Espionage Allegations: U.S. Army Personnel Arrested for Collaborating with Chinese Intelligence

(ProsperNews.net) – Three arrests reveal the risk of espionage within U.S. Army ranks, raising concerns about the nation’s defense secrets.

At a Glance

The FBI arrested two active-duty soldiers and one former soldier for alleged espionage with China.
Key suspects include Jian Zhao, Li Tian, and Ruoyu Duan, facing federal charges.
Allegations include bribery and transmitting classified national defense information.
The case highlights risks to U.S. military secrets amid foreign intelligence threats.

Espionage Charges Unfold

The FBI recently apprehended two U.S. Army personnel, Jian Zhao and Li Tian, alongside former soldier Ruoyu Duan, on charges of espionage for Chinese intelligence. These allegations involve the unlawful transmission of classified documents related to missile protections and vehicle technologies, undermining American defense systems.

Federal indictments from the District of Oregon and the Western District of Washington charge the trio with severe offenses, including conspiracy to commit bribery and theft of government property. Zhao, reportedly caught sending classified data to China for $10,000, highlights the depth of this security breach.

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The Broader Threat of Espionage

FBI Portland and Seattle Field Offices, alongside the U.S. Army Counterintelligence Command, spearheaded the investigation into these espionage activities. Attorney General Pamela J. Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel have publicly condemned these actions as betrayal, emphasizing the dangerous precedent they set.

The defendants arrested today are accused of betraying our country, actively working to weaken America’s defense capabilities and empowering our adversaries in China. – Pam Bondi

This case illustrates ongoing threats from foreign intelligence striving to subvert American military operations. Brigadier General Rhett R. Cox remarked on the escalating foreign intelligence threats to U.S. security, urging heightened vigilance in response.

Legal and Strategic Implications

Zhao and others, between November 2021 and December 2024, conspired to gather military secrets for China. This includes technical manuals and details on U.S. Army vehicles like the Bradley and Stryker. Notably, Tian is alleged to have liaised with Duan for monetary benefits in exchange for classified military information.

While bribery and corruption have thrived under China’s Communist Party, this behavior cannot be tolerated with our service members who are entrusted with sensitive military information, including national defense information. – FBI Director Kash Patel

Subsequent trials will determine the suspects’ guilt or innocence. The prompt response by the Department of Justice and the rigorous prosecution of these individuals serve as a reminder of America’s dedication to safeguarding its military integrity.