The Spy Who Outplayed Nixon | Forked Tongue | 1

0:00This episode includes depictions of violence. Please be advised. January 1954 The village of Fuyu, northeastern China Tai Chuan-ji stumbles as armed communist soldiers march him into an open-air theatre He feels himself forced forward again This time with the tip of a bayonet fixed to a soldier's gun Yet Tai is himself a communist soldier He fought for China in the Korean War He was captured by the Americans and spent two years in a US prisoner of war camp. A year ago, he was finally returned to China. He expected to be treated as a hero, but instead, with no explanation, he was put in another internment camp.

0:49This time a Chinese one where food rations were meagre and conditions were worse. Tai's broad nose and thick black hair seemed to overwhelm his now gaunt face and body. All his requests for information or explanations have been stonewalled, but now he and the others from the internment camp have been brought here. He wonders if they are finally to learn their fates. The prisoners line up in the theatre's paved courtyard and watch a communist official walk onto the stage in front of them. Wen Sing Fu. One of the other prisoners steps forward and stamps his worn leather boots together in military fashion.

1:27Yes, sir. For the crime of praising our enemies while a prisoner in Korea, you are dishonorably discharged from the People's Liberation Army. The prisoner looks stunned as soldiers surround him and escort him out of the theatre. Tai feels a stab of dread. How would the communists know what happened inside an American prisoner of war camp? Is that why they have been interred? He forces his logic to control his fear. The soldier could have had enemies in the Communist Party. In China these days, persecution and trumped-up accusations are common. Tai Chuen-ji. Blood pounds in his ears as his name is called.

2:06Tai steps forward. Yes, sir. Soldiers rush to surround him. You are arrested for spying and treachery. You are to be executed. No, no, I've been wronged. Panic kicks in and Tai tries to fight the soldiers. They stab him with bayonets, push him to the ground and tie his arms behind his back. As the soldiers drag him out of the theatre, Tai struggles to comprehend how the communists found out he was a spy. It could not have been the Americans. They were the ones who suggested he return to China to spy for them. He took care to only associate with communists in the prisoner of war camp. He even got pro-communist tattoos all over his body.

2:47He hasn't even done any spying yet. There should be no reason for him to be arrested. Then suddenly, a face surfaces in Tai's mind. The tall, thin, helpful Chinese interpreter who worked with the Americans at the Prisoner of War camp, Larry Wu Tai Chin. He was there, in the room, translating when Tai agreed to spy for America. It's all clear now. Chin is a Chinese communist spy who has somehow won the Americans' trust. and Ty is about to die because of him.

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3:55This is Audible.

4:00From Audible Originals. I'm Indra Varma and this is The Spy Who. Beneath the veneer of the everyday lurks the realm of the spy. It's a dank, murky world full of dark corners, sinister motives and corrupted morals. a place of paranoia and infiltration, sabotage and manipulation. In this season, we access the file on Larry Wu Taichin, one of the longest-serving and successful Chinese spies in history that we know of. He penetrated America's intelligence services and remained undetected for decades. And when he stole President Nixon's secret game plan for Mao Zedong, he would help his communist masters reshape the world's geopolitical order.

4:47For ease, we're going to use the name Qin, used in the US throughout his time there, rather than his original name, Jin Wudai. We're also going to refer to Beijing by its current name, rather than its name at the time of these events, Peking. What you're about to hear are dramatised reconstructions of events based on the information that's been made public. But remember, in the shadow realm of the spy, the full story is rarely clear. You're listening to The Spy Who Outplayed Nixon. This is Episode 1, Forked Tongue.

5:281948, Yenqing University, Beijing, China. Wu Taichin pours two cups of hot green tea from a heavy stoneware teapot and then lights a cigarette, lounging on his bed in his student quarters. Nearby, his roommate Wang reads a newspaper. It is dominated by the stories of the civil war raging across China. It looks as if the communists will soon control all of Manchuria. Wang puts the paper down, his eyes shining with excitement. This is a great moment in China's history. Qin and Wang have spent many an evening discussing how much better China would be under communism instead of the current nationalist government.

