U.S. Concerns Over Chinese Espionage in America

First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli highlighted the widespread issue of Chinese espionage in the U.S. following the recent arrest of a suspected Chinese agent in Los Angeles. In a discussion with Fox News Digital, Essayli mentioned several charges his office filed against alleged Chinese spies. He emphasized Beijing’s bold efforts to increase influence within the U.S.

Essayli stated, “I think it’s extremely pervasive. China is one of our biggest adversaries. They are committed to advancing their interests. They are playing the long game, willing to invest resources in recruiting people in the U.S.”

“They’re willing to steal our technology. They engage in espionage here. So, there’s no limit to what China is willing to do. It is a huge concern. We have to be vigilant and disrupt these operations on our soil.”

Recent cases include a woman from Irvine involved in espionage against the Taiwanese president’s family. Another individual was charged for selling more than $300 million in SI chips to China. A local mayor faced charges for serving as an unregistered agent of China, disseminating propaganda.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) intensifies its focus on combating such espionage. Essayli noted the commitment of the U.S. Attorney’s Office to support FBI investigations and file charges to disrupt these activities.

Wanying Zhang, also known as “Heather,” was arrested while boarding a plane to China. She faced accusations of acting as an unregistered agent for China, following Chinese officials’ instructions to surveil a family in Seattle. The complaint detailed her travel to Seattle in 2025 under Chinese directives, providing photos, videos, and license plate data.

Essayli wrote, “She coordinated the trip with an associate and used tradecraft to avoid detection. She never notified the attorney general she was acting for a foreign government. It is a federal offense.”

Eileen Wang, a former Arcadia mayor, also faced charges for acting as a foreign agent for China, pleading guilty in federal court.

Bill Essayli confirmed Zhang is a naturalized U.S. citizen and stated her surveillance targeted a relative of Taiwan’s president. “She was conducting surveillance on behalf of the Chinese government,” he said.

The target was reportedly Taiwan’s president’s son, according to CBS News, though the official complaint does not name him. Zhang allegedly messaged a Chinese contact while outside the home, identifying the “young one” and noting she was recording video and gathering license plate information.

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Anders Hagstrom is a reporter with Fox News Digital covering national politics and significant news events.