Jian Zhao and Li Tian, active-duty United States Army soldiers stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, along with Ruoyu Duan, a former United States Army soldier, were arrested Thursday after indictments by federal grand juries in the District of Oregon and the Western District of Washington.
They were accused of betraying the U.S. by working actively with the country’s adversaries in China in a bid to weaken the United States defense.
Zhao was charged in the Western District of Washington for conspiring to get and transmit national defense information to an individual who is not permitted to receive it.
Zhao was also charged for bribery and theft of U.S. government property.
On their part, Tian and Duannwere charged in the District of Oregon for conspiring to commit bribery and theft of the U.S. government property.
“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,” Attorney General Pamela J. Bondi said.
This is coming amid the ongoing trade tariffs fight between U.S and China.
Both countries have edged closer to a trade war.
This comes after U.S. President Donald Trump, imposed more tariffs on all Chinese goods in the United States.
China quickly retaliated by imposing 10-15% tariffs on US farm products.
Two active-duty US soldiers, others charged with selling defense secrets to China
