Two Chinese men who admitted trying to recruit US military service members to spy for Beijing were imprisoned in California on Friday (Oct 30). The men, identified as Liren Lai and Yuance Chen, have been ordered to serve 30 months in a federal lockup and to undergo three years of supervised release after pleading guilty to acting on the orders of China's Ministry of State Security.The US Department of Justice said the men had carried out <a href="https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/two-men-sentenced-acting-agents-peoples-republic-china">clandestine intelligence activities</a> in the United States that included facilitating "dead drop" cash payments in exchange for information related to the national security of the United States. They also gathered information about US military personnel and installations and tried to recruit intelligence assets from within the US military.“These defendants were directed by a foreign intelligence service to gather information about the U.S. military in the hopes of undermining our national security,” said US Attorney Craig H. Missakian for the Northern District of California.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/federal-judge-blocks-trump-administration-s-election-pressure-tactics-in-sweeping-emergency-order-1793411204541">Federal judge blocks Trump administration's election pressure tactics in sweeping emergency order</a>"Let this sentencing serve as a clear warning: If you attempt to jeopardise the safety and security of our service members, our citizens, or our nation, justice will find you," said Roman Rozhavsky, assistant director of the FBI's Counterintelligence and Espionage Division.<h2>How the scheme worked: Revealed</h2>Lai, who arrived in the US on a tourist visa, recruited Chen, a permanent resident, into the scheme and initially served as an intermediary between Chen and intelligence officers until Chen was able to receive his orders directly from his handler.The DoJ said the two men had been working since at least May 2021 for the branch of the Chinese government responsible for conducting foreign intelligence and counterintelligence operations.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/chatgpt-blamed-for-flavio-bolsonaro-s-bizarre-president-elect-claim-5-times-ai-use-made-a-fool-of-global-leaders-1793354375335">ChatGPT blamed for Flavio Bolsonaro's bizarre 'president-elect' claim: 5 Times AI use made a fool of global leaders | On Pics</a><h2>Arrest and plea</h2>They were arrested in June 2025. Both men pleaded guilty to conspiracy to act as agents of a foreign government without prior notification to the Attorney General and acting as agents of a foreign government without prior notification over the following months.

Two Chinese men who admitted trying to recruit US military service members to spy for Beijing were imprisoned in California on Friday. Liren Lai and Yuance Chen were ordered to serve 30 months in federal lockup plus three years of supervised release.

Two Chinese men who admitted trying to recruit US military service members to spy for Beijing were imprisoned in California on Friday (Oct 30). The men, identified as Liren Lai and Yuance Chen, have been ordered to serve 30 months in a federal lockup and to undergo three years of supervised release after pleading guilty to acting on the orders of China's Ministry of State Security. The US Department of Justice said the men had carried out clandestine intelligence activities in the United States that included facilitating "dead drop" cash payments in exchange for information related to the national security of the United States. They also gathered information about US military personnel and installations and tried to recruit intelligence assets from within the US military. “These defendants were directed by a foreign intelligence service to gather information about the U.S. military in the hopes of undermining our national security,” said US Attorney Craig H. Missakian for the Northern District of California. Also read | Federal judge blocks Trump administration's election pressure tactics in sweeping emergency order "Let this sentencing serve as a clear warning: If you attempt to jeopardise the safety and security of our service members, our citizens, or our nation, justice will find you," said Roman Rozhavsky, assistant director of the FBI's Counterintelligence and Espionage Division. How the scheme worked: Revealed Lai, who arrived in the US on a tourist visa, recruited Chen, a permanent resident, into the scheme and initially served as an intermediary between Chen and intelligence officers until Chen was able to receive his orders directly from his handler. The DoJ said the two men had been working since at least May 2021 for the branch of the Chinese government responsible for conducting foreign intelligence and counterintelligence operations. Also read | ChatGPT blamed for Flavio Bolsonaro's bizarre 'president-elect' claim: 5 Times AI use made a fool of global leaders | On Pics Arrest and plea They were arrested in June 2025. Both men pleaded guilty to conspiracy to act as agents of a foreign government without prior notification to the Attorney General and acting as agents of a foreign government without prior notification over the following months.

Two Chinese men who admitted trying to recruit US military service members to spy for Beijing were imprisoned in California on Friday. Liren Lai and Yuance Chen were ordered to serve 30 months in federal lockup plus three years of supervised release.

'Let this serve as a clear warning': Two Chinese men jailed in California for recruiting US service members to spy for Beijing

A US congressional panel recently released new details about some 30 foreign researchers and scientists, mostly Chinese-Americans, who are accused of having undisclosed links to China. The details about the investigations into these scientists, many of them working in premier institutions in the US, were released by the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, chaired by Republican Representative John Moolenaar. The committee's report, titled “How to Stop China’s Theft of Taxpayer-Funded Research”, contains more than 700 pages of previously undisclosed records from the National Science Foundation’s Office of Inspector General (NSF OIG). These include suspension and debarment recommendations, foreign employment and talent-recruitment documentation, financial records, and federal grant disclosures.<h2>Research security concerns raised in the US over China links of academics</h2>The report points to undisclosed foreign appointments or positions held by these academics at Chinese government-run institutions, as well as compensation received from them. The academics had participated in Chinese recruitment programmes. In several cases, there were conflicts of commitment and failures to disclose required information to US federal funding agencies, such as the NSF.Criminal charges were not filed in most cases, although some researchers were referred for further investigation. A smaller number of cases resulted in prosecutions or convictions, some of which were later overturned.Some of the listed academics left their university positions or the US. For some, funding was suspended, and in certain cases, debarment from receiving future federal funding was recommended.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spy-vs-spy-as-xi-meets-trump-a-12-year-history-of-us-china-espionage-accusations-wion-decodes-1790071582437">SPY VS SPY: As Xi meets Trump, a 12-year history of US-China espionage accusations | WION Decodes</a><h2>A push for the SIRA Act to prevent tech or intellectual property transfers</h2>The release of these details appears aimed at building support for the passage of the Securing Innovation and Research from Adversaries (SIRA) Act, which Moolenaar has been advocating. The proposed legislation aims to establish government-wide restrictions on federally funded research collaborations involving entities on US government restricted lists.It also recommends stronger post-award monitoring, uniform research security standards across federal agencies, robust safeguards at universities, and greater use of suspension and debarment measures.The SIRA Act is being presented as a way to protect taxpayer-funded research and national security from undisclosed foreign affiliations and technology risks.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-s-counter-surveillance-industry-booms-amid-heightened-espionage-fears-1791912922879/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-s-counter-surveillance-industry-booms-amid-heightened-espionage-fears-1791912922879/embed</a><h2>US increases scrutiny of people with links to China</h2>The move is part of a broader effort to address concerns over research security and potential technology transfers to US adversaries such as China.It comes amid other cases involving individuals accused of acting as agents of foreign governments, particularly China.Earlier this month, real estate agent Wanying “Heather” Zhang was arrested on allegations of acting as an unregistered agent of the Chinese government and conducting surveillance on a high-ranking Taiwanese government. According to the US Department of Justice, Zhang was accused of surveilling the official's family members of the official in the US.&nbsp;

A US House panel recently released over 700 pages of records on researchers facing scrutiny over alleged China links. This is part of a larger effort to prevent US taxpayer-funded research from benefiting foreign countries

A US congressional panel recently released new details about some 30 foreign researchers and scientists, mostly Chinese-Americans, who are accused of having undisclosed links to China. The details about the investigations into these scientists, many of them working in premier institutions in the US, were released by the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, chaired by Republican Representative John Moolenaar. The committee's report, titled “How to Stop China’s Theft of Taxpayer-Funded Research”, contains more than 700 pages of previously undisclosed records from the National Science Foundation’s Office of Inspector General (NSF OIG). These include suspension and debarment recommendations, foreign employment and talent-recruitment documentation, financial records, and federal grant disclosures. Research security concerns raised in the US over China links of academics The report points to undisclosed foreign appointments or positions held by these academics at Chinese government-run institutions, as well as compensation received from them. The academics had participated in Chinese recruitment programmes. In several cases, there were conflicts of commitment and failures to disclose required information to US federal funding agencies, such as the NSF. Criminal charges were not filed in most cases, although some researchers were referred for further investigation. A smaller number of cases resulted in prosecutions or convictions, some of which were later overturned. Some of the listed academics left their university positions or the US. For some, funding was suspended, and in certain cases, debarment from receiving future federal funding was recommended. Also read: SPY VS SPY: As Xi meets Trump, a 12-year history of US-China espionage accusations | WION Decodes A push for the SIRA Act to prevent tech or intellectual property transfers The release of these details appears aimed at building support for the passage of the Securing Innovation and Research from Adversaries (SIRA) Act, which Moolenaar has been advocating. The proposed legislation aims to establish government-wide restrictions on federally funded research collaborations involving entities on US government restricted lists. It also recommends stronger post-award monitoring, uniform research security standards across federal agencies, robust safeguards at universities, and greater use of suspension and debarment measures. The SIRA Act is being presented as a way to protect taxpayer-funded research and national security from undisclosed foreign affiliations and technology risks. https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-s-counter-surveillance-industry-booms-amid-heightened-espionage-fears-1791912922879/embed US increases scrutiny of people with links to China The move is part of a broader effort to address concerns over research security and potential technology transfers to US adversaries such as China. It comes amid other cases involving individuals accused of acting as agents of foreign governments, particularly China. Earlier this month, real estate agent Wanying “Heather” Zhang was arrested on allegations of acting as an unregistered agent of the Chinese government and conducting surveillance on a high-ranking Taiwanese government. According to the US Department of Justice, Zhang was accused of surveilling the official's family members of the official in the US.

