The FBI made a major announcement on Friday, revealing that three U.S. service members have been arrested and charged with treason for allegedly attempting to sell classified military intelligence to agents of the Chinese government.
Two active-duty U.S. Army soldiers and a former soldier were arrested after they were accused of conspiring to transmit sensitive national defense information to Chinese agents, according to a statement from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ).
The DOJ identified the suspects as Jian Zhao and Li Tian, both active-duty soldiers stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord and Ruoyu Duan, a former U.S. Army soldier. The three were accused of conspiring to transmit sensitive national defense information to Chinese agents, endangering U.S. national security.
The indictment alleges that Zhao began planning to sell classified intelligence in July 2024. He is accused of transmitting “SECRET” and “TOP SECRET” materials to individuals connected to China, including sensitive data related to U.S. military capabilities.
Among the stolen information were details on the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) and U.S. military readiness in the event of a conflict with China. Zhao allegedly sold the stolen intelligence for about $15,000 and faces charges of conspiracy to transmit national defense information to unauthorized individuals.
Tian and Duan face additional charges of bribery and theft of government property.
“The defendants arrested today are accused of betraying our country, actively working to weaken America’s defense capabilities and empowering our adversaries in China,” said Attorney General Pam Bondi in a statement.
FBI Director Kash Patel reacted to the arrests on social media, condemning the actions of the three soldiers. He stressed the severity of their betrayal of U.S. national security, stating, “These individuals have been charged with stealing America’s defense intelligence capabilities and empowering adversaries like China in betrayal of our country.”
Patel reinforced that the U.S. military, entrusted with sensitive defense information, would not tolerate such acts of espionage.
The investigation, which was conducted in close partnership with U.S. Army Counterintelligence, highlights the FBI’s commitment to protecting U.S. military secrets from foreign espionage operations, particularly those led by China. Patel emphasized that the FBI and its partners would remain vigilant in uncovering and halting any further attempts by foreign powers to steal U.S. military intelligence.
Federal treason charges carry severe penalties, including the possibility of the death penalty, according to Trending Politics. In less extreme cases, the charges can result in a minimum of five years in prison and substantial fines.
The arrests are also significant in the context of Patel’s leadership at the FBI. A former national intelligence official and an ally of the America First movement, Patel has made clear his intentions to reform the Bureau. He has vowed to dismantle what he has described as a “weaponized” deep state within the agency, which he believes has undermined U.S. interests in the past.
As the investigation continues, the DOJ and the FBI are expected to pursue further leads, ensuring that any individuals involved in the betrayal of national defense intelligence will be held accountable.
