Where reporters across any topic and beat try to seek the truth, tapping information from the intelligence community is near impossible. For spies and diplomats

Where reporters across any topic and beat try to seek the truth, tapping information from the intelligence community is near impossible. For spies and diplomats, it’s illegal to share classified information with anyone and can be — and is — punishable by time in prison. Even worse, feeding reporters false information is not that difficult. Given the scarcity of sources, it must be extremely difficult to get technically knowledgeable people who will corroborate these kinds of stories. Consider who wins the most if the chip story turns out to be false: an administration hell-bent on reshoring US manufacturing capability. Whether the story is true or part of some domestic propaganda operation, the result isn't good for the US.