Good morning. It's Tuesday, December 8th, and today we're bringing you a special episode.

Axios investigates China's spy strategy in the U.S.

This is a classic story, right?

It's got everything.

It's got politics of the highest stakes.

It's got the Chinese government, the US government.

It's got sex.

It's a story that seems ripped from a spy novel how a suspected Chinese intelligence operative

allegedly spent years building relationships with local U.S. politicians.

I remember thinking, wow, she has no shame.

She just does whatever she needs to do to get as close as she possibly can.

She fundraised, she recruited interns.

One person she targeted is a fast-rising congressman who now serves on the House Intelligence Committee.

She even pursued romantic relationships with some mayors.

It was a long game, a bet that today's city council member could become a political star down the line.

And here's why this matters.

It's a rare look at the links China will go to influence U.S. politicians and their policies.

It has never crossed my mind that she was involved in any espionage. Bethany Alan Ibrahimian covers China for Axios and Zach Dorfman writes our

codebook newsletter. He's also at the Aspen Institute.

Zach Bethany, thanks for being with me.

Hi Nila.

Thanks for having me.

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