During a press briefing on Thursday, Assistant Attorney General for National Security Matt Olsen asserted that his department is committed to pursuing accountability without wavering, as two U.S. Navy personnel have been apprehended for allegedly divulging classified military information to China, posing a threat to the nation’s security.
He stated that due to the alleged actions of these individuals, sensitive military data ended up in the possession of the Chinese government. Olsen emphasized that China poses a unique and significant threat to US security, citing its unparalleled boldness and extensive activities aimed at undermining US laws.
The indicted Navy personnel were named as Jinchao Wei (also called Patrick) and Wenheng Zhao (known as Thomas), both accused of engaging in distinct missions to gather information during their tenure in the US Navy, as stated by the Department of Justice.
Wei’s purported involvement in the conspiracy is said to have originated in 2022, during his tenure as a machinist’s mate on the USS Essex, an amphibious assault ship. Allegedly, he initiated contact with a Chinese intelligence officer in February of that same year. This officer supposedly aimed to obtain details about the USS Essex and other vessels within the US Navy, as per statements from prosecutors.
Wei is being charged with allegedly providing a Chinese intelligence officer with numerous technical manuals and blueprints, unveiling essential information about weaponry and vital technology employed on the ships. Additionally, Wei is accused of capturing images and videos of military hardware, as stated by the Justice Department.
In one instance, a Chinese intelligence officer requested information about an upcoming maritime warfare exercise involving US Marines. In response, Wei provided multiple photographs of military equipment to the intelligence officer, leading to his charge for conspiring to send national defense information to China.
Another case involves Petty Officer Zhao, who allegedly accepted bribes for sharing sensitive military information accessible through his US security clearance. The Justice Department claims that a Chinese intelligence officer approached Zhao posing as a maritime economic researcher and sought investment details. Zhao is accused of taking photos and videos on behalf of the intelligence officer, including plans for a significant military exercise in the Indo-Pacific region and blueprints for a base in Japan. He is said to have received around $14,866 for this information.
These cases occur amid heightened tensions between the US and China, with both sides accusing each other of espionage. Despite diplomatic engagements, US intelligence officials consider China a significant threat to national security, and the Department of Justice vows to employ all legal means to counter this threat and safeguard national interests.
The situation involving Petty Officer Zhao centers around accusations that he accepted bribes in return for divulging classified military data accessible to him due to his US security clearance.
In August 2021, the Justice Department accused Zhao of collaborating with a Chinese intelligence officer who posed as a maritime economic researcher. Zhao allegedly provided investment information, took photos, and recorded videos for the intelligence officer. The shared information included details about a large military exercise in the Indo-Pacific region and blueprints for a Japanese base. Zhao purportedly received around $14,866 for his actions.
During this period, tensions between the US and China were high, with both sides accusing each other of espionage. A notable incident involved the sighting of a supposed Chinese spy balloon over North America, which led to a political uproar. The US claimed it was for intelligence surveillance, while China insisted it was a civilian weather balloon. The two countries exchanged allegations of flying spy balloons in each other’s airspace.
Other events further strained relations. The US arrested individuals for running covert police stations in New York City, allegedly involved in suppressing activists and dissidents. In addition, reports emerged about China’s alleged secret eavesdropping facility in Cuba, a claim vehemently denied by both Cuba and China.
Despite these tensions, there were discussions between US and Chinese diplomats, with President Joe Biden expressing hopes for improved relations. However, the US Justice Department remained resolute in countering espionage threats and deterring those who violate the rule of law to threaten national security.
However, despite US intelligence officials labeling China as the primary and most significant challenge to US national security and global influence, President Joe Biden expressed optimism in May about an upcoming improvement in relations between the two nations. Diplomatic representatives from both sides have been engaging in regular meetings.
Nonetheless, in the recent announcement on Thursday, Assistant Attorney General Matthew Olsen expressed a resolute position regarding the issue of espionage.
“Let there be no misunderstanding. As a department, we will persist in utilizing all lawful means at our disposal to counter this threat and discourage the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and its supporters from violating established legal principles and jeopardizing our national security,” he stated.