The Trump administration’s military faces a shocking betrayal as U.S. Army soldiers allegedly sold classified defense secrets directly to China. Is this just the tip of the iceberg in communist China’s espionage operations against America?
At a glance:
• Two active-duty U.S. Army soldiers and a former soldier were indicted for selling military secrets to China
• First Lt. Li Tian, Sgt. Jian Zhao, and former soldier Ruoyu Duan face charges of bribery and conspiracy to transmit national defense information
• The suspects allegedly sold classified materials including “SECRET” and “TOP SECRET” documents about U.S. military capabilities
• Information sold included details about High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) and U.S. military readiness in case of conflict with China
• The conspiracy spanned multiple years, with Zhao allegedly receiving at least $15,000 for his betrayal
Military Traitors Exposed in Major Chinese Espionage Operation
The Department of Justice has uncovered a disturbing case of betrayal within America’s armed forces, charging three individuals of Chinese descent with selling military secrets to communist China. First Lt. Li Tian and Sgt. Jian Zhao, both active-duty soldiers stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington state, along with former soldier Ruoyu Duan, were indicted on charges of bribery, theft of government property, and conspiracy to transmit national defense information.
The conspiracy reportedly began in November 2021 with Tian and Duan working together to gather sensitive information, with Zhao joining their treasonous activities in July 2024. According to court documents, the trio systematically stole and sold classified materials including technical manuals and hard drives labeled “SECRET” and “TOP SECRET” that contained critical information about U.S. military capabilities and readiness.
Attorney General Pamela J. Bondi did not mince words about the severity of these actions against American national security. “The defendants arrested today are accused of betraying our country, actively working to weaken America’s defense capabilities and empowering our adversaries in China,” Bondi stated in the official announcement.
— .𝕩𝕏 SJV 𝕏𝕩. (@sjvsworldtour) March 8, 2025
Selling America’s Secrets for Chinese Cash
Zhao’s betrayal was particularly egregious, as he allegedly sold information about U.S. military readiness in the event of a conflict with China – essentially giving America’s potential adversary the playbook for war. Court documents reveal that Zhao received at least $15,000 for selling classified hard drives and sensitive military documents, including critical information on High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) that have proven vital in Ukraine’s defense against Russia.
FBI Director Kash Patel promised to hold accountable all involved in this breach of national security. “The FBI and our partners will uncover attempts by those in China to steal sensitive U.S. military information and hold all accountable who play a role in betraying our national defense,” Patel declared, signaling that the investigation may be ongoing and could potentially uncover more Chinese assets embedded in U.S. defense infrastructure.
W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Seattle Field Office, delivered a stern warning to others who might consider similar treasonous activities. “These arrests should send a message to would-be spies that we and our partners have the will and the ability to find you, track you down, and hold you to account,” Herrington stated in the aftermath of the arrests.
— Max (@HongIkChoi) February 26, 2025
Growing Threat of Chinese Espionage Against America
This case represents just the latest in China’s increasingly aggressive espionage campaign against the United States under the Biden administration’s watch. Brigadier General Rhett R. Cox described the situation as a “persistent and increasing foreign intelligence threat” in his statement on the case.
The Justice Department has not disclosed whether additional individuals are under investigation, raising concerns about how deeply Chinese intelligence may have penetrated U.S. military ranks. The suspects now face prosecution in federal court and could receive lengthy prison sentences.
