Beijing Slams Espionage Claims After Arrests of Two Chinese Citizens in the US
Beijing has strongly objected to the growing narrative surrounding alleged Chinese espionage after US authorities arrested two Chinese nationals suspected of spying and attempting to recruit US Navy personnel. During a press briefing on Wednesday, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated that while she was unaware of the case details, China opposes the “unfounded hype” over so-called Chinese spies and would act to defend its citizens’ rights.
“We have always opposed the unfounded hype around this so-called ‘Chinese spy’ narrative. We will take necessary measures to protect the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese citizens,” Mao said.
Details of the Arrest
The US Justice Department announced the arrest of Yuance Chen (38) of Happy Valley and Liren “Ryan” Lai (39), who entered the US in April via Houston on a tourist visa. The FBI apprehended both individuals on Friday, charging them with acting as agents of a foreign government—specifically China’s Ministry of State Security.
If convicted, the pair face up to 10 years in prison.
According to the criminal complaint, the suspects conducted intelligence-gathering activities on behalf of Chinese state security services. One operation included a $10,000 “dead-drop payment” left in a locker at a Northern California recreational facility in 2022, exchanged for US national security information allegedly already passed to Chinese intelligence.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi emphasized the severity of the situation, stating, “This case highlights the Chinese government’s persistent and aggressive efforts to infiltrate our military and compromise national security from within.”
The complaint also revealed that Lai had recruited Chen, who holds legal US residency, to work for the Chinese government back in 2021.