A US House panel recently released over 700 pages of records on researchers facing scrutiny over alleged China links. This is part of a larger effort to prevent US taxpayer-funded research from benefiting foreign countries

Chinese-American scientists under scrutiny in US as House panel releases new details of alleged research security breaches

Former Arcadia Mayor Eileen Wang pleaded guilty on Friday (May 29) to acting as an illegal agent of the Chinese government, admitting she promoted Beijing-backed content in the United States without notifying federal authorities. Wang, 56, resigned as mayor of the Southern California city earlier this month after being charged in April with acting in the United States on behalf of a foreign government. Prosecutors said she worked to advance the interests of Chinese officials by sharing articles favorable to Beijing while failing to register her activities as required under US law.&nbsp;Wang was elected to Arcadia's five-member City Council in November 2022, with the mayoral position rotating among council members. Federal authorities said her illegal activities took place between late 2020 and 2022, before she took office. Located about 13 miles northeast of Los Angeles, Arcadia has a population of approximately 53,000 residents and a majority Asian demographic, including a large Chinese community.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/federal-judge-reopens-trump-s-10-billion-irs-lawsuit-citing-possible-misconduct-and-fraud-claims-1780096316421">Federal judge reopens Trump's $10 billion IRS lawsuit citing possible misconduct and fraud claims</a>&nbsp;During a hearing in federal court in downtown Los Angeles, Wang formally entered her guilty plea before US District Judge Wesley Hsu. A Mandarin interpreter attended the proceedings, although Wang indicated she did not require translation assistance. She was allowed to remain free on a $25,000 bond ahead of her sentencing scheduled for October 6. Wang faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and up to three years of supervised release.&nbsp;According to court documents, Wang and her former fiancé, Yaoning ‘Mike’ Sun, worked on behalf of officials from the People's Republic of China by promoting government-friendly narratives through a website known as US News Center. Sun is currently serving a four-year prison sentence after pleading guilty to the same charge in October 2025. Campaign records also identified him as the treasurer of Wang’s successful 2022 City Council campaign.&nbsp;One example highlighted by prosecutors occurred in June 2021 when a Chinese government official sent Wang a Los Angeles Times opinion piece written by China's consul general in Los Angeles. The article disputed allegations regarding the treatment of Uyghurs in China's Xinjiang region, saying, "There has never been genocide in Xinjiang or forced labor in the region’s cotton fields or any other sector."&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/u-s-journalist-accused-of-being-a-chinese-spy-1780080342577/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/u-s-journalist-accused-of-being-a-chinese-spy-1780080342577/embed</a>&nbsp;Prosecutors said Wang shared the article on her website within minutes of receiving it. The United States and several allied nations have accused China of committing genocide and crimes against humanity against Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities in Xinjiang, allegations Beijing has repeatedly denied. Wang’s attorneys said she was engaged to Sun during the period in question but that the relationship ended in spring 2024. Following her resignation, her legal team released a statement attributing her actions to her trust and love for apparently the wrong person, who ultimately led her astray.&nbsp;The case sparked controversy in Arcadia, with some residents and former elected officials arguing Wang should have resigned once she became linked to the FBI investigation involving Sun. Acting Mayor Paul Cheng defended the council's handling of the matter, saying local officials lacked the legal authority to remove Wang before a criminal conviction. "If there is a federal investigation that is in place, we are not investigators, and to politicize an issue only impacts whatever federal investigation is out there," Cheng said.

Former Arcadia Mayor Eileen Wang pleaded guilty to acting as an illegal agent of China after promoting pro-Beijing content without notifying US authorities

Former Arcadia Mayor Eileen Wang pleaded guilty on Friday (May 29) to acting as an illegal agent of the Chinese government, admitting she promoted Beijing-backed content in the United States without notifying federal authorities. Wang, 56, resigned as mayor of the Southern California city earlier this month after being charged in April with acting in the United States on behalf of a foreign government. Prosecutors said she worked to advance the interests of Chinese officials by sharing articles favorable to Beijing while failing to register her activities as required under US law. Wang was elected to Arcadia's five-member City Council in November 2022, with the mayoral position rotating among council members. Federal authorities said her illegal activities took place between late 2020 and 2022, before she took office. Located about 13 miles northeast of Los Angeles, Arcadia has a population of approximately 53,000 residents and a majority Asian demographic, including a large Chinese community. Also Read: Federal judge reopens Trump's $10 billion IRS lawsuit citing possible misconduct and fraud claims During a hearing in federal court in downtown Los Angeles, Wang formally entered her guilty plea before US District Judge Wesley Hsu. A Mandarin interpreter attended the proceedings, although Wang indicated she did not require translation assistance. She was allowed to remain free on a $25,000 bond ahead of her sentencing scheduled for October 6. Wang faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and up to three years of supervised release. According to court documents, Wang and her former fiancé, Yaoning ‘Mike’ Sun, worked on behalf of officials from the People's Republic of China by promoting government-friendly narratives through a website known as US News Center. Sun is currently serving a four-year prison sentence after pleading guilty to the same charge in October 2025. Campaign records also identified him as the treasurer of Wang’s successful 2022 City Council campaign. One example highlighted by prosecutors occurred in June 2021 when a Chinese government official sent Wang a Los Angeles Times opinion piece written by China's consul general in Los Angeles. The article disputed allegations regarding the treatment of Uyghurs in China's Xinjiang region, saying, "There has never been genocide in Xinjiang or forced labor in the region’s cotton fields or any other sector." https://www.wionews.com/videos/u-s-journalist-accused-of-being-a-chinese-spy-1780080342577/embed Prosecutors said Wang shared the article on her website within minutes of receiving it. The United States and several allied nations have accused China of committing genocide and crimes against humanity against Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities in Xinjiang, allegations Beijing has repeatedly denied. Wang’s attorneys said she was engaged to Sun during the period in question but that the relationship ended in spring 2024. Following her resignation, her legal team released a statement attributing her actions to her trust and love for apparently the wrong person, who ultimately led her astray. The case sparked controversy in Arcadia, with some residents and former elected officials arguing Wang should have resigned once she became linked to the FBI investigation involving Sun. Acting Mayor Paul Cheng defended the council's handling of the matter, saying local officials lacked the legal authority to remove Wang before a criminal conviction. "If there is a federal investigation that is in place, we are not investigators, and to politicize an issue only impacts whatever federal investigation is out there," Cheng said.

Former Arcadia Mayor Eileen Wang pleaded guilty to acting as an illegal Chinese agent by promoting Beijing-backed content in the US.

Eileen Wang, former Arcadia mayor pleads guilty to secretly acting as agent for Chinese government

#Gravitas An American journalist stands accused of secretly working for China’s intelligence network for years while allegedly trying to obtain classified U.S. government information. The case has sparked major concerns over espionage, national security and foreign influence operations inside the United States.

U.S. Journalist Accused Of Being A Chinese Spy 

Jennifer Zeng, an independent blogger, has accused China of secretly monitoring the American delegation during US President Donald Trump’s visit to Beijing by allegedly using disguised personnel to spy on foreign dignitaries and technology executives. In a series of social media posts, Zeng claimed that a server positioned directly behind billionaire Elon Musk during a Beijing state banquet was actually a highly decorated active-duty Chinese military officer. This is not the first time Zeng has made espionage-related allegations against Beijing. In 2023, she claimed the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) was involved in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada. According to Zeng, China’s ‘purpose was to frame India, creating discord between India and the West’.<h2>Allegations about the Beijing State banquet</h2>Zeng shared images online showing two women serving at the CCP-hosted banquet for Trump, claiming photographs of the same women ‘in uniform’ were circulating widely on Chinese social media platforms. In another post, she alleged that a waitress standing behind Musk in one of the banquet photographs was Major Cheng Cheng, whom she described as an elite battalion commander involved in drafting operational manuals for China’s military ceremonies. In a third post, Zeng wrote, “I think Cheng Cheng had a gun or something under her red dress.” WION could not independently verify the claims made by Zeng. The Chinese government has also not officially responded to the specific allegations.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-s-largest-military-airshow-riat-cancelled-amid-iran-war-tensions-1779480410124">World’s largest military airshow RIAT cancelled amid Iran war tensions</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">💥Explosive! We found out who she is, too! At the CCP&#39;s state banquet honoring President Trump <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a>, standing next to Elon Musk <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@elonmusk</a> was Cheng Cheng (程诚), a member of the Chinese Communist Party, a battalion commander in the PLA Honor Guard Ceremonial Brigade… <a href="https://t.co/Xsrk4QKuiM">https://t.co/Xsrk4QKuiM</a> <a href="https://t.co/1SMKJI1Mye">pic.twitter.com/1SMKJI1Mye</a>&mdash; Inconvenient Truths — Jennifer Zeng Reports (@jenniferzeng97) <a href="https://twitter.com/jenniferzeng97/status/2057060534969581657?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 20, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Concerns over Chinese espionage</h2>Despite the lack of official confirmation, security experts have frequently warned about China’s long history of alleged espionage activities targeting Western governments, political figures, and corporate executives. One of the most widely discussed cases involved Fang Fang, who was accused of operating a suspected honeypot network targeting American politicians in California.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ukraine-seeks-support-for-hawk-defence-system-russia-makes-new-accusation-1779478233135/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/ukraine-seeks-support-for-hawk-defence-system-russia-makes-new-accusation-1779478233135/embed</a>&nbsp;Western intelligence agencies have also repeatedly raised concerns about alleged Chinese state-linked operatives infiltrating diplomatic, technological, and corporate circles while posing as ordinary civilians or service staff. As foreign technology executives continue to pursue closer business ties with China, critics argue that Beijing’s diplomatic hospitality may also involve hidden surveillance and intelligence-gathering efforts.

Jennifer Zeng accused China of using disguised military personnel to monitor Donald Trump’s delegation and Elon Musk during a Beijing state banquet

Jennifer Zeng, an independent blogger, has accused China of secretly monitoring the American delegation during US President Donald Trump’s visit to Beijing by allegedly using disguised personnel to spy on foreign dignitaries and technology executives. In a series of social media posts, Zeng claimed that a server positioned directly behind billionaire Elon Musk during a Beijing state banquet was actually a highly decorated active-duty Chinese military officer. This is not the first time Zeng has made espionage-related allegations against Beijing. In 2023, she claimed the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) was involved in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada. According to Zeng, China’s ‘purpose was to frame India, creating discord between India and the West’. Allegations about the Beijing State banquet Zeng shared images online showing two women serving at the CCP-hosted banquet for Trump, claiming photographs of the same women ‘in uniform’ were circulating widely on Chinese social media platforms. In another post, she alleged that a waitress standing behind Musk in one of the banquet photographs was Major Cheng Cheng, whom she described as an elite battalion commander involved in drafting operational manuals for China’s military ceremonies. In a third post, Zeng wrote, “I think Cheng Cheng had a gun or something under her red dress.” WION could not independently verify the claims made by Zeng. The Chinese government has also not officially responded to the specific allegations. Also Read: World’s largest military airshow RIAT cancelled amid Iran war tensions

Jennifer Zeng, an independent blogger, has alleged that China used disguised military personnel to spy on Trump’s delegation during a Beijing state banquet

Chinese military officer posed as waitress to spy on US delegation during Beijing visit? Here's what we know

