US Army Soldiers Jian Zhao and Li Tian Stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord Arrested for Selling Military Secrets to China

The United States has been rocked by a significant espionage case involving two active-duty US Army soldiers and a former soldier accused of selling military secrets to buyers in China.

The Department of Justice announced the arrest of Jian Zhao and Li Tian, both stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington state, along with former soldier Ruoyu Duan of Hillsboro, Oregon. This case underscores growing concerns about national security breaches and foreign espionage operations targeting the US military.

The Accusations and Charges

According to the Department of Justice, the two active-duty soldiers and the former Army serviceman are facing multiple charges, including conspiring to commit bribery and theft of government property.

Zhao, who served as a battery supply sergeant in the 17th Field Artillery Brigade, allegedly played a key role in the sale of classified military information to China. His responsibilities included managing over $55 million worth of army property, a position that granted him access to sensitive military data.

Zhao is accused of selling nearly two dozen classified hard drives labeled “Secret” or “Top Secret,” along with crucial documents related to High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS). This advanced weapon system is a vital component of the US Army’s long-range strike capabilities.

The indictment alleges that Zhao also provided information on US military readiness in the event of a conflict with China, receiving payments totaling at least $15,000 from August 2024 onwards.

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Meanwhile, Tian, a health services administrator, and Duan conspired to steal and transmit classified information on US Army operational capabilities.

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According to a separate indictment filed in Oregon, between November 2021 and December 2024, they exchanged sensitive data on military weapons systems, including Bradley and Stryker US Army fighting vehicles. Tian allegedly sent Duan links to Google Drive accounts containing these classified documents, making them accessible to unauthorized individuals.

Implications for National Security and Espionage Threats

The arrest of Duan, Jian Zhao and Li Tian highlights an alarming trend of espionage activities targeting the US military. National security officials have repeatedly warned about the increasing risks posed by foreign intelligence operations, particularly those linked to China.

The Justice Department and intelligence agencies have been actively investigating individuals suspected of engaging in espionage, leading to several high-profile cases in recent years. In a statement following the arrests, Attorney General Pamela J. Bondi condemned the actions of the accused soldiers, emphasizing the gravity of their betrayal.

“The defendants arrested today are accused of betraying our country, actively working to weaken America’s defense capabilities, and empowering our adversaries in China,” Bondi said. She assured that the government would pursue “swift, severe, and comprehensive justice” for those involved in such activities.

The case was investigated by the FBI and the Army Intelligence Command, both of which have been instrumental in identifying and tracking down individuals engaged in espionage.

Special Agent in Charge W. Mike Herrington of the FBI’s Seattle Field Office reiterated that the US remains committed to preventing security breaches. “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,” Herrington stated.

Previous Cases and Broader Concerns

This case is not the first instance of US military personnel being caught selling classified information to foreign entities. In March 2024, another US Army sergeant was charged with leaking details about the military’s most advanced weapons to a foreign national in exchange for $42,000.

Similarly, in August 2023, two US Navy sailors were indicted for passing sensitive military data to a foreign government, with one of them allegedly sharing blueprints of a US radar system in Japan.

These repeated breaches have raised serious concerns within the Pentagon and among policymakers. The potential compromise of military secrets, including weapon specifications, defense strategies, and operational readiness, could have severe implications for national security.

Given the rising geopolitical tensions between the US and China, any transfer of classified military intelligence to Beijing is considered a direct threat to American military superiority. To combat these security risks, the US government has implemented stricter vetting and monitoring procedures for personnel with access to classified materials.

Additionally, intelligence agencies have ramped up counter-espionage efforts, focusing on detecting and preventing unauthorized disclosures of sensitive information. The arrests of Zhao, Tian, and Duan demonstrate that despite these measures, the threat remains persistent and requires ongoing vigilance.

The case against the accused soldiers is expected to proceed in federal court, where prosecutors will present evidence detailing their involvement in the espionage scheme.

If convicted, they face significant prison sentences and financial penalties. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for future espionage-related prosecutions and serve as a warning to those considering similar actions.

As the US continues to navigate complex global security challenges, maintaining the integrity of its military operations and safeguarding sensitive information remain top priorities. The recent arrests underscore the need for robust counterintelligence efforts and highlight the dangers posed by insider threats within the armed forces.