Two members of the United States Navy have been arrested on charges that they provided military secrets to China, compromising US national security. Assistant Attorney General for National Security Matt Olsen emphasized the determination of the Department of Justice to hold these individuals accountable, stating that they would be “relentless” in pursuing justice. In a press conference, Olsen expressed concern over China's audacity and range in its efforts to subvert US laws, stating that China "stands apart" in the threat it poses to US security.

The accused Navy service-members have been identified as Jinchao Wei, also known as Patrick, and Wenheng Zhao, who goes by Thomas. They were involved in separate information-gathering operations while employed by the US Navy, according to the Department of Justice.

Wei's alleged conspiracy began in 2022 when he served as a machinist's mate aboard the USS Essex, an amphibious assault ship. Prosecutors claim that he began communicating with a Chinese intelligence officer in February of that year, who sought information about the Essex and other US Navy ships. Wei is accused of sending dozens of technical manuals and blueprints to the Chinese intelligence officer, exposing weapons systems and critical technology used on board the ships. He also took photos and videos of military equipment and shared them with the intelligence officer. One specific request from the officer involved obtaining information about an upcoming maritime warfare exercise involving US Marines, to which Wei responded by sending multiple photographs of military equipment. Wei has been charged with conspiracy to send national defense information to China.

In a separate case, the Justice Department charged Wenheng Zhao with collecting bribes in exchange for providing sensitive photos and videos to a Chinese intelligence officer. Zhao allegedly engaged in this behavior between August 2021 and at least May of this year. The information he shared included operational plans for a US military exercise in the Indo-Pacific Region. Zhao also surreptitiously recorded information that he handed over. The Justice Department has not confirmed if the two sailors were courted or paid by the same Chinese intelligence officer.

These arrests highlight the ongoing challenge of foreign espionage and the need for stringent security measures within the US military. The Department of Justice and other agencies continue to prioritize the protection of national security and the prosecution of those who compromise it.