A US jury convicted a man named "Harry" Lu Jianwang for his role in running a clandestine Chinese "police station" in New York as part of a campaign to monitor US-based dissidents. Lu and another man, Chen Jinping, were arrested in April 2023 and accused of operating the secret police station, which operated from an office building, on behalf of China's Ministry of Public Security. Canada and several European governments have cracked down on similar "police stations," whose existence was first revealed by Spain-based rights group Safeguard Defenders. Now, they face up to 30 years in prison for acting as an illegal agent of the Chinese government in setting up and running the "overseas police station" in Manhattan's Chinatown, the Justice Department said in a statement.&nbsp;FBI agents first searched the outpost in October 2022 and found a blue banner reading "Fuzhou Police Overseas Service Station, New York, USA," referring to a city in southeastern China. "The New York police station was part of a global initiative by the MPS (Ministry of Public Security) to establish overseas police service stations all over the world," the Justice Department said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/xi-wants-china-us-to-transcend-thucydides-trap-what-the-term-means-and-what-are-its-origins-1778736539728">Xi wants China-US to transcend 'Thucydides Trap': What the term means and what are its origins</a>&nbsp;According to Safeguard Defenders, the stations have been involved in pressuring&nbsp;Chinese&nbsp;nationals to return home to face criminal charges. "Lu Jianwang used a police station in New York City to target PRC (People's Republic of China) dissidents in furtherance of the Chinese government's political agenda," said FBI Assistant Director in Charge James C Barnacle Jr. "Lu was tasked by his MPS handler with collecting information on behalf of the Chinese government, such as locating a pro-democracy advocate who had fled from China and moved to the US," it added.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-world-at-crossroads-xi-jinping-tells-trump-china-and-united-states-should-be-partners-not-rivals-beijing-talks-musk-rubio-1778726835661/amp">'World at crossroads': Xi Jinping tells Trump China and United States 'should be partners, not rivals'</a><h2>China's reaction</h2>China's government has called the charges in the case "fabricated" and part of an effort to smear the country's image. Beijing has said there are centers outside China run by local volunteers, not Chinese police officers, that aim to help Chinese citizens renew documents and offer other services. John Carman, a lawyer for Lu, said his client agreed to open the center to help Chinese nationals who were unable to travel to the country to renew documents due to the COVID pandemic. But Carman said Lu was not tasked with doing so by the Chinese government. A co-defendant arrested alongside Lu, Chen Jinping, pleaded guilty in 2024 to conspiring to act as an unregistered Chinese agent. The arrests followed a 2022 investigation published by Spain-based advocacy group Safeguard Defenders that reported China had set up overseas "service stations," including in New York, that illegally worked with Chinese police to pressure fugitives to return to China.&nbsp;

Lu Jianwang was convicted in New York for acting as an illegal Chinese foreign agent and obstructing justice by deleting messages tied to alleged efforts to harass pro-democracy dissidents. Prosecutors said he helped run a covert Chinese police outpost in Manhattan’s Chinatown.

A US jury convicted a man named "Harry" Lu Jianwang for his role in running a clandestine Chinese "police station" in New York as part of a campaign to monitor US-based dissidents. Lu and another man, Chen Jinping, were arrested in April 2023 and accused of operating the secret police station, which operated from an office building, on behalf of China's Ministry of Public Security. Canada and several European governments have cracked down on similar "police stations," whose existence was first revealed by Spain-based rights group Safeguard Defenders. Now, they face up to 30 years in prison for acting as an illegal agent of the Chinese government in setting up and running the "overseas police station" in Manhattan's Chinatown, the Justice Department said in a statement. FBI agents first searched the outpost in October 2022 and found a blue banner reading "Fuzhou Police Overseas Service Station, New York, USA," referring to a city in southeastern China. "The New York police station was part of a global initiative by the MPS (Ministry of Public Security) to establish overseas police service stations all over the world," the Justice Department said. Also Read: Xi wants China-US to transcend 'Thucydides Trap': What the term means and what are its origins According to Safeguard Defenders, the stations have been involved in pressuring Chinese nationals to return home to face criminal charges. "Lu Jianwang used a police station in New York City to target PRC (People's Republic of China) dissidents in furtherance of the Chinese government's political agenda," said FBI Assistant Director in Charge James C Barnacle Jr. "Lu was tasked by his MPS handler with collecting information on behalf of the Chinese government, such as locating a pro-democracy advocate who had fled from China and moved to the US," it added. Also Read: 'World at crossroads': Xi Jinping tells Trump China and United States 'should be partners, not rivals' China's reaction China's government has called the charges in the case "fabricated" and part of an effort to smear the country's image. Beijing has said there are centers outside China run by local volunteers, not Chinese police officers, that aim to help Chinese citizens renew documents and offer other services. John Carman, a lawyer for Lu, said his client agreed to open the center to help Chinese nationals who were unable to travel to the country to renew documents due to the COVID pandemic. But Carman said Lu was not tasked with doing so by the Chinese government. A co-defendant arrested alongside Lu, Chen Jinping, pleaded guilty in 2024 to conspiring to act as an unregistered Chinese agent. The arrests followed a 2022 investigation published by Spain-based advocacy group Safeguard Defenders that reported China had set up overseas "service stations," including in New York, that illegally worked with Chinese police to pressure fugitives to return to China.

Lu Jianwang was convicted in New York for acting as an illegal Chinese foreign agent and obstructing justice by deleting messages tied to alleged efforts to harass pro-democracy dissidents. Prosecutors said he helped run a covert Chinese police outpost in Manhattan’s Chinatown.

US citizen convicted of running secret Chinese 'police station': How he operated

Last year, Taiwan prosecuted 64 people for spying for China. A vast majority, two-thirds, were either serving or retired military personnel. In fact, espionage cases in Taiwan have quadrupled over the past four years.

China's silent spy infiltration into Taiwan military

Taiwan has experienced a significant increase in espionage cases involving individuals charged with spying for China, with the number rising from 16 in 2021 to 64 in 2024. According to the National Security Bureau, among those charged, 15 were military veterans and 28 were active service members. The report highlights that Chinese infiltration targeted military units, government agencies, and local associations.

Chinese spy prosecutions in Taiwan have tripled: Report | Gravitas

Chinese spy who served as Prince Andrew's Chief representative in Beijing has been identified as Yang Tango. His identity was revealed by a British Court after the high court judge ruled that his name could be disclosed. Watch this report for more details!



UK: prince Andrew's Ties To Alleged Chinese Spy Under Probe

Chinese spy who served as Prince Andrew's Chief representative in Beijing has been identified as Yang Tango. His identity was revealed by a British Court after the high court judge ruled that his name could be disclosed. Watch this report for more details!

London, United Kingdom
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The alleged Chinese spy with connections to Prince Andrew and the UK establishment has been identified as Yang Tengbo, also known as Chris Yang, a businessman currently banned from entering Britain.
<h2>Who is Yang Tengbo?</h2>
Yang, previously referred to as H6 until a High Court judge lifted an anonymity order on Monday (December 16), has denied all allegations. In a statement, he said, “I have done nothing wrong or unlawful, and the concerns raised by the Home Office against me are ill-founded.” He denied being a spy.
Yang, 50, formerly chaired the Hampton Group and lived in the UK for nearly two decades. He first arrived in Britain in 2002 as a student, having previously worked as a civil servant in China. In the UK, he founded Hampton Group International, a consultancy firm aimed at fostering relations between China and Britain. He also co-founded Pitch@Palace China, the Chinese branch of the Duke of York’s initiative to support entrepreneurs.
The case against Yang began in 2021 when counter-terrorism officers stopped him and confiscated his devices. He was formally barred from the UK in 2023 by then-Home Secretary Suella Braverman, who accused him of engaging in “covert and deceptive activity” on behalf of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canadas-deputy-pm-chrystia-freeland-resigns-from-cabinet-over-clashes-with-trudeau-on-trumps-tariff-threats-784436">Canada's Deputy PM Chrystia Freeland resigns over clashes with Trudeau</a>
Last week, the Special Immigration Appeals Commission (SIAC) upheld the ban, ruling that Braverman was “entitled to conclude” Yang posed a risk to national security. The judges cited his “unusual degree of trust” gained from a senior royal.
Details of his close ties with Prince Andrew were revealed in the SIAC ruling, where it was revealed that Yang attended royal events, including Andrew’s birthday party.
The tribunal heard allegations that Yang was linked to China’s United Front Work Department, an organisation tasked with gathering intelligence and influencing prominent overseas nationals. In his witness statement, Yang was said to have “downplayed his links” with the group.
Prince Andrew’s office addressed the matter last week, stating that all contact with Yang had ceased. A spokesperson clarified that their meetings took place through “official channels” and that “nothing of a sensitive nature [was] ever discussed.”
Yang voiced his devastation at being barred from Britain, which he considers his “second home.” He said there had been a “high level of speculation and misreporting in the media and elsewhere” and confirmed his intention to appeal the decision.
(With inputs from agencies)

Yang, previously referred to as H6 until a High Court judge lifted an anonymity order on Monday (December 16), has denied all allegations. In a statement, he said, “I have done nothing wrong or unlawful, and the concerns raised by the Home Office against me are ill-founded.” He denied being a spy.



London, United Kingdom The alleged Chinese spy with connections to Prince Andrew and the UK establishment has been identified as Yang Tengbo, also known as Chris Yang, a businessman currently banned from entering Britain. Who is Yang Tengbo? Yang, previously referred to as H6 until a High Court judge lifted an anonymity order on Monday (December 16), has denied all allegations. In a statement, he said, “I have done nothing wrong or unlawful, and the concerns raised by the Home Office against me are ill-founded.” He denied being a spy. Yang, 50, formerly chaired the Hampton Group and lived in the UK for nearly two decades. He first arrived in Britain in 2002 as a student, having previously worked as a civil servant in China. In the UK, he founded Hampton Group International, a consultancy firm aimed at fostering relations between China and Britain. He also co-founded Pitch@Palace China, the Chinese branch of the Duke of York’s initiative to support entrepreneurs. The case against Yang began in 2021 when counter-terrorism officers stopped him and confiscated his devices. He was formally barred from the UK in 2023 by then-Home Secretary Suella Braverman, who accused him of engaging in “covert and deceptive activity” on behalf of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Also read: Canada's Deputy PM Chrystia Freeland resigns over clashes with Trudeau Last week, the Special Immigration Appeals Commission (SIAC) upheld the ban, ruling that Braverman was “entitled to conclude” Yang posed a risk to national security. The judges cited his “unusual degree of trust” gained from a senior royal. Details of his close ties with Prince Andrew were revealed in the SIAC ruling, where it was revealed that Yang attended royal events, including Andrew’s birthday party. The tribunal heard allegations that Yang was linked to China’s United Front Work Department, an organisation tasked with gathering intelligence and influencing prominent overseas nationals. In his witness statement, Yang was said to have “downplayed his links” with the group. Prince Andrew’s office addressed the matter last week, stating that all contact with Yang had ceased. A spokesperson clarified that their meetings took place through “official channels” and that “nothing of a sensitive nature [was] ever discussed.” Yang voiced his devastation at being barred from Britain, which he considers his “second home.” He said there had been a “high level of speculation and misreporting in the media and elsewhere” and confirmed his intention to appeal the decision. (With inputs from agencies)

Who is Yang Tengbo? Chinese ‘spy’ with ties to Prince Andrew unmasked as judge lifts anonymity order

Prince Andrew said he has “ceased all contact” with the businessman accused of being a Chinese spy after receiving advice from the Government. Watch this report for more details!

UK: MPs Consider Naming Chinese 'Spy' Linked To Prince Andrew

The alleged Chinese spy with connections to Prince Andrew and the UK establishment has been identified as Yang Tengbo, also known as Chris Yang, a businessman currently banned from entering Britain.