6:11But the excitement Qin felt when the war was hundreds of miles away is ebbing fast now that the conflict is closing in on Beijing. What do you think will become of us if they take Beijing? My family served the imperial dynasty, and I don't suppose my degree will be worth much to the communists. Qin's father worked as a Mandarin bureaucrat in the final years of the Qing dynasty, and Qin hopes to follow in his footsteps by joining China's civil services. It's why he's studying journalism and economics at a private university known for the high standard of English it demands from students. But since China's last emperor was deposed more than 30 years ago, the country has been ravaged by war.

6:55First civil war broke out, then Japan invaded. Now the Japanese are gone and the civil war between the hardline nationalists and the Soviet-backed communists has resumed with added brutality. Wang lights a cigarette and smiles enigmatically. Change is disruption, but also opportunity. We need everybody to contribute for communism to take hold, for all our benefit. I want to contribute, but doing what? Wang sucks on his cigarette and looks at Qin through the swirling smoke. You will play a most valuable role in the new China. I will? You are very good at English. You are by far the most fluent speaker and writer here.

7:37Oh, that, that is a most valuable skill. The world will not learn to speak Chinese, but we will need to speak and walk with our enemies. Qin isn't sure he understands. His roommate often speaks in cryptic phrases. Wang pours them both another cup of tea. I will introduce you to a friend. He may offer you important work. Qin feels suddenly breathless. He now wonders if his roommate's interest in communism was always more than just student fervour.

8:15A few weeks later, Beijing. Qin follows Wang through the streets. They walk past government soldiers beating a couple and ransacking their house. The nationalist government has introduced harsh new laws against hoarding. Wang takes a brief angry glance at the altercation. Have you noticed how those loyal to the Kuomintang are never raided? Chin tries to conceal his fear from Wang. The nationalists and the communists show no mercy to those who do not support them. and Qin is about to meet a possible official of the Communist Party in a city being reinforced by hundreds of nationalist soldiers every day.

8:56Wang leads them into a bustling hua tong, an alley lined with traditional grey brick courtyards and houses. He ushers Qin through a red wooden door. Inside the hua tong house, Qin lets his eyes adjust to the gloomy interior. He sees a man dressed in a dark grey military tunic. I am pleased to meet you, Mr Chin. Wang smiles reassuringly, then heads for the door. I'll leave you both to talk. Chin is horrified to be alone with a man he strongly suspects to be part of the Communist Security Service. The officer motions him to sit and asks him about his studies, his family and his activities during the war with Japan.

9:39Chin worries each truthful answer risks death, but then so would withholding information that this man may already know. Finally, the security officer smiles. So, Wang tells me you are looking for work, Mr Chin? Yes, I want to be useful. And I believe you can be. My job is to monitor American officials. We need to understand how the rest of the world will respond to a Chinese communist government. I could use another set of eyes and ears. Chin hesitates. He seems to have passed the test, but now he knows for certain he is being recruited as a communist spy. A profession that would get him a bullet in the back of the head if any nationalist found out.

10:21But it's already too late. If he refuses, he might be marked as suspicious by the communists. And right now, it looks like the communists will win this war. He takes a small gulp of air and makes his bed. I would be honoured to help. What is it you want me to do? I want you to move to Shanghai and offer yourself as a translator to the American consulate there. And if I get the job, make yourself useful to them. But stay alert. If you see or hear anything that you think might interest me, then tell me when we next meet. And when will that be? I will find you when I am next in Shanghai.

11:01A few days later, Shanghai. Chin feels a spurt of adrenaline as he is nearly run over by a car which honks loudly at him. He takes out a handkerchief and wipes the sweat from his brow and palms. Shanghai is not just hotter than Beijing. It feels like a different country. Where Beijing has tree-lined streets and peaceful gardens, Shanghai is noisy, chaotic and foreign. Many of the buildings look European. The cinemas play British films and tea shops serve coffee and cake. Qin feels disoriented and anxious. He wonders if it's nerves about his mission or the city transmitting its panic to him. Do you have any work?

11:42Any food? No, I'm sorry. The streets heave with refugees fleeing the civil war. Whole families beg on the streets with desperate eyes and clutching fingers. Chinn spots the tall Art Deco skyscraper of the US consulate with relief. But inside, it is even more chaotic. Chinn has to force his way in through a frantic crowd demanding US visas. A harried-looking American official is trying to make himself heard above the crowd. If you have family in the United States of America, you need to join this queue. If you do not have any family in America, you need to go to the counter on the far side. Qin pushes through the crowd towards the besieged official, who is trying to understand a well-dressed Chinese man firing rapid Mandarin at him.

