FBI arrests ‘Chinese international agent’ for spying on Taiwan president’s son | Espionage Information

A California girl allegedly despatched pictures and movies of President Lai’s son and his household to Chinese officers.

The FBI has arrested a “Chinese international agent” at Los Angeles International Airport accused of spying on the Taiwanese president’s son.

Wanying Zhang, often known as Heather, was arrested on Sunday earlier than her deliberate departure to China, the primary assistant US lawyer for the Central District of California, Bill Essayli, stated in a publish on X.

Authorities charged Zhang, 34, of Irvine, California, with appearing as an unregistered international agent.

Zhang surveilled Taiwanese President William Lai Ching-te’s son, the FBI stated. The company didn’t instantly title Zhang’s alleged goal, however later shared a information article figuring out him as Lai Ting-yu.

The US Justice Department stated Zhang travelled to Seattle in 2025 on the behest of Chinese officers. She despatched pictures, video and license plate info of the Taiwanese chief’s son and his household to China.

Essayli known as Zhang a “Chinese international agent” and stated she “used tradecraft to keep away from detection”.

“She by no means notified the Attorney General she was appearing for a international authorities, a federal offense,” he added.

Essayli stated Zhang will seem in a Los Angeles federal court docket on Monday.

William Lai Ching-te and his Democratic Progressive Party say that Taiwan is already an unbiased nation separate from China. Beijing views the island as Chinese territory.

Washington doesn’t have ⁠formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan, however the US is certain by regulation to supply the island with the means to ‌defend itself.

Earlier this week, the US delivered two F-16V ⁠Block 70 fighter jets to Taiwan because the island seeks to construct its defence capabilities to discourage a feared assault by China.

In January, Chinese President Xi Jinping pledged to attain the “reunification” of China and Taiwan, calling Beijing’s long-held purpose “unstoppable”.