The alleged Chinese spy with connections to Prince Andrew and the UK establishment has been identified as Yang Tengbo, also known as Chris Yang, a businessman currently banned from entering Britain. Who is Yang Tengbo? Yang, previously referred to as H6 until a High Court judge lifted an anonymity order on Monday (December 16), has denied all allegations. In a statement, he said, “I have done nothing wrong or unlawful, and the concerns raised by the Home Office against me are ill-founded.” He denied being a spy. Yang, 50, formerly chaired the Hampton Group and lived in the UK for nearly two decades. He first arrived in Britain in 2002 as a student, having previously worked as a civil servant in China. In the UK, he founded Hampton Group International, a consultancy firm aimed at fostering relations between China and Britain. He also co-founded Pitch@Palace China, the Chinese branch of the Duke of York’s initiative to support entrepreneurs. The case against Yang began in 2021 when counter-terrorism officers stopped him and confiscated his devices. He was formally barred from the UK in 2023 by then-Home Secretary Suella Braverman, who accused him of engaging in “covert and deceptive activity” on behalf of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Also read: Canada's Deputy PM Chrystia Freeland resigns over clashes with Trudeau Last week, the Special Immigration Appeals Commission (SIAC) upheld the ban, ruling that Braverman was “entitled to conclude” Yang posed a risk to national security. The judges cited his “unusual degree of trust” gained from a senior royal. Details of his close ties with Prince Andrew were revealed in the SIAC ruling, where it was revealed that Yang attended royal events, including Andrew’s birthday party. The tribunal heard allegations that Yang was linked to China’s United Front Work Department, an organisation tasked with gathering intelligence and influencing prominent overseas nationals. In his witness statement, Yang was said to have “downplayed his links” with the group. Prince Andrew’s office addressed the matter last week, stating that all contact with Yang had ceased. A spokesperson clarified that their meetings took place through “official channels” and that “nothing of a sensitive nature [was] ever discussed.” Yang voiced his devastation at being barred from Britain, which he considers his “second home.” He said there had been a “high level of speculation and misreporting in the media and elsewhere” and confirmed his intention to appeal the decision. (With inputs from agencies)

Prince Andrew Defends Ties To 'H6', Says Has 'Ceased All Contacts'

A Chinese businessman known as H6 and accused of spying was invited to Buckingham Palace along with other royal residences by the Duke of York Prince Andrew, according to a report by the British newspaper, The Times.&nbsp;

H6, banned from the United Kingdom on national security grounds, visited Buckingham Palace twice and also reportedly visited St James’s Palace and Windsor Castle after the invitation from Prince Andrew.&nbsp;

On Friday (Dec 13), the prince said he had “ceased all contact” with the businessman after his name was raised in the case. A statement was released by his office said he met the alleged spy via “official channels” with “nothing of a sensitive nature ever discussed”.

Watch |&nbsp;South Korea's First Lady Caught on Camera Praising Man's Sexual 'Power' After Palm Reading

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<h2>'Close confidant'</h2>

H6, a "close confidant" of Prince Andrew, has been banned from entering the United Kingdom. This comes after he lost an appeal against the decision on national security grounds. The man brought the case after he was banned from the UK in March 2023.

The businessman had built a close relationship with Prince Andrew and was even invited to his birthday party in 2020. The man was further told that he could act on behalf of Prince Andrew while dealing with potential investors in China.

The hearing of the case was held in the Special Immigration Appeals Commission. The court considers appeals against decisions to ban a person from a country on national security grounds.&nbsp;

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In the published ruling, the court said that the then-home secretary, Suella Braverman, was "entitled to conclude that [H6] represented a risk to the national security of the United Kingdom and that she was entitled to conclude that his exclusion was justified and proportionate".

The court further found that H6 surrendered several electronic devices like his mobile phone when he was stopped by UK border security in November 2021. A letter was found in one of his devices in which the adviser of Prince Andrew wrote, "Outside of [the prince's] closest internal confidants, you sit at the very top of a tree that many, many people would like to be on."

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

A Chinese businessman known as H6 and accused of spying was invited to Buckingham Palace along with other royal residences by the Duke of York Prince Andrew, according to a report by the British newspaper, The Times.

A Chinese businessman known as H6 and accused of spying was invited to Buckingham Palace along with other royal residences by the Duke of York Prince Andrew, according to a report by the British newspaper, The Times. H6, banned from the United Kingdom on national security grounds, visited Buckingham Palace twice and also reportedly visited St James’s Palace and Windsor Castle after the invitation from Prince Andrew. On Friday (Dec 13), the prince said he had “ceased all contact” with the businessman after his name was raised in the case. A statement was released by his office said he met the alleged spy via “official channels” with “nothing of a sensitive nature ever discussed”. Watch | South Korea's First Lady Caught on Camera Praising Man's Sexual 'Power' After Palm Reading 'Close confidant' H6, a "close confidant" of Prince Andrew, has been banned from entering the United Kingdom. This comes after he lost an appeal against the decision on national security grounds. The man brought the case after he was banned from the UK in March 2023. The businessman had built a close relationship with Prince Andrew and was even invited to his birthday party in 2020. The man was further told that he could act on behalf of Prince Andrew while dealing with potential investors in China. The hearing of the case was held in the Special Immigration Appeals Commission. The court considers appeals against decisions to ban a person from a country on national security grounds. Also read | Who is Georgia's new far-right President Mikheil Kavelashvili? In the published ruling, the court said that the then-home secretary, Suella Braverman, was "entitled to conclude that [H6] represented a risk to the national security of the United Kingdom and that she was entitled to conclude that his exclusion was justified and proportionate". The court further found that H6 surrendered several electronic devices like his mobile phone when he was stopped by UK border security in November 2021. A letter was found in one of his devices in which the adviser of Prince Andrew wrote, "Outside of [the prince's] closest internal confidants, you sit at the very top of a tree that many, many people would like to be on." (With inputs from agencies)

Prince Andrew invited 'Chinese spy' to Buckingham Palace: Report

Prince Andrew has defended his ties to a former individual banned in the UK for alleged espionage, stating that he ended all contact with the person in question. The Duke of York faces growing scrutiny over his associations, but insists that no further interactions have taken place since the ban was enforced.

Prince Andrew Says He 'Ceased All Contact' With Alleged Chinese Spy

A Chinese businessman, only known as H6 and a "close confidant" of the Duke of York Prince Andrew, has been banned from entering the United Kingdom. This comes after he lost an appeal against the decision on national security grounds. The man brought the case after he was banned from the UK in March 2023.

The businessman had built a close relationship with Prince Andrew and was even invited to his birthday party in 2020. The man was further told that he could act on behalf of Prince Andrew while dealing with potential investors in China.

Buckingham Palace (The royal residence in London) did not comment on the matter saying they do not act for the prince, who is not a working royal, BBC reported.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Suspected Chinese Businessman With Close Links to Prince Andrew Banned From UK

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The hearing of the case was held in the Special Immigration Appeals Commission. The court considers appeals against decisions to ban a person from a country on national security grounds.&nbsp;

In the published ruling, the court said that the then-home secretary, Suella Braverman, was "entitled to conclude that [H6] represented a risk to the national security of the United Kingdom and that she was entitled to conclude that his exclusion was justified and proportionate".

The court further found that H6 surrendered several electronic devices like his mobile phone when he was stopped by UK border security in November 2021. A letter was found in one of his devices in which the adviser of Prince Andrew wrote, "Outside of [the prince's] closest internal confidants, you sit at the very top of a tree that many, many people would like to be on."

"Under your guidance, we found a way to get the relevant people unnoticed in and out of the house in Windsor," the letter further read.&nbsp;

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A document was also found to have "main talking points" for a call with Prince Andrew.&nbsp;The document said, "IMPORTANT: Manage expectations. Important to not set 'too high' expectations - he is in a desperate situation and will grab onto anything."

In another letter, H6 was told that he could act on behalf of Prince Andrew while dealing with potential partners and investors in China.&nbsp;

Based on this, the court said, "H6 was in a position to generate relationships between senior Chinese officials and prominent UK figures which could be leveraged for political interference purposes by the Chinese State".

(With inputs from agencies)

A Chinese businessman, only known as H6 and a "close confidant" of the Duke of York Prince Andrew, has been banned from entering the United Kingdom. This comes after he lost an appeal against the decision on national security grounds.

A Chinese businessman, only known as H6 and a "close confidant" of the Duke of York Prince Andrew, has been banned from entering the United Kingdom. This comes after he lost an appeal against the decision on national security grounds. The man brought the case after he was banned from the UK in March 2023. The businessman had built a close relationship with Prince Andrew and was even invited to his birthday party in 2020. The man was further told that he could act on behalf of Prince Andrew while dealing with potential investors in China. Buckingham Palace (The royal residence in London) did not comment on the matter saying they do not act for the prince, who is not a working royal, BBC reported. Watch | Suspected Chinese Businessman With Close Links to Prince Andrew Banned From UK The hearing of the case was held in the Special Immigration Appeals Commission. The court considers appeals against decisions to ban a person from a country on national security grounds. In the published ruling, the court said that the then-home secretary, Suella Braverman, was "entitled to conclude that [H6] represented a risk to the national security of the United Kingdom and that she was entitled to conclude that his exclusion was justified and proportionate". The court further found that H6 surrendered several electronic devices like his mobile phone when he was stopped by UK border security in November 2021. A letter was found in one of his devices in which the adviser of Prince Andrew wrote, "Outside of [the prince's] closest internal confidants, you sit at the very top of a tree that many, many people would like to be on." "Under your guidance, we found a way to get the relevant people unnoticed in and out of the house in Windsor," the letter further read. Also read | Francois Bayrou is the new prime minister of France, announces Macron A document was also found to have "main talking points" for a call with Prince Andrew. The document said, "IMPORTANT: Manage expectations. Important to not set 'too high' expectations - he is in a desperate situation and will grab onto anything." In another letter, H6 was told that he could act on behalf of Prince Andrew while dealing with potential partners and investors in China. Based on this, the court said, "H6 was in a position to generate relationships between senior Chinese officials and prominent UK figures which could be leveraged for political interference purposes by the Chinese State". (With inputs from agencies)

'Close confidant' of Prince Andrew banned from UK after losing appeal

Chinese spies reportedly used a right-wing Belgian politician as an intelligence asset for three years, the Financial Times reported earlier this week, highlighting China’s widespread influence operations overseas.

According to the report, Frank Creyelman, a former Belgian senator, was contacted by Daniel Woo, an officer in China’s Ministry of State Security to unduly influence discussions in Europe concerning Europe and Europe’s relations with the US and UK.

Woo also asked Creyelman to convince some lawmakers in the European parliament to speak in favour of China over some issues. 
 
“Our purpose is to divide the US-European relationship,” Woo wrote in a text message to Creyelman.

The relationship between the Chinese agent and his asset in Europe was revealed in secret documents obtained by the Financial Times, Der Spiegel and Le Monde from a western security agency.

<h2>Espionage efforts by China</h2>

The episode highlights continued efforts by the Chinese Ministry of State Security (MSS) to engage in intelligence operations on foreign soil, spanning Canberra, Ottawa, London and even Washington DC.&nbsp;

The Western nations have repeatedly warned against such covert operations.