12:35The official scowls as Qin arrives at his side. Sir, sir, there's a queue. I don't want a visa, I want work. As a translator. The official's face turns hopeful. You speak English? Thank God! Can you please ask this couple if they have family in the United States? Qin obediently does so and listens to the outpouring of relief as the husband clutches his arm in desperation.

13:04Qin turns back to the consulate official. Yes, he has a nephew called Qin Liu who lives on Mott Street in New York City. They are able to stay with him. The consulate official grins broadly and begins filling out the paperwork. After issuing the visa, he turns to Chin with a smile. You are a real lifesaver, Mr... My name is Chin, Wu Tai Chin, but you can call me Larry. The official grins with relief and holds out his hand. Well, Larry, you have just got yourself a job, starting today.

13:39Six months later, April 1949, Shanghai. Qin backs up against a wall as nationalist soldiers and tanks move past him. Since getting his job with the US consulate, Mao Zedong's communist army has taken both Beijing and Nanjing. Now they're preparing to attack Shanghai, the last stronghold of the nationalists and the economic heart of China. Westerners and nationalist officials climb into taxis and rickshaws surrounded by piles of luggage. all heading to the docks and the ships waiting to evacuate them. Those unable to leave the city roam the streets in huge, frightened crowds, getting in the way of soldiers attempting to prepare for battle.

14:26Chin pushes through the crush until he reaches an area known for prostitution, gambling and opium smuggling. He's surprised his communist spymaster wants to meet here. Even this early in the morning, it has a seedy, ominous atmosphere. Finally, he reaches a tea house where some rickshaw drivers are laughing and arguing over a few mahjong tables up at the front. Chin's spymaster is there waiting. He greets Chin like an old friend and leads him to a table at the back. After they order, the communist spymaster nods towards the noisy mahjong game. Look, wasting the little they earn on gambling. Chin nods hesitantly.

15:08There are many gambling dens in this area, I believe. Hmm. Run by foreigners and organised crime. But not for much longer. Chin shivers slightly. He wonders if his spymaster has an ulterior motive for meeting here. He decides not to mention that since moving to Shanghai, he's become fond of playing Mahjong himself. He's relieved when his handler changes the subject. How is the job going? Good. I've been asked to go to Hong Kong. With the Americans? Yes. If the Communists take Shanghai, they will move the consulate to Hong Kong. The peninsulas and islands of Hong Kong used to be part of China, but now it's under British control.

15:49His spymaster looks thoughtful. Interesting. They do not intend to recognise us as a legitimate government. How do you feel about going with them to Hong Kong? I am happy to go if it is of use to you. The communist security officer pours them both a second cup of tea. And your new wife? Chin is startled. His courtship and swift marriage to a Chinese nurse working with the US Army is more recent than his last meeting with his spymaster. She is also happy to move to Hong Kong. Good. You should go. You are doing well. The fact that they have asked you means they trust you. Won't it be harder for us to meet in Hong Kong?

16:30We will meet no more than once a year. It is more important to build their trust in you. Remember, to help China, you must do your best for your American bosses. As Mao teaches, revolution is, above all, possessed of enormous patience.

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18:28Two years later, July 1951, Busan, South Korea. Larry Chin walks through a small city of dusty canvas tents surrounded by barbed wire. Thousands of men watch him without hope or purpose. After the communists took Shanghai, they declared victory over all of China, but were almost immediately drawn into another war in neighbouring Korea. Backed by the Soviet Union, communist North Korea attacked South Korea. The US, backed by the United Nations, went to South Korea's aid. China, fearing an American invasion, sent in troops to help North Korea. Now Chin has been brought in from Hong Kong to help the US Army interrogate the Chinese soldiers it has captured.

19:18Guiding Chin through the prisoner of war camp is a US sergeant who works in military intelligence. I can't tell you how glad I am to see you here, Mr Chin. We're struggling with a real shortage of translators. I'm not security cleared, I'm afraid. There wasn't time before leaving Hong Kong. We don't have time for that rigmarole. There's 135 ,000 prisoners in this camp alone, and we need to interrogate every one of them. Chin is nervous. He never expected to find himself a spy in a wartime enemy camp. There was no time to alert his spymasters before he left, and he's unsure of how best to help China in this situation.

