U.S. Army Soldiers Accused of Selling Military Secrets to China: National Security at Risk

Three current and former U.S. Army soldiers have been arrested and charged with selling top-secret military data to buyers linked to the People’s Republic of China (PRC), federal prosecutors announced Thursday. The case, which involves personnel from Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington and locations in Oregon, raises serious concerns about national security breaches and foreign espionage.

• Sgt. Jian Zhao – A battery supply officer at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, accused of stealing and selling classified military information to Chinese operatives.
• 1st Lt. Li Tian – A health services administrator at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, who admitted to his role in transmitting sensitive military data.
• Ruoyu Duan – A former U.S. Army soldier living in Hillsboro, Oregon, who allegedly acted as a financial intermediary, funneling money from China to U.S.-based conspirators.

The Allegations

According to the Department of Justice (DOJ), Zhao, Tian, and Duan engaged in a conspiracy to obtain and sell sensitive U.S. military intelligence between November 2021 and December 2024. Their activities included:

• Selling 20 classified military hard drives and other U.S. government property to individuals working for China.
• Transmitting intelligence on the Army’s HIMARS long-range artillery system, a key strategic asset in modern warfare, for $6,500.
• Photographing and sharing classified military PowerPoint presentations and documents related to U.S. military exercises simulating conflict with China.
• Bribing government officials to access additional classified information.

How the Operation Worked

• Duan allegedly received money from China and distributed payments to Tian, Zhao, and other U.S. Army personnel with security clearances.
• Chinese intelligence operatives used a “cut-out” method—employing diplomats or academics to act as intermediaries—ensuring layers of secrecy in handling assets.
• Zhao and Tian actively engaged in theft and transmission of classified data, using encrypted communications to exchange military secrets.

Evidence Against the Defendants

• Surveillance footage from October 2024 shows Zhao photographing military PowerPoint presentations and classified documents at his desk.
• Zhao admitted to selling a highly sensitive document related to strategic operations of rockets and missiles to a foreign agent.
• The FBI uncovered messages where Zhao asked his buyer, "Your buyer needs intelligence, right?", indicating his awareness of the espionage.
• Prosecutors revealed Zhao maintains a secret warehouse, potentially housing more stolen military equipment, though investigators have yet to locate it.

National Security Concerns and Law Enforcement Response

The case was investigated by:

• The FBI’s Portland and Seattle divisions
• U.S. Army Counterintelligence Command
• Federal prosecutors from Washington and Oregon

“Their actions caused significant risk and damage to U.S. National Security and violated the oath they took as military members to protect the American people,” said Douglas Olson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Portland Office.

Implications of the Breach

This case underscores the growing espionage threat posed by China, which has intensified efforts to infiltrate U.S. military, government, and corporate sectors. The compromise of HIMARS and other classified military strategies is particularly alarming, as HIMARS has played a crucial role in U.S. military operations worldwide, including in Ukraine’s defense against Russia.

What’s Next?

• Zhao, Tian, and Duan face federal charges, including:
  ✅ Conspiracy to commit espionage
  ✅ Theft of U.S. government property
  ✅ Bribery of a public official
• Prosecutors are seeking Zhao’s detention, citing concerns over his hidden warehouse and potential ties to additional foreign operatives.
• Additional arrests and indictments may follow as investigators uncover more details about the scope of Chinese intelligence operations within the U.S. military.

A Wake-Up Call for U.S. National Security

The arrests signal an urgent need for increased counterintelligence efforts to protect classified U.S. military information from foreign adversaries. As China continues aggressive espionage tactics, the U.S. must reinforce cybersecurity measures, tighten insider threat protocols, and enhance background screening for military personnel.

This developing case may expose larger espionage networks operating within the U.S. armed forces, posing significant implications for national security and global military strategy.

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