US Soldiers Arrested, Charged With Selling Secrets to China

The word "treason" highlighted in a dictionary.

Three US Army soldiers have been arrested for allegedly selling America’s sensitive military secrets to China for a mere $10,000, exposing a disturbing betrayal within the ranks of our military.

Key Insights

Two active-duty soldiers and one former soldier were arrested by the FBI for allegedly selling classified military information to China.
The soldiers allegedly stole top secret hard drives, weapon systems information, and missile defense documents over a three-year period (2021-2024).
Zhao allegedly received approximately $10,000 for providing classified information, while Duan paid Tian to gather intelligence on US Army fighting vehicles, including the Bradley and Stryker.
The suspects face serious charges including conspiracy to commit bribery, theft of government property, and transmitting national defense information.
The case highlights the ongoing national security threat posed by Chinese espionage efforts targeting US military personnel.

Soldiers Caught Selling America’s Military Secrets

The FBI has arrested two active-duty US Army soldiers and one former soldier for allegedly acting as agents for China in a plot to sell sensitive military information. Jian Zhao, Li Tian, and former soldier Ruoyu Duan were indicted by federal grand juries in the District of Oregon and the Western District of Washington on charges including conspiracy to commit bribery, theft of government property, and transmitting national defense information. According to the Department of Justice, the conspiracy began around November 2021 and continued until December 2024, representing a prolonged security breach of highly classified materials.

The scale of the betrayal is substantial. Zhao allegedly sent classified hard drives and other sensitive information to China in exchange for approximately $10,000. Meanwhile, Tian reportedly gathered information for Duan, who paid him to steal intelligence on US Army fighting vehicles, specifically the Bradley and Stryker models. Court documents reveal that Zhao also conspired to sell a stolen government computer and sensitive military documents, receiving around $5,000 for his treasonous activities. The information compromised reportedly included technical manuals, weapon systems data, and missile defense documents.

Officials Condemn Acts of Betrayal

The Justice Department’s leadership has issued strong statements condemning the alleged espionage. Attorney General Pamela J. Bondi emphasized the severity of the charges and the consequences that await the defendants. The investigation was conducted jointly by the FBI Portland and Seattle Field Offices and the US Army Counterintelligence Command, demonstrating the coordinated approach taken to address threats to national security. FBI Director Kash Patel has been particularly vocal about the case, highlighting the agency’s commitment to rooting out corruption within the military.

Brigadier General Rhett R. Cox of Army Counterintelligence Command underscored the broader context of the arrests, pointing to the persistent threat posed by foreign intelligence operations targeting US military personnel. “These arrests underscore the persistent and increasing foreign intelligence threat facing our Army and nation,” Cox stated. The military has emphasized that such activities will not be tolerated and that those involved will face the full weight of American justice. The case serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities that exist even within secure military installations.

Chinese Espionage and US Response

The arrests come amid increasing tensions between the United States and China across multiple fronts, including trade, technology, and military competition. This case represents just the latest in a series of Chinese espionage efforts targeting American military and technological capabilities. The US government has been increasingly vocal about the threat posed by Chinese intelligence operations, with officials warning that China represents the most significant long-term counterintelligence threat to the nation. The FBI and Department of Justice have prioritized investigations into Chinese espionage activities in recent years.

Mike Herrington, a senior official involved in the case, emphasized the deterrent aspect of these arrests. “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,” he stated. The suspects will now face trial where they must decide on their plea, though Attorney General Bondi has promised “swift, severe, and comprehensive justice” for those who betray American security interests. If convicted, the defendants face potentially lengthy prison sentences for their alleged betrayal of country and uniform.