In a shocking betrayal of American security, three U.S. Army personnel face severe treason charges for selling classified military secrets to China. FBI Director Kash Patel’s decisive action signals a new era of accountability for those who endanger our nation’s defense capabilities.
At a glance:
• Two active-duty soldiers and one former soldier arrested for selling state secrets to China
• Soldiers Li Tian, Jian Zhao and former soldier Ruoyu Duan charged with conspiracy, bribery and theft
• The stolen information could jeopardize U.S. national security and soldiers’ safety
• Zhao allegedly received at least $15,000 for the stolen classified information
• Attorney General Pam Bondi: accused were “actively working to weaken America’s defense capabilities”
China’s Military Espionage Exposed
The FBI and U.S. Army Counterintelligence Command have uncovered a dangerous plot involving two active-duty soldiers and one former soldier who allegedly sold classified military information to foreign adversaries. The investigation has revealed that active-duty soldier Li Tian and former soldier Ruoyu Duan were charged in Oregon with conspiracy to commit bribery and theft of government property.
Meanwhile, active-duty soldier Jian Zhao faces separate charges in Washington state for conspiracy to obtain and transmit national defense information, bribery, and theft of government property. The arrests come amid growing concerns about China’s aggressive efforts to obtain U.S. military secrets through various channels including the recruitment of American service members.
Years-Long Conspiracy Uncovered
According to federal indictments, Duan and Tian had been gathering sensitive military information from November 2021 to December 2024 in a calculated operation spanning multiple years. Investigators discovered that Tian regularly provided Duan with classified information in exchange for substantial payments, creating a dangerous pipeline of military secrets flowing to foreign entities.
Zhao’s separate conspiracy allegedly began in July 2024, with evidence showing he transmitted classified information directly to individuals in China. Court documents reveal that Zhao sold an encryption-capable computer along with critical information about military systems and readiness specifically related to China’s military interests.
“They are accused of betraying our country, actively working to weaken America’s defense capabilities and empowering our adversaries in China,” Attorney General Pam Bondi stated regarding the accused soldiers. Bondi further warned that “They will face swift, severe, and comprehensive justice,” signaling the administration’s zero-tolerance approach to threats against national security.
FBI’s New Leadership Takes Action
The decisive arrests mark one of the first major national security operations under FBI Director Kash Patel, who coordinated the response with Attorney General Bondi. Upon his confirmation as FBI Director, Patel promised Americans a singular system of justice and accountability for all those who threaten our national security.
Federal prosecutors revealed that the stolen information was sent to a co-conspirator in Changchun, China, who found buyers for the classified data on China’s black market. Investigators documented that Zhao received at least $15,000 for the stolen information, though the total value of the compromised secrets likely exceeds that amount significantly.
