The Department of Justice revealed on Thursday the detention of two active US Navy personnel under the suspicion of espionage activities on behalf of China. The alleged offense includes selling top-secret information to Beijing. The sensitive details encompass warship manuals, weapons systems schematics, radar system blueprints, and plans for a significant US military drill.
In the words of Suzanne Turner from the FBI’s Counterintelligence Division, which participated in the operation, the arrests exemplify the People’s Republic of China’s relentless and aggressive tactics to destabilize American democracy and pose threats to its defenders. She pointed out that China managed to exploit enlisted personnel to acquire sensitive military data that could gravely harm US national security.
According to a press release from the Department of Justice, Jinchao Wei, a sailor who served on the USS Essex, an amphibious assault ship docked in San Diego, is accused of leaking several documents, images, and videos that reveal the operation of ships and their systems. The provided materials even included technical and mechanical guides related to his ship’s weaponry. The 22-year-old sailor, accused of receiving substantial monetary compensation for this information, might face a lifetime sentence if found guilty.
In another case, the DoJ disclosed that Petty Officer Wenheng Zhao, aged 26, stationed at the Naval Base Ventura County located north of Los Angeles, had been involved in espionage activities for China for nearly two years. Zhao reportedly received almost $15,000 from a Chinese intelligence operative for information regarding a large-scale US military drill in the Indo-Pacific, including particulars about amphibious landings’ timing and location. Additionally, he is accused of leaking electrical diagrams and blueprints for a radar system installed at a US military base in southern Japan, an area known for its large American military presence.
US Attorney Martin Estrada criticized Zhao’s actions, stating that his actions of sharing this classified military information with a hostile foreign state intelligence officer blatantly betray his sworn duty to safeguard our nation. Estrada further noted that unlike the majority of US Navy staff who serve with honor, bravery, and distinction, Mr. Zhao deliberately chose to betray his colleagues and the nation for personal gain. If convicted, Zhao could face a jail sentence of up to 20 years.