“The MSS has spent decades trying to shape politics and global discourse on China. Recruiting and manipulating academics, policymakers, business leaders and, as this case shows, even politicians is part of that,” Alex Joske, a consultant at McGrathNicol and the author of Spies and Lies, was quoted as saying by the Financial Times.

<h2>What tasks were given by Woo to Creyelman?</h2>

As per the report, Woo once entrusted Creyelman with “attacking Adrian Zenz”, a researcher who helped reveal how China detained hundreds of thousands of the mainly Muslim Uyghur minority in its far-western region of Xinjiang.

Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas: Exposed: How China is using LinkedIn for espionage

&nbsp;

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On one occasion, he asked the former Belgian senator to disrupt a conference on Taiwan.

<h2>Modus Operandi</h2>

According to one CIA officer, cited by the FT, these Chinese agents especially focus on low-ranking officials having contacts with senior politicians.

“These lower-ranking politicians have established access to senior officials, regularly discuss with them sensitive topics and then, wittingly or unwittingly, share with the MSS what they have gleaned,” said the former CIA officer.

It was still unclear how the Chinese agent managed to hire Creyelman, the FT report said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spy-balloon-panda-diplomacy-us-china-ties-in-2023-entered-a-phase-of-21st-century-cold-war-669728">Also read:&nbsp;Spy balloon, Panda diplomacy: US-China ties in 2023 entered a phase of 21st century cold war</a>

However, experts noted that Europe had become a soft target of such covert and secret Chinese operations as “the consequences of being caught in Europe were less severe than in the US”.

(With inputs from agencies)

Chinese spies reportedly used a right-wing Belgian politician as an intelligence asset for three years, the Financial Times reported earlier this week, highlighting China’s widespread influence operations overseas.

Chinese spies reportedly used a right-wing Belgian politician as an intelligence asset for three years, the Financial Times reported earlier this week, highlighting China’s widespread influence operations overseas. According to the report, Frank Creyelman, a former Belgian senator, was contacted by Daniel Woo, an officer in China’s Ministry of State Security to unduly influence discussions in Europe concerning Europe and Europe’s relations with the US and UK. Woo also asked Creyelman to convince some lawmakers in the European parliament to speak in favour of China over some issues. “Our purpose is to divide the US-European relationship,” Woo wrote in a text message to Creyelman. The relationship between the Chinese agent and his asset in Europe was revealed in secret documents obtained by the Financial Times, Der Spiegel and Le Monde from a western security agency. Espionage efforts by China The episode highlights continued efforts by the Chinese Ministry of State Security (MSS) to engage in intelligence operations on foreign soil, spanning Canberra, Ottawa, London and even Washington DC. The Western nations have repeatedly warned against such covert operations. “The MSS has spent decades trying to shape politics and global discourse on China. Recruiting and manipulating academics, policymakers, business leaders and, as this case shows, even politicians is part of that,” Alex Joske, a consultant at McGrathNicol and the author of Spies and Lies, was quoted as saying by the Financial Times. What tasks were given by Woo to Creyelman? As per the report, Woo once entrusted Creyelman with “attacking Adrian Zenz”, a researcher who helped reveal how China detained hundreds of thousands of the mainly Muslim Uyghur minority in its far-western region of Xinjiang. Watch: Gravitas: Exposed: How China is using LinkedIn for espionage × On one occasion, he asked the former Belgian senator to disrupt a conference on Taiwan. Modus Operandi According to one CIA officer, cited by the FT, these Chinese agents especially focus on low-ranking officials having contacts with senior politicians. “These lower-ranking politicians have established access to senior officials, regularly discuss with them sensitive topics and then, wittingly or unwittingly, share with the MSS what they have gleaned,” said the former CIA officer. It was still unclear how the Chinese agent managed to hire Creyelman, the FT report said. Also read: Spy balloon, Panda diplomacy: US-China ties in 2023 entered a phase of 21st century cold war However, experts noted that Europe had become a soft target of such covert and secret Chinese operations as “the consequences of being caught in Europe were less severe than in the US”. (With inputs from agencies)

How a Chinese spy used a European senator as intelligence asset for three years

A US Navy soldier has&nbsp;admitted that he took $15,000 as a bribe in exchange for providing photos of unclassified US military information to China, including on US military exercises in Indo-Pacific.

Pleading guilty to conspiracy and receiving a bribe, 26-year-old Petty Officer Wenheng "Thomas" Zhao said he was in contact with a Chinese intelligence officer who had coaxed him into providing sensitive information.

“Officer Zhao betrayed his country and the men and women of the US Navy by accepting bribes from a foreign adversary,”&nbsp;US Attorney Martin Estrada said on Tuesday (Oct 11) in a press release.

“While he and the PRC officer he served took great pains to conceal their corrupt scheme, investigators were vigilant in uncovering this shameful plot.”&nbsp;

“Today’s resolution, requiring Zhao to plead guilty to all charges against him, shows that we will act swiftly and decisively to protect our nation from those who seek to undermine our security.”

<h2>Information contained US military exercises in Indo-Pacific&nbsp;</h2>

In his plea at a federal court in Los Angeles, California-based Zhao admitted to passing off plans for US military exercises in the Indo-Pacific region, operational orders and electrical diagrams and blueprints for a radar system on a US military base in Okinawa, Japan.

Zhao, who worked at Naval Base Ventura County in California, faces a maximum of 20 years in prison.&nbsp;A judge is expected to determine his final sentence.

“The intelligence services of the People’s Republic of China actively target clearance holders across the military, seeking to entice them with money to provide sensitive government information,” Assistant Attorney General for National Security Matthew G Olsen said.

“When contacted by his co-conspirator, rather than reporting it to the Navy, the Defendant chose greed over protecting the national security of the United States.”

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“He is now being held accountable for his crimes. To others tempted to put personal profit ahead of patriotic duty, know that we are committed to identifying you and bringing you to justice,” Olsen added.

<h2>Was arrested in August&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>

Zhao was arrested in August along with another navy sailor, 22-year-old Jinchao Wei, who was taken into custody for a separate alleged plot to pass sensitive security information to Chinese officials.&nbsp;

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Wei, who served aboard the San Diego-based USS Essex, was busted on espionage charges after he allegedly provided China with detailed information of the ship and its crew.

(With inputs from agencies)

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A US Navy soldier has admitted that he took $15,000 as a bribe in exchange for providing photos of unclassified US military information to China, including on US military exercises in Indo-Pacific.

A US Navy soldier has admitted that he took $15,000 as a bribe in exchange for providing photos of unclassified US military information to China, including on US military exercises in Indo-Pacific. Pleading guilty to conspiracy and receiving a bribe, 26-year-old Petty Officer Wenheng "Thomas" Zhao said he was in contact with a Chinese intelligence officer who had coaxed him into providing sensitive information. “Officer Zhao betrayed his country and the men and women of the US Navy by accepting bribes from a foreign adversary,” US Attorney Martin Estrada said on Tuesday (Oct 11) in a press release. “While he and the PRC officer he served took great pains to conceal their corrupt scheme, investigators were vigilant in uncovering this shameful plot.” “Today’s resolution, requiring Zhao to plead guilty to all charges against him, shows that we will act swiftly and decisively to protect our nation from those who seek to undermine our security.” Information contained US military exercises in Indo-Pacific In his plea at a federal court in Los Angeles, California-based Zhao admitted to passing off plans for US military exercises in the Indo-Pacific region, operational orders and electrical diagrams and blueprints for a radar system on a US military base in Okinawa, Japan. Zhao, who worked at Naval Base Ventura County in California, faces a maximum of 20 years in prison. A judge is expected to determine his final sentence. “The intelligence services of the People’s Republic of China actively target clearance holders across the military, seeking to entice them with money to provide sensitive government information,” Assistant Attorney General for National Security Matthew G Olsen said. “When contacted by his co-conspirator, rather than reporting it to the Navy, the Defendant chose greed over protecting the national security of the United States.” Also read | Hamas terrorist kills elderly woman, family finds video of ghastly act on Facebook “He is now being held accountable for his crimes. To others tempted to put personal profit ahead of patriotic duty, know that we are committed to identifying you and bringing you to justice,” Olsen added. Was arrested in August Zhao was arrested in August along with another navy sailor, 22-year-old Jinchao Wei, who was taken into custody for a separate alleged plot to pass sensitive security information to Chinese officials. Also read | 'Extremely dangerous' Hurricane Lidia makes landfall in Mexico as category-4 storm Wei, who served aboard the San Diego-based USS Essex, was busted on espionage charges after he allegedly provided China with detailed information of the ship and its crew. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

US Navy soldier admits to taking $15,000 bribe for passing military information to China

Is America being flooded with Chinese agents? There are reports of thousands of military-age Chinese men illegally entering America through the country's southern border. Reports claim these men have similar haircut, tattoos and clothes. Why is China sending an army of agents into the U.S.? What is Beijing's game plan?

Gravitas: U.S. being flooded with Chinese spies? | PLA-linked men enter America

In another twist to the story of a suspected Chinese spy working in the British Parliament, it was revealed by The Sun tabloid that one of its political reporters matched with him on a dating app. 
 
British police informed at the weekend that a man, identified as Chris Cash, was arrested from his home in Edinburgh for spying, as the Sunday Times reported that he was working as a researcher in the parliament of Britain. 
 
He was arrested in March by Metropolitan Police Service officers, along with another man who was in his thirties, on suspicion of offences under the Official Secrets Act and both of them were bailed until October.

<h2>Not a great match</h2>

Speaking about her close call with the suspected spy on the dating app Hinge, Sun Political correspondent Noa Hoffman revealed, “Swiping through dating apps, you quickly learn how many weird men are out there and, importantly, how to avoid them. What no one prepares you for are the warning signs you could be flirting with a spy for the Chinese.”

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“I matched with Mr X on Hinge after being impressed by his sweet profile. He was attractive, clearly into sports and had a thriving social life. On the app he told me he worked in Parliament, just as I do,” she added. 
 
“We bonded over our favourite glitzy Westminster drink receptions and even dating disaster stories, which now seems ironic. He said he worked for a high-profile organisation advising MPs on China. He spoke passionately about how he lived in the country but was now banned from returning,” she narrated, as reported by The Sun. 
 
“And he discussed his admiration and connections to senior Tory MPs interested in the region. We arranged to go for drinks at a swanky Covent Garden cocktail bar on multiple occasions – but at the last minute something always came up. Eventually I lost interest,” she said.

WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: Exposed: How China is using LinkedIn for espionage

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“But I often saw him swanning around parliament and he continued to message me and many other journalists with briefings on China and invitations to "Westminster China Policy'' socials. My jaw dropped when I learned he’d been arrested in March on spying allegations,” the reporter added.

<h2>China 'refutes' spying allegations</h2>

Meanwhile, China had said that it "resolutely opposes" the allegations of spying levied by the United Kingdom after the suspect's arrest. 
 
