Across the globe, spies gather in inconspicuous dens where they meet contacts and hold discreet conversations. This week, Intelligence Online visits a small bar on Beijing's Jianguomennei Street, just in front of the doors to the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, a place where researchers mingle with those closest to the CCP's Politburo.
If you're lucky enough to find a taxi driver who can take you to 5 Jianguomennei Street in Beijing, you'll come across a small, unnamed bar on the left, just next door to the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS). But if your driver continues along the busy Jianwei Avenue, ask to get off at the intersection with Gongyuan Street West (and not Gongyuan East!) and continue the rest by foot. The small road to the right just after the intersection leads to the CASS library. Your destination is just