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'Brazen plot': Mansion-selling California realtor charged with spying for China
USA Today • • general
Key Points:
- Wanying Zhang, a California realtor, was arrested at Los Angeles International Airport for allegedly acting as an unregistered agent of the Chinese government by spying on the son of Taiwan's president in the U.S.
- Between June and September 2025, Zhang conducted surveillance on the Seattle home of Lai Ting-yu, the U.S. resident son of Taiwanese president Lai Ching-te, under direction from Chinese officials.
- Zhang, who attended Beijing's University of International Relations linked to China's intelligence, sent video footage and license plate information to Chinese government contacts as part of the covert operation.
- The surveillance aimed to gather leverage over Taiwan's president amid ongoing tensions between China and Taiwan, with China seeking reunification by force if necessary.
- If convicted, Zhang faces up to 10 years in prison; this case highlights ongoing U.S. efforts to counter covert Chinese espionage activities on American soil.