"The so-called claim that China is conducting espionage activities against the UK is pure fabrication," said foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning, in a press news conference. "China resolutely opposes this,” she added. 
 
"We urge the UK to stop spreading disinformation and stop its anti-China political manipulation and malicious slander,” Mao stated.

(With inputs from agencies)

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In another twist to the story of a suspected Chinese spy working in the British Parliament, it was revealed by The Sun tabloid that one of its political reporters matched with him on a dating app.

In another twist to the story of a suspected Chinese spy working in the British Parliament, it was revealed by The Sun tabloid that one of its political reporters matched with him on a dating app. British police informed at the weekend that a man, identified as Chris Cash, was arrested from his home in Edinburgh for spying, as the Sunday Times reported that he was working as a researcher in the parliament of Britain. He was arrested in March by Metropolitan Police Service officers, along with another man who was in his thirties, on suspicion of offences under the Official Secrets Act and both of them were bailed until October. Not a great match Speaking about her close call with the suspected spy on the dating app Hinge, Sun Political correspondent Noa Hoffman revealed, “Swiping through dating apps, you quickly learn how many weird men are out there and, importantly, how to avoid them. What no one prepares you for are the warning signs you could be flirting with a spy for the Chinese.” ALSO READ | What is known about alleged 'Chinese spy' Chris Cash, a UK parliamentary researcher? “I matched with Mr X on Hinge after being impressed by his sweet profile. He was attractive, clearly into sports and had a thriving social life. On the app he told me he worked in Parliament, just as I do,” she added. “We bonded over our favourite glitzy Westminster drink receptions and even dating disaster stories, which now seems ironic. He said he worked for a high-profile organisation advising MPs on China. He spoke passionately about how he lived in the country but was now banned from returning,” she narrated, as reported by The Sun. “And he discussed his admiration and connections to senior Tory MPs interested in the region. We arranged to go for drinks at a swanky Covent Garden cocktail bar on multiple occasions – but at the last minute something always came up. Eventually I lost interest,” she said. WATCH | Gravitas: Exposed: How China is using LinkedIn for espionage “But I often saw him swanning around parliament and he continued to message me and many other journalists with briefings on China and invitations to "Westminster China Policy'' socials. My jaw dropped when I learned he’d been arrested in March on spying allegations,” the reporter added. China 'refutes' spying allegations Meanwhile, China had said that it "resolutely opposes" the allegations of spying levied by the United Kingdom after the suspect's arrest. "The so-called claim that China is conducting espionage activities against the UK is pure fabrication," said foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning, in a press news conference. "China resolutely opposes this,” she added. "We urge the UK to stop spreading disinformation and stop its anti-China political manipulation and malicious slander,” Mao stated. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Sun reporter matched with suspected Chinese spy Chris Cash on dating app

A British parliamentary researcher was&nbsp;arrested on suspicion of being a ‘Chinese spy’ in March this year. The researcher was named on Sunday night by The Sunday Times as Chris Cash, a 28-year-old history graduate who reportedly has links with many Tory MPs.

Police confirmed Sunday a man in his twenties, and a second in his thirties had been arrested on suspicion of espionage offences in March. The man in his twenties is reported to be a Commons passholder, who has been linked to a number of senior Tory MPs.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/well-done-india-saudi-crown-prince-all-praise-for-indias-g20-presidency-as-delhi-riyadh-bond-strengthens-634784">'Well done India': Saudi Crown Prince all praise for India's G20 presidency as Delhi-Riyadh bond strengthens</a>

<h2>Who is Chris Cash, the ‘suspected’ Chinese spy?</h2>

As per reports, Chris is a researcher in Britain’s parliament and had been seen rubbing elbows with senior Tories, including security minister Tom Tugendhat and Foreign Affairs Committee chair Alicia Kearns. He was arrested back in March and his name remained&nbsp;undisclosed until this weekend.&nbsp;

Security officials believed that the researcher was recruited as a sleeper agent while living and working in China. He was then sent back to the United Kingdom “with the intention of infiltrating political networks critical of the Beijing regime,” according to the newspaper.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/india-to-offer-russia-to-invest-trapped-rupees-serei-lavrov-634749">India to offer Russia to invest trapped rupees: Sergey Lavrov</a>

Scotland Yard confirmed the arrest of “a man in his twenties… in Edinburgh.” He and one other suspect were released on bail until a date in early October, police said.

Before his alleged arrest, Chris led the China Research Group, a body “widely seen as advocating a more ‘hawkish’ British policy towards China”, according to a 2021 academic paper. Co-founded by Tory ministers Tom Tugendhat and Neil O’Brien in April 2020, the group’s committee at one point included up to seven other MPs.

The group’s website states that it was founded to “promote debate and fresh thinking about how Britain should respond to the rise of China,” focusing on industrial, technological, and foreign policy issues. In an ironic flourish, another of its stated aims is to “provide a trustworthy source of news and informed knowledge” on China.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/train-with-possibly-kim-jong-un-on-board-leaves-north-korea-for-russia-south-korean-media-634806">Train with possibly Kim Jong Un onboard, leaves North Korea for Russia: South Korean media</a>

It was not immediately clear how much access Chris might have had to foreign affairs intelligence, or what kind of influence, if any, he might have held in Westminster. He held a parliamentary pass but did not have security clearance, according to The Sunday Times.

China strongly denies all accusations

A spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in the UK&nbsp;released a statement late Sunday night strongly denying the accusations that the country was involved in an espionage scheme involving Cash, calling them “malicious slander.”

(With inputs from agencies)

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A British parliamentary researcher was arrested on suspicion of being a ‘Chinese spy’ in March this year. The researcher was named on Sunday night by The Sunday Times as Chris Cash, a 28-year-old history graduate who reportedly has links with many Tory MPs.

A British parliamentary researcher was arrested on suspicion of being a ‘Chinese spy’ in March this year. The researcher was named on Sunday night by The Sunday Times as Chris Cash, a 28-year-old history graduate who reportedly has links with many Tory MPs. Police confirmed Sunday a man in his twenties, and a second in his thirties had been arrested on suspicion of espionage offences in March. The man in his twenties is reported to be a Commons passholder, who has been linked to a number of senior Tory MPs. Also Read | 'Well done India': Saudi Crown Prince all praise for India's G20 presidency as Delhi-Riyadh bond strengthens Who is Chris Cash, the ‘suspected’ Chinese spy? As per reports, Chris is a researcher in Britain’s parliament and had been seen rubbing elbows with senior Tories, including security minister Tom Tugendhat and Foreign Affairs Committee chair Alicia Kearns. He was arrested back in March and his name remained undisclosed until this weekend. Security officials believed that the researcher was recruited as a sleeper agent while living and working in China. He was then sent back to the United Kingdom “with the intention of infiltrating political networks critical of the Beijing regime,” according to the newspaper. Also Read | India to offer Russia to invest trapped rupees: Sergey Lavrov Scotland Yard confirmed the arrest of “a man in his twenties… in Edinburgh.” He and one other suspect were released on bail until a date in early October, police said. Before his alleged arrest, Chris led the China Research Group, a body “widely seen as advocating a more ‘hawkish’ British policy towards China”, according to a 2021 academic paper. Co-founded by Tory ministers Tom Tugendhat and Neil O’Brien in April 2020, the group’s committee at one point included up to seven other MPs. The group’s website states that it was founded to “promote debate and fresh thinking about how Britain should respond to the rise of China,” focusing on industrial, technological, and foreign policy issues. In an ironic flourish, another of its stated aims is to “provide a trustworthy source of news and informed knowledge” on China. Also Read | Train with possibly Kim Jong Un onboard, leaves North Korea for Russia: South Korean media It was not immediately clear how much access Chris might have had to foreign affairs intelligence, or what kind of influence, if any, he might have held in Westminster. He held a parliamentary pass but did not have security clearance, according to The Sunday Times. China strongly denies all accusations A spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in the UK released a statement late Sunday night strongly denying the accusations that the country was involved in an espionage scheme involving Cash, calling them “malicious slander.” (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

What is known about alleged 'Chinese spy' Chris Cash, a UK parliamentary researcher?

The Indian government recently confronted Myanmar over intelligence reports that China is constructing a surveillance military base in its Great Coco Islands, an archipelago around 55 km away from India’s Andaman and Nicobar Islands, reported Bloomberg.

Since the 1990s, several intelligence reports have been circulating about China building an intelligence facility on the island in the Bay of Bengal. However, the matter came to the spotlight recently after London-based policy research group Chatham House released a report last week claiming that the junta government was militarising the island, with the sole purpose of conducting maritime surveillance operations in the area.

Following the report, Maxar Technologies—a US-based space tech firm—released satellite images in January 2023, purportedly showing renewed levels of construction activities on the island.

The Indian officials shared these satellite pictures with their Myanmar counterparts during a meeting that appeared to show Chinese workers helping with the construction of a listening post on Coco Islands. In these pictures, the workers were also seen extending an airstrip, the Bloomberg report states citing New Delhi officials aware of the development.

The officials further revealed that Myanmar officials rejected the allegations made by India about Chinese involvement.

Reacting to the reports, a spokesman for Myanmar’s ruling State Administration Council, Major General Zaw Min Tun, refuted the allegations, calling it “absurd”.

<h2>Decoding China's Arunachal provocation</h2>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="http://13.235.153.162/videos/decoding-chinas-arunachal-provocation-should-chinas-renaming-parts-of-arunachal-pradesh-worry-india-watch-vikram-chandra-decode-chinas-latest-offensive-against-india-580279/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

He also denied that the issue was never discussed with the Indian officials, adding that Myanmar would never allow access to foreign troops.

“Myanmar and India always have discussions at many levels, but there was no specific discussion on this issue,” he was quoted as saying.

“The Indian government already knows perfectly well that only Myanmar security forces are based there, and they are doing defence activities for their own country.”

However, Indian officials told Bloomberg that they intend to persist with Myanmar as they believe that over the years, the military government has grown economically dependent on Beijing’s funds as they are grappling with the US and EU sanctions announced after 2021 coup.

India has a military facility in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, which is less than 60 kilometres (37.2 miles) away from the Coco Islands. The nation is ramping up its capacity in that island chain, the officials said, without giving more information.

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
&nbsp;

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The Indian government recently confronted Myanmar over intelligence reports that China is constructing a surveillance military base in its Great Coco Islands, an archipelago around 55 km away from India’s Andaman and Nicobar Islands, reported Bloomberg.

