Source: Fox News
Summary
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli stated that Chinese espionage is “extremely pervasive” in the U.S., following the arrest of an alleged Chinese agent in Los Angeles. Essayli told Fox News Digital that his office has charged several individuals with espionage, including a woman from Irvine who allegedly spied on a relative of Taiwan’s president. He also mentioned a man who sold $300 million in AI chips to China and a former mayor charged with acting as an unregistered Chinese agent. Essayli emphasized the need for vigilance and disruption of Chinese operations on U.S. soil.
Our Reading
As expected, the matter has reached another stage.
Bill Essayli speaks about Chinese spies in Los Angeles.
He mentions a woman who took photos of a Taiwanese president’s relative.
He talks about a mayor who spread Chinese propaganda.
It’s a familiar pattern of accusations and arrests.
Author: Evan Null
Chinese Espionage in the U.S.
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli said Chinese espionage is “extremely pervasive” in the U.S. following the arrest of an alleged Chinese agent in Los Angeles this month.
Essayli told Fox News Digital in an interview that his office has pressed charges against several alleged Chinese spies in recent months, saying Beijing is brazen in its attempts to build their access inside the U.S.
“I think it’s extremely pervasive,” Essayli said of Chinese spying. “China is one of our biggest adversaries, and they’re committed to advancing their interests.”
He mentioned a woman from Irvine who allegedly spied on a relative of Taiwan’s president and a man who sold $300 million in AI chips to China.
Essayli emphasized the need for vigilance and disruption of Chinese operations on U.S. soil.
Arrest of an Alleged Chinese Agent
Wanying Zhang, 34, of Irvine, was arrested earlier this month for allegedly working with an associate to photograph and record the family outside their Seattle-area home, according to a criminal complaint obtained by Fox News Digital.
Authorities nabbed Zhang, who goes by “Heather” in the U.S., at the Los Angeles airport as she attempted to board a plane to China.
Essayli said FBI Los Angeles agents arrested Zhang on a federal charge of acting as an unregistered agent of the People’s Republic of China.
She allegedly traveled to Seattle in 2025 at the direction of Chinese officials and sent them photos, videos, and license plate information.
“She coordinated the trip with an associate and used tradecraft to avoid detection,” Essayli wrote. “She never notified the attorney general she was acting for a foreign government, a federal offense.”
Surveillance of a Taiwanese President’s Relative
Speaking on “The Big Weekend Show” Sunday, Essayli said Zhang is a naturalized U.S. citizen and confirmed the alleged surveillance targeted a relative of Taiwan’s president.
“She was conducting surveillance on behalf of the Chinese government. She was acting as a foreign agent,” Essayli said. “And she was spying on a relative of the president of Taiwan here in the U.S.”
The alleged target was Ting-Yu Lai, the U.S.-based son of Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te, CBS News reported, citing law enforcement sources. The complaint does not name him.
“Saw him. Young male. It’s that young one,” Zhang allegedly messaged a Chinese government contact while outside the home.
“I am video recording,” she allegedly added before sending two license plate numbers.
Other Alleged Spies
Essayli also mentioned a man who sold more than $300 million in SI chips, formerly known as AI chips, to China.
He said there was a case involving a mayor of a local city that was charged for serving as an unregistered agent of China, pushing out their propaganda and taking orders from China.
Essayli said the FBI has entire squads dedicated to combating Chinese espionage, and his office is committed to supporting these investigations and bringing criminal charges to disrupt these operations.
He emphasized that China is one of the U.S.’s biggest adversaries and is willing to go to great lengths to advance its interests.
“We have to be vigilant, and we have to disrupt these operations on our soil,” Essayli said. “We have to protect our sovereignty.”
Public Statements and Warnings
Essayli said that China is one of the U.S.’s biggest adversaries and is committed to advancing its interests. He said the country is willing to put a lot of resources into developing sources and recruiting people within the U.S. to advance their interests.
“They’re willing to steal our technology; they’re willing to engage in espionage here. So, there’s no limit to what China is willing to do,” Essayli said. “It is a huge, huge concern. We have to be vigilant, and we have to disrupt these operations on our soil.”
He mentioned that the FBI is on the case, with entire squads dedicated to combating Chinese espionage. Essayli said his office is committed to supporting these investigations and bringing criminal charges to disrupt these operations.
He emphasized the need for vigilance and the importance of protecting U.S. sovereignty from foreign interference.
Essayli’s statements reflect a broader narrative of concern about Chinese influence and espionage in the U.S.
