Washington: An active-duty U.S. Army sergeant has been arrested for allegedly selling sensitive military and national defense secrets to Chinese operatives, according to newly unsealed federal court documents.
Jian Zhao, a battery supply sergeant stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM) in Washington state, is accused of conspiring with an unnamed Chinese co-conspirator to sell an encrypted military computer and 20 classified hard drives.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has charged Zhao with:
Conspiring to obtain and transmit national defense information
Bribery
Theft of government property
Second JBLM Soldier Also Charged
Federal prosecutors have also charged another active-duty soldier, Li Tian, for sharing classified weapons system data related to the Bradley and Stryker U.S. Army fighting vehicles with Ruoyu Duan, a former U.S. Army soldier.
Both Tian and Duan were arrested on Thursday and charged with conspiracy to commit bribery and theft of government property, the DOJ confirmed.
Attorney General: Defendants “Betrayed Our Country”
Attorney General Pam Bondi condemned the alleged espionage, stating:
“The defendants arrested today are accused of betraying our country, actively working to weaken America’s defense capabilities, and empowering our adversaries in China. They will face swift, severe, and comprehensive justice.”
FBI Director Kash Patel also weighed in, posting on X (formerly Twitter):
“These individuals have been charged with stealing America’s defense intelligence capabilities and empowering adversaries like China in betrayal of our country. They will now face American justice.”
Zhao’s Alleged Espionage Operation
According to prosecutors, Zhao was paid $1,000 to sell an encrypted military computer and told his Chinese contact:
“It’s for two functions. It’s for encryption slot or for hard drive. It’s very rare now. Hard to find. If you can guarantee both of our safety while making some money for both of us, sell it. It’s the end of the year.”
Further investigation revealed Zhao engaged with two Chinese buyers to sell classified hard drives, identified by red, yellow, and orange security stickers, indicating top-secret information.
In October 2024, Zhao:
Sold multiple hard drives for $7,500
Offered additional classified hard drives to buyers
Sold sensitive military documents he photographed for $3,000 – $4,000 each
Agreed to sell two military documents for $6,500
Surveillance photos included in court documents show Zhao using his smartphone to take pictures of classified military documents at his desk, allegedly while in contact with his Chinese co-conspirator.
“I Want to Go Back to China” – Zhao Considered a Flight Risk
Prosecutors argued that Zhao should remain in custody before trial, citing his strong ties to China and past statements expressing his desire to leave the U.S.
In one message, Zhao allegedly told an intelligence buyer:
“Damn it. I really want to go back to China.”
Officials also suspect Zhao has access to a secret warehouse where he may have stored additional classified U.S. military information, but its location remains unknown.
What’s Next?
As the DOJ moves forward with national security charges, Zhao, Tian, and Duan face severe legal consequences if convicted. The case underscores China’s continued efforts to infiltrate U.S. military intelligence and the growing threats to national security.
