US Soldiers Arrested By FBI, Accused of Selling Secrets to China

Three US Army soldiers are at the heart of a scandal involving the alleged sale of classified defense materials to China, raising urgent questions about national security breaches.

Quick Takes

FBI arrests three US Army soldiers, two current and one former, for espionage activities involving China.
Federal grand juries in Oregon and Washington have issued indictments.
Charges include conspiracy to commit bribery, theft of government property, and transmitting national defense info.
Classified data on US military equipment allegedly sold for thousands of dollars.

Soldiers and Allegations

Jian Zhao, Li Tian, and Ruoyu Duan are accused of selling sensitive military information to China. The FBI, along with USArmy Counterintelligence, has arrested them for actions that compromise national security. Detailed data on defense systems was reportedly part of the illegal transactions. Federal grand juries in Oregon and Washington have charged them with conspiracy, bribery, and theft of government property. Investigations revealed a network of betrayals carried out between 2021 and 2024.

They allegedly shared technical military data and weapon system information. Particularly alarming is the accusation of Zhao sending classified hard drives to China in exchange for $10,000. It highlights the internal vulnerabilities in securing military intelligence. Tian and Duan also conspired for financial gains by negotiating the sale of military secrets, including details on USArmy vehicles like the Bradley and Stryker.

Federal Response and Stance

Federal officials responded strongly to the espionage breach. Attorney General Pamela Bondi remarked, “The defendants arrested today are accused of betraying our country, actively working to weaken America’s defense capabilities and empowering our adversaries in China.” Bondi stressed the seriousness of their actions and reiterated the government’s commitment to swift justice. Similarly, FBI Director Kash Patel condemned such betrayals, calling for vigilance against bribery within military ranks.

The FBI, with its Portland and Seattle Field Offices, together with Army Counterintelligence, led the charge in uncovering this conspiracy. Their decisive actions underscore the importance of international intelligence operations and the need to address threats from foreign actors aggressively. These arrests aim to deter future espionage attempts by demonstrating the US resolve to track and prosecute offenders.

Implications and Future Outlook

While the accused soldiers await trial, this incident serves as a wake-up call about ongoing foreign intelligence threats. Brigadier General Rhett R. Cox warned, “These arrests underscore the persistent and increasing foreign intelligence threat facing our Army and nation.” Such breaches not only compromise security but also put the US at a strategic disadvantage globally.

The Justice Department is firm in its actions, demanding accountability for any betrayal. This situation further brings to light the importance of securing military operations and safeguarding against leaks from within. Federal agencies’ success in this operation is a testament to their vigilance and ability to respond to espionage threats effectively.