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US Officials Uncover Multiple Chinese Espionage Operations in 2025
A wave of alarming Chinese espionage efforts targeting the United States has been uncovered by government officials throughout 2025, ranging from biological weapon smuggling attempts to military intelligence breaches and sophisticated cyber operations.
Federal authorities have disrupted multiple high-profile operations, including a case involving Chinese nationals attempting to smuggle what officials described as a “potential agroterrorism weapon” into the country. One suspect, Yunqing Jian, a 33-year-old Chinese citizen employed as a researcher at the University of Michigan, was allegedly receiving funds from the Chinese government for her work on the pathogen. Her boyfriend, employed at a Chinese university researching the same pathogen, initially denied but later admitted to smuggling it through Detroit airport to his girlfriend’s laboratory.
Jian eventually pleaded guilty, was sentenced to time served, and deported back to China. Her boyfriend was immediately deported upon his apprehension at Detroit airport.
In a separate but similar case this month, an Indiana University Chinese researcher, Youhuang Xiang, was accused by the FBI of attempting to smuggle Escherichia coli (E. coli) into the United States. The FBI also charged Xiang with making false statements to law enforcement.
Military espionage has been another significant concern. In July, federal officials disrupted what they described as a “Clandestine PRC Ministry of State Security Intelligence Network” operating within the United States. This network allegedly attempted to recruit active-duty American soldiers as intelligence assets by offering thousands of dollars in bribes.
The following month saw the conviction of former Navy sailor Jinchao Wei, also known as Patrick Wei, who was caught selling U.S. military secrets to a Chinese intelligence officer for $12,000.
Chinese cyber operations have also intensified. A major Chinese-linked hacking group known as “Salt Typhoon” reportedly compromised at least 200 American companies as part of broader efforts that included accessing law enforcement wiretapping mechanisms and information on members of Congress. According to the FBI’s top cyber chief, critical infrastructure manufacturers including AT&T, Verizon, and Charter Communications have been exposed by the group, whose activities date back several years despite only being publicly uncovered in 2024.
In March, the Department of Justice announced it had disrupted a “Hacker-for-Hire Ecosystem” operating from China at the direction of Chinese intelligence officers. These hackers worked for private companies and as contractors in China, creating a structure designed to obscure the Chinese government’s involvement in information theft operations.
China’s land acquisitions near sensitive U.S. locations have raised additional national security concerns. Chinese-linked entities have been purchasing property near military installations, including a trailer park adjacent to Missouri’s Whiteman Air Force Base, home to America’s B-2 bomber fleet.
“From smuggling crop-killing pathogens and E. Coli into the United States, to conspicuously purchasing a trailer park that shares a fence with America’s entire B-2 bomber fleet and selling ‘green’ tech devices that spread kill switches across our electrical grid, Communist China seeks to harm the American homeland,” said Michael Lucci, founder of State Armor Action, a conservative group focused on state-level responses to global security threats.
Gatestone Institute Senior Fellow Gordon Chang noted on Fox Business that while “President Trump is not afraid of the Chinese,” he expressed concern about Trump’s approach to the “information war” with China. Chang argued that despite Chinese messaging suggesting otherwise, “when you look at the reality, President Trump is going after China across the board.”
The escalating pattern of espionage attempts has prompted calls for stronger countermeasures. “These events are just the tip of the iceberg,” Lucci warned. “Lawmakers across the country must accelerate action to shield Americans from CCP influence, espionage, and sabotage. Communist China treats the United States as an enemy, and it is past time we recognize the CCP party-state always and everywhere chooses conflict with the United States.”
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8 Comments
Concerning to hear about the ongoing Chinese espionage efforts targeting the US. This seems to be just the tip of the iceberg, as the authorities describe. I wonder what other cases may be uncovered in the coming years.
You’re right, these cases illustrate the serious security threats posed by Chinese government-backed espionage operations. It’s crucial for the US to remain vigilant and continue uncovering these activities.
The details of these Chinese espionage cases are quite startling. The attempted smuggling of bioweapons agents is an especially egregious violation. I hope the authorities can continue to root out and disrupt these operations.
These revelations about Chinese espionage raise serious national security concerns. I hope the government continues its efforts to uncover and disrupt these operations, even if this is just the beginning of what’s been uncovered.
The smuggling of potential bioweapons is extremely alarming. Glad the authorities were able to disrupt these attempts, but it’s worrying to think how many other such cases may be out there. Robust counterintelligence efforts are clearly needed.
I agree, the threat of agroterrorism is especially concerning. These espionage cases underscore the importance of strengthening biosecurity and supply chain security to prevent such dangerous materials from being illicitly transported.
It’s alarming to see the extent of the Chinese government’s espionage efforts targeting the US. The attempted smuggling of potential bioweapons is particularly chilling. Rigorous counterintelligence work is clearly essential to protect American interests.
Absolutely. The fact that these cases represent just the ‘tip of the iceberg’ is deeply troubling. Ongoing vigilance and a sustained, whole-of-government approach will be crucial to countering this threat.