US Charges Two Chinese Nationals with Attempting to Recruit American Military Personnel and Gather Intelligence
A new chapter in the ongoing espionage tensions between Washington and Beijing has unfolded as the US Department of Justice officially accused two Chinese citizens of attempting to infiltrate the American defense sector and conduct intelligence activities aimed at the United States through the illegal collection and transfer of confidential information. According to authorities, 38-year-old Yuan Chen, a legal permanent resident residing in Happy Valley, Oregon, and 39-year-old Liren Lai, who arrived in Houston from China in April on a tourist visa, are believed to be linked to Chinese intelligence agencies seeking to gather information about US Navy bases and recruit military personnel for espionage activities beneficial to Beijing. Both individuals were arrested on June 27 and appeared before a federal court in Oregon the following day. Investigators report that the suspects facilitated covert cash transfers of $10,000 in exchange for sensitive security information, which was subsequently handed over to Chinese intelligence. This incident underscores growing tensions and increased espionage efforts amid US-China relations. The Chinese Foreign Ministry stated that they are unaware of the specifics of the case but will take necessary steps to protect their citizens' rights. Meanwhile, US officials have indicated that Chinese intelligence services are employing deceptive tactics to recruit current and former US government and military personnel, highlighting the expanding scope of global espionage activities.