The Indian government recently confronted Myanmar over intelligence reports that China is constructing a surveillance military base in its Great Coco Islands, an archipelago around 55 km away from India’s Andaman and Nicobar Islands, reported Bloomberg. Since the 1990s, several intelligence reports have been circulating about China building an intelligence facility on the island in the Bay of Bengal. However, the matter came to the spotlight recently after London-based policy research group Chatham House released a report last week claiming that the junta government was militarising the island, with the sole purpose of conducting maritime surveillance operations in the area. Following the report, Maxar Technologies—a US-based space tech firm—released satellite images in January 2023, purportedly showing renewed levels of construction activities on the island. The Indian officials shared these satellite pictures with their Myanmar counterparts during a meeting that appeared to show Chinese workers helping with the construction of a listening post on Coco Islands. In these pictures, the workers were also seen extending an airstrip, the Bloomberg report states citing New Delhi officials aware of the development. The officials further revealed that Myanmar officials rejected the allegations made by India about Chinese involvement. Reacting to the reports, a spokesman for Myanmar’s ruling State Administration Council, Major General Zaw Min Tun, refuted the allegations, calling it “absurd”. Decoding China's Arunachal provocation He also denied that the issue was never discussed with the Indian officials, adding that Myanmar would never allow access to foreign troops. “Myanmar and India always have discussions at many levels, but there was no specific discussion on this issue,” he was quoted as saying. “The Indian government already knows perfectly well that only Myanmar security forces are based there, and they are doing defence activities for their own country.” However, Indian officials told Bloomberg that they intend to persist with Myanmar as they believe that over the years, the military government has grown economically dependent on Beijing’s funds as they are grappling with the US and EU sanctions announced after 2021 coup. India has a military facility in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, which is less than 60 kilometres (37.2 miles) away from the Coco Islands. The nation is ramping up its capacity in that island chain, the officials said, without giving more information. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

India confronts Myanmar over construction of Chinese spy posts in neighbouring Coco Islands: Report

Indian police tracked down a Chinese woman on Thursday (December 29) in Gaya, a Buddhist pilgrim centre in the eastern state of Bihar. She was believed to be a "Chinese spy" and a potential threat to the Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama.&nbsp;

The local police had released a sketch of the woman, who was identified as Song Xiaolan. Her presence at the Buddhist pilgrim town of Bodh Gaya sparked security concerns as the arrest coincided with Dalai Lama's Bodh Gaya visit.&nbsp;

However, intelligence officers probed her and didn't find any evidence linking her to alleged espionage, a senior Bihar police officer said on Thursday evening as per media reports.&nbsp;

Bihar’s additional director general (headquarters) Jitendra Singh Gangwar said, "There is no evidence to indicate that she was a spy".&nbsp;

Harpreet Kaur, who is the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) in Gaya told the news agency PTI that the foreign national was picked up from a guest house. After the initial probe, she turned out to be an ardent follower of the Buddhist preacher.&nbsp;

Previously, it was reported that Song was plotting to harm the Tibetan spiritual leader, with Kaur stating that suspicion of her being a "Chinese spy" can't be ruled out.&nbsp;

As quoted, Kaur now said, "A search was launched for her after an intimation from the Foreigners' Regional Registration Office at Kolkata that she had violated visa norms that allowed her to stay for not more than 90 days at a stretch."&nbsp;

Kaur added that the Chinse woman has been in India since October 2019. She went to Nepal in January 2020 for four days and upon return to India and settled in McLeod Ganj—a suburb of Dharamshala in the Kangra district of the northern state of Himachal Pradesh.&nbsp;

The SSP added, "She was accompanied by another woman from Nepal whom she had met in Dharamshala. The Nepalese woman has also been taken into custody for interrogation".&nbsp;

The police officer then confirmed that the Chinese national's visa has been cancelled by FRRO and she has been slapped with a "Leave India" notice. Song will be sent to the Indian capital New Delhi for repatriation.&nbsp;

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Indian police tracked down a Chinese woman on Thursday (December 29) in Gaya, a Buddhist pilgrim centre in the eastern state of Bihar. She was believed to be a "Chinese spy" and a potential threat to the Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama.

Indian police tracked down a Chinese woman on Thursday (December 29) in Gaya, a Buddhist pilgrim centre in the eastern state of Bihar. She was believed to be a "Chinese spy" and a potential threat to the Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama. The local police had released a sketch of the woman, who was identified as Song Xiaolan. Her presence at the Buddhist pilgrim town of Bodh Gaya sparked security concerns as the arrest coincided with Dalai Lama's Bodh Gaya visit. However, intelligence officers probed her and didn't find any evidence linking her to alleged espionage, a senior Bihar police officer said on Thursday evening as per media reports. Bihar’s additional director general (headquarters) Jitendra Singh Gangwar said, "There is no evidence to indicate that she was a spy". Harpreet Kaur, who is the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) in Gaya told the news agency PTI that the foreign national was picked up from a guest house. After the initial probe, she turned out to be an ardent follower of the Buddhist preacher. Previously, it was reported that Song was plotting to harm the Tibetan spiritual leader, with Kaur stating that suspicion of her being a "Chinese spy" can't be ruled out. As quoted, Kaur now said, "A search was launched for her after an intimation from the Foreigners' Regional Registration Office at Kolkata that she had violated visa norms that allowed her to stay for not more than 90 days at a stretch." Kaur added that the Chinse woman has been in India since October 2019. She went to Nepal in January 2020 for four days and upon return to India and settled in McLeod Ganj—a suburb of Dharamshala in the Kangra district of the northern state of Himachal Pradesh. The SSP added, "She was accompanied by another woman from Nepal whom she had met in Dharamshala. The Nepalese woman has also been taken into custody for interrogation". The police officer then confirmed that the Chinese national's visa has been cancelled by FRRO and she has been slapped with a "Leave India" notice. Song will be sent to the Indian capital New Delhi for repatriation. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

A Chinese woman, suspected to be a spy, detained in India, to be repatriated

After reports claimed Britain's MI5 had unearthed spying operations involving a woman of Chinese descent who allegedly had&nbsp;improper influence over British Parliament members, China's foreign ministry dismissed the report saying "some people have seen too many James Bond films".

China's foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said, "China has no need and will never engage in so-called political interference activities."&nbsp;

China said the report was "groundless" and it sought to hype up the "China threat theory for ulterior political purposes".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-christine-lee-spy-influence-peddler-for-china-or-champion-of-chinese-people-in-uk-444627">Also Read:&nbsp;Who is Christine Lee? Spy, influence peddler for China or champion of Chinese people in UK?</a>

A report citing Britain's MI5 said that&nbsp;Christine Ching Kui Lee&nbsp;a woman of Chinese origin who runs a law firm in the UK had established links with British parliamentarians for the Chinese Communist Party(CPC).

Lee's firm reportedly has offices in Birmingham and London. Reports say the firm is a legal adviser to the Chinese embassy in Britain.

MI5 sent out an alert including a picture of Christine Lee alleging she was "involved in political interference activities" on behalf of the Chinese Communist Party as Speaker Lindsay Hoyle said she had "facilitated financial donations to serving and aspiring parliamentarians on behalf of foreign nationals based in Hong Kong and China".

Britain’s interior minister Priti Patel called the development "deeply concerning" even as&nbsp;Conservative Party leader Iain Duncan Smith asked the government to give an update over the issue.&nbsp;

(With inputs from Agencies)

After reports claimed Britain's MI5 had unearthed spying operations involving a woman of Chinese descent who allegedly had improper influence over British Parliament members, China's foreign ministry dismissed the report saying "some people have seen too many James Bond films".

After reports claimed Britain's MI5 had unearthed spying operations involving a woman of Chinese descent who allegedly had improper influence over British Parliament members, China's foreign ministry dismissed the report saying "some people have seen too many James Bond films". China's foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said, "China has no need and will never engage in so-called political interference activities." China said the report was "groundless" and it sought to hype up the "China threat theory for ulterior political purposes". Also Read: Who is Christine Lee? Spy, influence peddler for China or champion of Chinese people in UK? A report citing Britain's MI5 said that Christine Ching Kui Lee a woman of Chinese origin who runs a law firm in the UK had established links with British parliamentarians for the Chinese Communist Party(CPC). Lee's firm reportedly has offices in Birmingham and London. Reports say the firm is a legal adviser to the Chinese embassy in Britain. MI5 sent out an alert including a picture of Christine Lee alleging she was "involved in political interference activities" on behalf of the Chinese Communist Party as Speaker Lindsay Hoyle said she had "facilitated financial donations to serving and aspiring parliamentarians on behalf of foreign nationals based in Hong Kong and China". Britain’s interior minister Priti Patel called the development "deeply concerning" even as Conservative Party leader Iain Duncan Smith asked the government to give an update over the issue. (With inputs from Agencies)

Some people have seen too many James Bond films, China slams UK spy claim

A Nepalese daily has claimed to have access to a confidential document prepared by the Nepalese security officials which revealed the involvement of Chinese intelligence agency in playing an “active role” to sour Kathmandu’s relations with other countries.

The Nepalese daily, citing the secret document, also states that several spies from China’s Ministry of State Security (MSS) have infiltrated Nepal in the guise of diplomats, journalists and even businessmen.

The 50-page secret document&nbsp;claims that China&nbsp;is “playing a role” in destabilising Nepal’s relations with other countries, particularly&nbsp;the United States, and is currently actively propagating and lobbying against the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Compact grant assistance provided by the United States.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-expresses-concern-over-nepal-parliaments-delay-in-ratifying-500mn-grant-425539">US expresses concern over Nepal parliament’s delay in ratifying $500mn grant</a>

Under the MCC grant, Nepal is supposed to receive $500 million in aid from the United States. The MCC, signed in September 2017, is awaiting parliamentary ratification.

Recently, the United States government had expressed concerns over the delay in ratifying the grant.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-issues-clarification-on-mcc-ahead-of-its-officials-visit-to-nepal-411787">US issues clarification on MCC ahead of its officials’ visit to Nepal</a>

According to media reports, Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba wants the MCC to get through Parliament, but his coalition partner Pushpa Kamal Dahal, chair of the Maoist Centre, has been creating roadblocks against its approval.

Meanwhile, the 50-page confidential document prepared by Nepal intelligence officials also details all of China’s intelligence priorities, objectives, networks, and individuals in Nepal.

Nepali security forces have concluded that the Chinese intelligence officials’ top-most priority is to invalidate MCC at any cost, according to the Nepalese daily.

(With inputs from agencies)

A Nepalese daily has claimed to have access to a confidential document prepared by the Nepalese security officials which revealed the involvement of Chinese intelligence agency in playing an “active role” to sour Kathmandu’s relations with other countries.

A Nepalese daily has claimed to have access to a confidential document prepared by the Nepalese security officials which revealed the involvement of Chinese intelligence agency in playing an “active role” to sour Kathmandu’s relations with other countries. The Nepalese daily, citing the secret document, also states that several spies from China’s Ministry of State Security (MSS) have infiltrated Nepal in the guise of diplomats, journalists and even businessmen. The 50-page secret document claims that China is “playing a role” in destabilising Nepal’s relations with other countries, particularly the United States, and is currently actively propagating and lobbying against the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Compact grant assistance provided by the United States. Also read | US expresses concern over Nepal parliament’s delay in ratifying $500mn grant Under the MCC grant, Nepal is supposed to receive $500 million in aid from the United States. The MCC, signed in September 2017, is awaiting parliamentary ratification. Recently, the United States government had expressed concerns over the delay in ratifying the grant. Also read | US issues clarification on MCC ahead of its officials’ visit to Nepal According to media reports, Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba wants the MCC to get through Parliament, but his coalition partner Pushpa Kamal Dahal, chair of the Maoist Centre, has been creating roadblocks against its approval. Meanwhile, the 50-page confidential document prepared by Nepal intelligence officials also details all of China’s intelligence priorities, objectives, networks, and individuals in Nepal. Nepali security forces have concluded that the Chinese intelligence officials’ top-most priority is to invalidate MCC at any cost, according to the Nepalese daily. (With inputs from agencies)

Chinese spy agency playing active role to destabilise Nepal’s relations with other nations: Report

A spy for the Chinese Ministry of State Security has been convicted by a federal jury of plotting to steal trade secrets from several US&nbsp;aviation and aerospace companies, the Justice Department said on Friday.

