Unveiling China’s ‘Patriotic Honkers’: The Rise of Elite Cyberspies within the Nation

In the sweltering summer of 2005, Tan Dailin, a diligent graduate student at the Sichuan University of Science and Engineering, found himself under the scrutiny of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of the People’s Republic of China.

As a promising scholar in the field of computer science, Tan’s academic prowess was not lost on the military establishment, which sought to leverage his talents for national security purposes. Initially hesitant due to his focus on academia, Tan eventually agreed to collaborate with the PLA on selective projects that aligned with both parties’ interests.

Throughout this period, Tan demonstrated a commendable balance between his academic pursuits and military-related work. His contributions to the field of computer science continued unabated, while he also provided valuable insights to the PLA on emerging technologies and cybersecurity threats.

The relationship between Tan and the PLA was not without controversy, however. Critics argued that Tan’s involvement with the military compromised academic integrity and could potentially lead to the misuse of his research findings.

Despite these concerns, Tan has remained steadfast in his commitment to both academia and national security. His unique blend of technical expertise and military strategic understanding has earned him respect within both communities, and his work continues to shape the landscape of cybersecurity and computer science in China.