The nation’s state security ministry on Monday said it is investigating a Chinese national accused of spying for the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).

The ministry said the 39-year-old, surnamed Hao, was a cadre at a ministry and had gone to study in Japan, where the spying recruitment occurred. Hao's gender was not revealed.

The statement came less than two weeks after the ministry said it uncovered another national also suspected of spying for the CIA after being recruited in Italy.

The ministry said Hao had become acquainted with a US embassy official known as "Ted" while sorting out a visa application.

He invited Hao to dinners, presented gifts and sought Hao's help with writing a paper that Ted promised to pay for, the ministry said.

Ted introduced Hao to a colleague named Li Jun before his term at the embassy in Japan ended, the ministry said; Li and Hao then maintained a "cooperative relationship".

Before Hao completed studying, Li revealed being part of the CIA and "instigated Hao into rebelling", telling Hao to return to the mainland to work for a "core and critical unit".

According to the statement, Hao signed an espionage agreement, accepting assessment and training from the United States.

The ministry said Hao worked in a national department upon returning to the mainland, "according to the requirements of the CIA", and provided the agency with intelligence while collecting US pay. (Reuters)