Widespread Chinese Espionage in the U.S.

First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli highlighted the extensive presence of Chinese espionage in the U.S., following the arrest of an alleged Chinese agent in Los Angeles. In a Fox News Digital interview, Essayli revealed charges against numerous alleged Chinese spies in recent months, indicating Beijing’s aggressive efforts to expand its influence within the U.S.

According to Essayli, Chinese spying is significantly widespread. He emphasized that China is a major adversary of the U.S., consistently striving to advance its interests through considerable resources. These efforts involve recruiting individuals within the U.S. to aid their goals.

China is willing to steal our technology and engage in espionage here. It’s a substantial concern. We need to be vigilant and disrupt these operations to safeguard our sovereignty.

Essayli cited recent cases, including a woman from Irvine who engaged in espionage against a Taiwanese president’s family member, a man arrested for selling over $300 million in SI chips to China, and a local city mayor charged for acting as an unregistered agent serving Chinese interests. These cases illustrate the pervasive nature of the issue.

The FBI, according to Essayli, has dedicated squads addressing this concern, with the U.S. Attorney’s Office supporting investigations and criminal charges to halt these activities.

Authorities arrested Wanying Zhang, 34, from Irvine, at Los Angeles airport, allegedly preparing to leave for China. She was charged with acting as an unregistered agent of the People’s Republic of China.

Per the criminal complaint, Zhang traveled to Seattle in 2025, under direction from Chinese officials, and sent photos, videos, and license plate information. Essayli noted her coordinated trip with an associate, using techniques to evade detection, which constituted a federal offense since she did not report her actions to the attorney general.

On Sunday, Essayli confirmed on “The Big Weekend Show” that Zhang, a naturalized U.S. citizen, targeted a relative of Taiwan’s president, Lai Ching-te. Zhang allegedly conveyed surveillance information to Chinese government contacts.

Reporter Anders Hagstrom from Fox News Digital continues to cover national politics and major breaking news events.