The Spy Who The Spy Who Outplayed Nixon | Forked Tongue | 1
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Mar 3, 2026 A Cold War spy who infiltrated U.S. intelligence while posing as a translator. His long game spans Shanghai, Korea, and a transfer to America. Tensions rise as political upheaval in China threatens secret contacts. The story intersects with Nixon and Kissinger’s move toward China.
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Student Recruit Planted Inside US Consulate
- Larry Qin was recruited by Chinese intelligence at university and asked to pose as a translator for the US consulate in Shanghai.
- He accepted under pressure and was instructed to report any useful information when his handler visited, starting a long clandestine career.
Korea Interrogation Turned Recruitment Opportunity
- In a Korean POW camp, Qin translated when US interrogators recruited Tai Chuen-ji to spy for America in exchange for resettlement.
- Qin memorised Tai's details and appearance to pass to his Chinese handlers rather than read the dossier aloud.
Sleeper Would Be More Valuable Active Long Term
- Chinese handlers intentionally kept Qin long-term inside US services to maximise value and avoid activating him only in crisis.
- Zhou Enlai ordered Qin be operational immediately and a courier network set up to receive steady intelligence.