Whatever the truth behind Mr Wang’s life, his story is just one scene inside a larger geopolitical battle playing out between the US and China - a tussle that has heated up in recent years as the two superpowers’ competition for secrets and influence intensifies. Has the situation become a full-blown spy war?

Reporters: Jane Tang, Tara McKelvey

Audio production: Suraj Singareddy

Social editor: Long Nguyen

Visual design: Amanda Weisbrod, Paul Nelson, Leo Kim

Senior editors: Charlie Dharapak, Cherry Agarwal, Greg Barber

Executive producer: Boer Deng

Produced by Radio Free Asia

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