US Army Soldiers Arrested for Allegedly Spying for China

In a startling development that has sent shockwaves through the U.S. military and intelligence communities, two active-duty U.S. Army soldiers and one former service member have been arrested and charged with crimes related to national security. The individuals—Jian Zhao, Li Tian, and Ruoyu Duan—stand accused of engaging in espionage activities on behalf of the People’s Republic of China.

The Accused: Profiles and Allegations

Jian Zhao, an active-duty U.S. Army Supply Sergeant stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) in Washington State, has been charged with conspiring to obtain and transmit national defense information to individuals in China.

The indictment alleges that Zhao conspired with others to collect and transmit classified hard drives, including those marked “SECRET” and “TOP SECRET,” to individuals in China. He reportedly received at least $10,000 in exchange for selling the classified hard drives. Additionally, Zhao is accused of conspiring to sell stolen U.S. government property, including an encryption-capable computer and sensitive U.S. military documents and information.

Li Tian, also an active-duty U.S. Army officer, and Ruoyu Duan, a former U.S. Army soldier, have been charged with conspiring to commit bribery and theft of government property. The indictment alleges that they conspired to gather sensitive military information related to U.S. Army operational capabilities and transmit it to each other in exchange for money. Specifically, Tian was tasked with gathering information on U.S. military weapon systems, including information on the Bradley and Stryker U.S. Army fighting vehicles, and transmitting them to Duan.

The Investigation: Uncovering the Espionage Network

The arrests resulted from a comprehensive investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the U.S. Army Counterintelligence Command. The collaborative efforts of these agencies uncovered a network of individuals allegedly engaged in illicit activities that compromised national security.

FBI Director Kash Patel emphasized the severity of the allegations, stating, “The defendants arrested on Friday are accused of betraying our country, actively working to weaken America’s defense capabilities and empowering our adversaries in China. They will face swift, severe, and comprehensive justice.”

Brigadier General Rhett R. Cox, Commanding General of the Army Counterintelligence Command, highlighted the persistent threat posed by foreign intelligence operations, noting, “These arrests underscore the persistent and increasing foreign intelligence threat facing our Army and nation. Along with the Department of Justice and FBI, Army Counterintelligence Command will continue to work tirelessly to hold those accountable who irresponsibly and selfishly abandon the Army values and choose personal gain over duty to our nation.”

Legal Proceedings: Charges and Potential Penalties

The legal proceedings against Zhao, Tian, and Duan are underway in federal courts. Zhao faces charges in the Western District of Washington for conspiring to obtain and transmit national defense information, bribery, and theft of government property. Tian and Duan are charged in the District of Oregon with conspiring to commit bribery and theft of government property.

If convicted, the accused could face severe penalties, including lengthy prison sentences. The charges reflect the gravity of their alleged actions and the potential harm to U.S. national security.

A Broader Pattern: Recent Cases of Espionage

These arrests are part of a broader pattern of espionage activities targeting the U.S. military. In August 2023, two U.S. Navy sailors were arrested on charges related to allegedly spying for China. Both were accused of passing along national defense information to Chinese intelligence officials in return for cash payments.

In one case, Petty Officer Wenheng Zhao, who worked at Naval Base Ventura County in Port Hueneme and held a U.S. security clearance, allegedly received bribes from a Chinese intelligence officer in exchange for transmitting sensitive U.S. military information. The indictment states that Zhao had access to material classified as secret and that he had passed along national defense information to Chinese intelligence officials.

The Implications: Assessing the Damage

The alleged actions of Zhao, Tian, and Duan have raised significant concerns about the integrity of U.S. military operations and the potential compromise of sensitive information. The transmission of classified data, including information on U.S. Army fighting vehicles and other defense systems, could provide adversaries with critical insights into American military capabilities and strategies.

The Department of Defense is conducting a thorough damage assessment to determine the extent of the information compromised and to implement measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Jian Zhao, and Li Tian, active-duty U.S. Army soldiers stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, along with Ruoyu Duan, a former U.S. Army soldier, were arrested today following indictments by federal grand juries in the District of Oregon and the Western District of Washington. pic.twitter.com/zNqlNpvazF

— Army Counterintelligence Command (ACIC) (@Real_ArmyCI) March 7, 2025

Conclusion: Vigilance in the Face of Espionage

The arrests of Jian Zhao, Li Tian, and Ruoyu Duan remind us of the ongoing threats posed by foreign intelligence operations targeting the U.S. military. These cases underscore the need for heightened vigilance, robust counterintelligence efforts, and a steadfast commitment to safeguarding national security.

As the legal proceedings unfold, the U.S. government remains resolute in its determination to hold accountable those who betray their country and to protect the nation’s defense capabilities from foreign adversaries.