FBI arrests ‘Chinese foreign agent’ for spying on Taiwan president’s son
A California woman allegedly sent photos and videos of President Lai’s son and his family to Chinese officials.
The FBI has arrested a “Chinese foreign agent” at Los Angeles International Airport accused of spying on the Taiwanese president’s son.
Authorities charged Zhang, 34, of Irvine, California, with acting as an unregistered foreign agent.
The US Justice Department said Zhang travelled to Seattle in 2025 at the behest of Chinese officials. She sent photos, video and license plate information of the Taiwanese leader’s son and his family to China.
“She never notified the Attorney General she was acting for a foreign government, a federal offense,” he added.
William Lai Ching-te and his Democratic Progressive Party say that Taiwan is already an independent country separate from China. Beijing views the island as Chinese territory.
Earlier this week, the US delivered two F-16V Block 70 fighter jets to Taiwan as the island seeks to build its defence capabilities to deter a feared attack by China.
In January, Chinese President Xi Jinping pledged to achieve the “reunification” of China and Taiwan, calling Beijing’s long-held goal “unstoppable”.
Dive deeper
- A California woman allegedly sent photos and videos of President Lai’s son and his family to Chinese officials.
- The FBI has arrested a “Chinese foreign agent” at Los Angeles International Airport accused of spying on the Taiwanese president’s son.
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- Authorities charged Zhang, 34, of Irvine, California, with acting as an unregistered foreign agent.