, Beijing and Moscow.