Yanjun Xu, the first Chinese operative extradited to the United States for trial, was convicted of two counts of conspiring and attempting to commit economic espionage, in addition to a count of conspiracy to commit trade secret theft and two counts of attempted theft of trade secrets.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-doesnt-want-deeper-us-india-relations-taking-actions-to-press-territorial-claims-with-neighbour-us-426795">China doesn’t want deeper US-India relations, taking 'actions’ to press territorial claims with neighbour: US</a>

The ruling means Yanjun could face up to 60 years in prison total for all violations and fines totaling more than $5 million, according to a press release. He will be sentenced by a federal district court judge.

In a statement, FBI Assistant Director Alan Kohler Jr. said the bureau was working with dozens of US&nbsp;agencies to share information and resources to combat operations by the People's Republic of China.

"For those who doubt the real goals of the PRC, this should be a wakeup call; they are stealing American technology to benefit their economy and military," he said.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/32-nations-to-remove-china-from-preferential-tariff-treatment-on-december-1-426551">32 nations to remove China from preferential tariff treatment on December 1&nbsp;</a>

Going back as far as 2013, Yanjun was accused of using multiple aliases to carry out economic espionage and steal trade secrets on behalf of China. Multiple US&nbsp;aviation and aerospace companies, including GE Aviation, a unit of General Electric Co, were his targets, the release said.

A spy for the Chinese Ministry of State Security has been convicted by a federal jury of plotting to steal trade secrets from several US aviation and aerospace companies, the Justice Department said on Friday.

A spy for the Chinese Ministry of State Security has been convicted by a federal jury of plotting to steal trade secrets from several US aviation and aerospace companies, the Justice Department said on Friday. Yanjun Xu, the first Chinese operative extradited to the United States for trial, was convicted of two counts of conspiring and attempting to commit economic espionage, in addition to a count of conspiracy to commit trade secret theft and two counts of attempted theft of trade secrets. Also Read | China doesn’t want deeper US-India relations, taking 'actions’ to press territorial claims with neighbour: US The ruling means Yanjun could face up to 60 years in prison total for all violations and fines totaling more than $5 million, according to a press release. He will be sentenced by a federal district court judge. In a statement, FBI Assistant Director Alan Kohler Jr. said the bureau was working with dozens of US agencies to share information and resources to combat operations by the People's Republic of China. "For those who doubt the real goals of the PRC, this should be a wakeup call; they are stealing American technology to benefit their economy and military," he said. Also Read | 32 nations to remove China from preferential tariff treatment on December 1 Going back as far as 2013, Yanjun was accused of using multiple aliases to carry out economic espionage and steal trade secrets on behalf of China. Multiple US aviation and aerospace companies, including GE Aviation, a unit of General Electric Co, were his targets, the release said.

Chinese spy convicted of trying to steal US aviation trade secrets

US authorities have charged a Tibetan man serving as a New York police officer with espionage. The officer worked at a station in the Queens section of the city.

The authorities have accused him of gathering information about the city's Tibetan community for the Chinese government. The officer was directed by members of the Chinese consulate in New York, according to the indictment released Monday.

Through his contacts with the Tibetan community, the 33-year-old man gathered information between 2018 and 2020 on the community's activities, as well as identified potential information sources.

According to the indictment, the man allowed members of the Chinese consulate to attend events organized by the New York Police Department.

The Chinese authorities allegedly paid him tens of thousands of dollars for his service.

The officer has been charged with four counts, including enlisting in the service of a foreign country on US soil, misrepresentation and obstructing the operation of a public service.

He was brought before a judge Monday and taken into custody. According to the NYPD, he is currently suspended without pay.

Born in China, the man was granted political asylum in the US, claiming he was tortured by Chinese authorities because of his Tibetan ethnicity.

The investigation revealed, however, that both of his parents were members of the Chinese Communist Party.

After allowing Tibet to function autonomously from 1912-1950, Beijing retook control of the territory in 1951. The Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, has lived in exile since 1959.

US authorities have charged a Tibetan man serving as a New York police officer with espionage. The officer worked at a station in the Queens section of the city.

US authorities have charged a Tibetan man serving as a New York police officer with espionage. The officer worked at a station in the Queens section of the city. The authorities have accused him of gathering information about the city's Tibetan community for the Chinese government. The officer was directed by members of the Chinese consulate in New York, according to the indictment released Monday. Through his contacts with the Tibetan community, the 33-year-old man gathered information between 2018 and 2020 on the community's activities, as well as identified potential information sources. According to the indictment, the man allowed members of the Chinese consulate to attend events organized by the New York Police Department. The Chinese authorities allegedly paid him tens of thousands of dollars for his service. The officer has been charged with four counts, including enlisting in the service of a foreign country on US soil, misrepresentation and obstructing the operation of a public service. He was brought before a judge Monday and taken into custody. According to the NYPD, he is currently suspended without pay. Born in China, the man was granted political asylum in the US, claiming he was tortured by Chinese authorities because of his Tibetan ethnicity. The investigation revealed, however, that both of his parents were members of the Chinese Communist Party. After allowing Tibet to function autonomously from 1912-1950, Beijing retook control of the territory in 1951. The Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, has lived in exile since 1959.

New York police officer charged with spying for China

A former officer for the CIA and then the FBI was charged in federal court in Hawaii Monday with selling US secrets to China, including disclosing the identities of US informants in China.

According to&nbsp;&nbsp;the US&nbsp;Justice Department,&nbsp;Alexander Yuk Ching Ma, 67, was arrested on a charge that he conspired with a relative, also a former&nbsp;CIA&nbsp;officer, to communicate classified information to Chinese intelligence officials.&nbsp;

He continued to meet with the undercover agent, accepting money and offering secrets until this month, when he said he was happy to keep working for Beijing but "would prefer to discuss opportunities after the COVID-19 pandemic has subsided," the indictment said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/heres-how-chinas-spy-racket-is-bigger-than-the-cold-war-308878">Here's how China's spy racket is bigger than the cold war!</a>

The Justice Department said Ma was arrested on August 14, but only unsealed the indictment on Monday.

Ma, 67, a naturalized US citizen born in Hong Kong, worked for the Central Intelligence Agency with a high-level security clearance from 1982 to 1989.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/all-you-need-to-know-about-chinas-espionage-programme-operation-fox-hunt-311547">All you need to know about China's espionage programme 'Operation Fox Hunt'</a>

He had a relative, unnamed and uncharged in the indictment due to his age, 85, and advanced cognitive disease, who also worked for the agency from 1967 to 1983.

The indictment says that at least as early as 2001, the two were already providing information to agents of Beijing's Ministry of State Security.

The indictment says FBI investigators gained video and audio recordings of their meetings with MSS agents in Hong Kong in March 2001 -- though it does not explain how and when they obtained such evidence

At those meetings they provided details of CIA communications, field operations and informants, and the video shows them receiving $50,000.

After them Ma applied for a position at the FBI in Hawaii that gave him access to classified information that, over the following decade at least, he downloaded and photographed documents to turn over to his Chinese handlers.

After them Ma applied for a position at the FBI in Hawaii that gave him access to classified information that, over the following decade at least, he downloaded and photographed documents to turn over to his Chinese handlers.

He and his relative were also asked to identify from pictures possible US agents and informants in China during this period, according to the charges.

The&nbsp;CIA&nbsp;and FBI declined to comment on why it took so long to arrest him. Ma's lawyer, Craig Jerome, could not immediately be reached for comment.

The case though is the latest of several brought against US government employees who sold secrets to China.

After China reportedly broke up a network of CIA sources and operatives inside China around 2010, the agency began digging deeply for leaks and possible moles that may have exposed them.

Last November Jerry Chun Shing Lee, who worked for the CIA from 1994 to 2007, was sentenced to 19 years in prison for giving US secrets to Chinese intelligence.

A former officer for the CIA and then the FBI was charged in federal court in Hawaii Monday with selling US secrets to China, including disclosing the identities of US informants in China.

A former officer for the CIA and then the FBI was charged in federal court in Hawaii Monday with selling US secrets to China, including disclosing the identities of US informants in China. According to the US Justice Department, Alexander Yuk Ching Ma, 67, was arrested on a charge that he conspired with a relative, also a former CIA officer, to communicate classified information to Chinese intelligence officials. He continued to meet with the undercover agent, accepting money and offering secrets until this month, when he said he was happy to keep working for Beijing but "would prefer to discuss opportunities after the COVID-19 pandemic has subsided," the indictment said. Also read: Here's how China's spy racket is bigger than the cold war! The Justice Department said Ma was arrested on August 14, but only unsealed the indictment on Monday. Ma, 67, a naturalized US citizen born in Hong Kong, worked for the Central Intelligence Agency with a high-level security clearance from 1982 to 1989. Also read: All you need to know about China's espionage programme 'Operation Fox Hunt' He had a relative, unnamed and uncharged in the indictment due to his age, 85, and advanced cognitive disease, who also worked for the agency from 1967 to 1983. The indictment says that at least as early as 2001, the two were already providing information to agents of Beijing's Ministry of State Security. The indictment says FBI investigators gained video and audio recordings of their meetings with MSS agents in Hong Kong in March 2001 -- though it does not explain how and when they obtained such evidence At those meetings they provided details of CIA communications, field operations and informants, and the video shows them receiving $50,000. After them Ma applied for a position at the FBI in Hawaii that gave him access to classified information that, over the following decade at least, he downloaded and photographed documents to turn over to his Chinese handlers. After them Ma applied for a position at the FBI in Hawaii that gave him access to classified information that, over the following decade at least, he downloaded and photographed documents to turn over to his Chinese handlers. He and his relative were also asked to identify from pictures possible US agents and informants in China during this period, according to the charges. The CIA and FBI declined to comment on why it took so long to arrest him. Ma's lawyer, Craig Jerome, could not immediately be reached for comment. The case though is the latest of several brought against US government employees who sold secrets to China. After China reportedly broke up a network of CIA sources and operatives inside China around 2010, the agency began digging deeply for leaks and possible moles that may have exposed them. Last November Jerry Chun Shing Lee, who worked for the CIA from 1994 to 2007, was sentenced to 19 years in prison for giving US secrets to Chinese intelligence.

Former CIA officer arrested for giving classified information to China

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