19:56The sergeant leads Chin into a makeshift wooden hut. Inside, a Chinese prisoner with a broad nose and thick cropped hair waits anxiously at a simple wooden table. The sergeant sits opposite the prisoner with Chin next to him and opens a thick manila folder. Ask him to confirm his name is Tai Chuen Ji.

20:20As Qin translates, he realises the sergeant is double-checking the prisoner's answers against the notes from earlier interrogations. Ask him if he's a communist. The prisoner shakes his head vehemently as Qin translates. He says he was a nationalist soldier in the civil war. He feared reprisals when the communists took power, so he joined the army. He did not know he would be sent to war against America. Does he want to be repatriated to the People's Republic of China? No, he doesn't. He wants to go to America or Taiwan. Tell him it's not that easy. We can't take everyone who wants to live in America, but there is a way it could be guaranteed.

21:02The sergeant, through Qin, asks Tai if he would be willing to return to China and spy for America. Since the communists took power, China has become a blind spot for US intelligence. Qin translates the prisoner's response. He doesn't want to do that. If he is caught spying, he would be killed. Tell him he only needs to last a year. If he does that, he'll get his ticket to America.

21:35Chin watches Tai wrestle with the decision before agreeing. He will do it. Good man. The sergeant consults his dossier again. Larry, can I check? What does this word here mean? The sergeant shows the notes to Chin, who takes his time so he can read the rest of the details on the page. He quickly memorises the prisoner's age, height, birthplace and the location of his family in China. It is a Manchurian slang word. It means outcast. Ah, that makes sense. Thank you. Chin makes no further move to look at the dossier. His spymasters taught him never to do anything that might look suspicious. Instead, he tries to commit ties, broad nose and thick hair to memory, so he can describe it later in detail.

22:23He doesn't need instructions to know his spymaster will want to know everything possible about this man.

22:34Ten years later, 1961, Hong Kong. Oh Chi Ming checks his watch. He is a short man in his 40s wearing a suit. He looks like any other Hong Kong businessman in the thriving city-state. In fact, Oh works for Chinese intelligence. and he's waiting for his agent, Larry Wutai-Chin. Chin is late, but Oh is not concerned. Chin has proved himself a valuable spy. His work to unmask dozens of traitors and American agents during the Korean War earned him respect and plaudits. Oh knows their subsequent executions helped keep China safe. Chin's also won the trust of his American bosses, so much so that they've posted him to a US airbase in Japan, where he now helps the CIA monitor Chinese media.

23:27This all reflects well on Oh, too. Unfortunately, Chin has divorced his wife and is now having an affair with a married Chinese woman who works at the airbase in Japan with him. And Oh is anxious to see how this is affecting his super spy. Chin enters the restaurant. He's no longer a thin and nervous student, but a man who carries his tall frame with quiet assurance. He slides into the booth opposite O. It is good to see you, Larry, and you, Mr. O. I have exciting news. I have been offered a new job in the United States. O is elated. A spy based in the US who is trusted by its intelligence services is a major coup.

24:10This is amazing. They must be very pleased with you. Well done. Chin looks pleased at O's compliments. O knows Chin's ego thrives on being a secret hero for China. But he must also address the problem of Chin's affair. Later, as he spoons noodle broth into his bowl, O casually begins to probe. Have you told Kathy the news? Kathy is the married woman he is having an affair with in Japan. Chin looks unfazed. Yes, she is delighted. I have told her she should get a divorce too, and then she can join me in the United States. Oh is both shocked and troubled, but he is careful not to show any condemnation or judgment.

24:51And what about your children? While they are small, they're better off with their mother. When I am more established, I will bring them to America. It will be good for their future prospects. They will not mind leaving their mother then. Oh is worried by Chin's casual attitude to family life and his eagerness about moving to America. He wonders if living and working among Westerners for so long is corrupting Chin. That would indeed be useful. But remember, you are going to America for China. Of course. My duty to China is always at the forefront of everything I do, I assure you, Mr. Oh. Oh nods and returns to his noodles.