Alright, folks, let’s talk about something that should send a chill down the spine of every American—because this is serious. The FBI, alongside the Attorney General’s office, just busted three individuals, all connected to the U.S. Army, for allegedly selling government secrets to China.
Yeah, you heard that right. Two active-duty soldiers, Jian Zhao and Li Tian, and one former soldier, Ruoyu Duan, were arrested last Thursday after federal grand juries handed down indictments in Oregon and Washington state. And what they’re accused of? It’s about as bad as it gets when it comes to national security.
Now, let’s break this down. Duan and Tian were allegedly in cahoots from November 2021 through December 2024, gathering sensitive military data. We’re talking about technical manuals, classified information, and even details on U.S. Army operational capabilities. And what did they do with that info? According to federal prosecutors, Tian passed it off to Duan in exchange for money. But it doesn’t stop there—Tian also allegedly got his hands on information about American weapons systems, specifically the Bradley and Stryker vehicles, and sent that data along, too.
Then there’s Zhao. His alleged crimes are just as bad, if not worse. According to the DOJ, Zhao conspired to transmit national defense secrets directly to contacts in China. He reportedly made at least $15,000 off classified hard drives and other sensitive data. But here’s where it gets downright scary—he also allegedly stole an encryption-capable computer containing information on the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), along with crucial details about U.S. military readiness in the event of a conflict with China. In other words, he didn’t just compromise our security—he might have handed Beijing a roadmap for how to counter American military strategies.
Now, let’s be real: If these allegations are true, this is beyond betrayal. These aren’t just some low-level leaks; this is high-level espionage that could have real consequences if that data has already been exploited. FBI Director Kash Patel didn’t mince words when he announced the arrests, calling the theft of intelligence a direct betrayal of the country. “They will now face American justice,” he said. And let’s hope that justice is swift and severe.
Attorney General Pam Bondi made it clear that the U.S. isn’t playing games when it comes to protecting national security. She warned that “bribery and corruption have thrived under China’s Communist Party,” but that kind of behavior has no place in the U.S. military. And she’s right. Our service members take an oath to protect this country, not sell out to the highest bidder.
“The defendants arrested today are accused of betraying our country, actively working to weaken America’s defense capabilities and empowering our adversaries in China,” Attorney General Pamela J. Bondi said in a news release.
“They will face swift, severe, and comprehensive justice.”
The FBI has made it clear that they’re going to keep digging and exposing anyone who thinks they can betray America for a payday. The agency thanked U.S. Army Counterintelligence for working closely with them on the investigation—meaning this is likely just the beginning of a larger effort to root out these kinds of threats.
Bottom line? If these allegations hold up, these men didn’t just betray their uniforms—they put every American at risk. And in an era where tensions with China are already high, this isn’t just some shocking headline. This is a wake-up call.
