Accused Chinese Spy Zhang Photographed with Intelligence-Linked Group

Wanying “Heather” Zhang, a California realtor arrested at Los Angeles International Airport on charges of spying for China, was photographed with members of the All American Chinese Association (AACA) during a visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping to San Francisco in November 2023.

Zhang, 34, was arrested on Sunday, accused of surveilling the son of Taiwan's president in Seattle as part of an espionage operation for China. Federal authorities allege she exchanged texts about the Taiwanese family with her handlers and was photographed near their home.

The image in question shows Zhang wearing a red baseball cap and standing behind a banner for the AACA. Security expert Michael Lucci uncovered the photo, which also features AACA president Cai Chenghua, also known as Edward Cai. The AACA has been linked to organizations and individuals associated with the Chinese Communist Party's “united front” system, which aims to build support for Beijing's political objectives and messaging among overseas Chinese communities and influential figures.

According to reports, Cai previously served as vice chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, an organization whose U.S. operation was required to register under the Foreign Agents Registration Act due to its ties with Beijing.

Federal authorities have charged Zhang with acting as an unregistered agent of the Chinese government. She is accused of traveling to Seattle in September 2025 and surveilling Lai Ting-yu, the son of Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te, and his family at the direction of Chinese officials.

While the AACA and Cai have not been charged with any crimes, the photograph is considered evidence of Zhang operating within the sphere of Chinese government officials prior to her arrest. Zhang is scheduled for another court hearing on Tuesday.