DOJ: Three U.S. Army Soldiers Charged with Spying for China/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Three U.S. Army soldiers—two active-duty and one former—have been indicted for allegedly selling sensitive military information to individuals in China, according to the Department of Justice. The accused, Jian Zhao, Li Tian, and Ruoyo Duan, are charged with conspiracy, bribery, and theft of government property. Zhao faces additional espionage-related charges for transmitting classified national defense information. Attorney General Pam Bondi condemned the men’s actions, calling them a betrayal of the country. The FBI stated these arrests serve as a warning to potential spies.
U.S. Soldiers Charged in Espionage Case: Quick Look
- Who’s Involved?
- Jian Zhao (Active-duty supply sergeant)
- Li Tian (Active-duty Army officer)
- Ruoyo Duan (Former soldier)
- Charges Filed
- Conspiracy to commit bribery and theft of government property
- Zhao faces additional espionage and national defense information charges
- What They Allegedly Did
- Sold military secrets related to U.S. Army Bradley and Stryker vehicles
- Zhao allegedly sold classified hard drives marked “SECRET” and “TOP SECRET”
- Attempted to sell a stolen U.S. government computer and documents
- How Much Did They Receive?
- $10,000 for classified hard drives
- $5,000 for additional sensitive information
- Government Response
- Attorney General Pam Bondi: Called it an act of betrayal
- FBI Special Agent Mike Herrington: Warned spies that they will be found and prosecuted
- FBI Director Kash Patel: Vowed that the men will face American justice
DOJ: Three U.S. Army Soldiers Charged with Spying for China
Three U.S. Soldiers Accused of Leaking Secrets to China: Deep Look
Espionage Operation Uncovered
In a major national security breach, three U.S. Army soldiers—two currently serving and one former—were arrested and indicted for allegedly selling sensitive military intelligence to contacts in China. The Department of Justice (DOJ) revealed that the scheme involved classified information on U.S. weapon systems, military vehicles, and strategic defense capabilities.
Who Are the Accused?
The three soldiers charged in the case are:
- Jian Zhao, an active-duty Army supply sergeant, faces the most serious charges, including transmitting national defense information.
- Li Tian, an active-duty Army officer, allegedly gathered classified documents on U.S. military vehicles.
- Ruoyo Duan, a former Army soldier, reportedly coordinated efforts to steal and distribute military intelligence.
What Did They Allegedly Sell?
The DOJ stated that the soldiers provided China with:
- Technical manuals for Bradley and Stryker fighting vehicles
- Documents on the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS)
- Details on U.S. military readiness for potential conflicts with China
- Several classified hard drives labeled “SECRET” and “TOP SECRET”
How the Scheme Worked
- Tian and Duan conspired to steal military information between 2021 and 2024.
- Zhao allegedly negotiated with individuals in China to sell classified data starting in July 2024.
- The men were paid at least $15,000 total for stolen military secrets.
Government’s Response to the Breach
Attorney General Pam Bondi
“These soldiers actively worked to weaken America’s defense capabilities and empower our adversaries. They will face swift, severe, and comprehensive justice.”
FBI Special Agent Mike Herrington
“These arrests should send a message: We will track down and prosecute spies who betray this country.”
FBI Director Kash Patel
“The men stole American defense intelligence and empowered adversaries like China. They will face justice for their actions.”
Next Steps in the Case
- All three suspects remain in custody pending trial.
- Zhao faces espionage charges and could receive a lengthy prison sentence.
- National security experts warn of growing foreign espionage threats targeting the U.S. military.
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