California Realtor Arrested, Accused of Spying for China on Taiwan President's Family

A California real estate agent was arrested at Los Angeles International Airport as she prepared to depart for China, accused by federal officials of secretly working for Beijing to surveil the family of Taiwan's president.

Wanying Zhang, 34, a naturalized U.S. citizen from Irvine, faces charges of acting as an unregistered agent for China, according to First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli. The FBI alleges that Zhang conducted surveillance on the home of Taiwan's president's son and sent photographs, videos, and license plate information of his vehicles to a Chinese government official.

The federal criminal complaint does not name the specific target, but the FBI's rapid response account on X stated it was the president's elder son, Ting-Yu Lai, who lives and works as an engineer in the Seattle area. Taiwan's Presidential Office confirmed that relatives of President Lai Ching-te were targeted, calling it a "classic case of transnational repression."

Zhang appeared in Los Angeles federal court Monday for an initial hearing. She was informed she did not qualify for a public defender and would need to hire private counsel. A hearing to determine bail or detention was scheduled for Wednesday.

According to an affidavit filed with the criminal complaint, Zhang and another individual traveled to Seattle on September 1, 2025, and surveilled the target's home. A nearby security camera captured them filming the target and their family from a vehicle. The affidavit states that the collected information could be used by China to "obtain leverage" over Taiwan's president, particularly in the context of any potential conflict.

In September 2025, Zhang allegedly sent the collected surveillance data to a Chinese official. The affidavit also noted that Zhang attended the University of International Relations in Beijing, which the FBI identifies as being closely affiliated with China's intelligence apparatus, with many graduates working for Chinese government ministries.

Zhang has maintained contact with a classmate who became a Chinese government official since their graduation around 2014. This classmate reportedly introduced her to another Chinese government official, and Zhang was in communication with both in 2025.

This case occurs amid heightened tensions between the U.S. and China, with Taiwan being a focal point of their military and diplomatic rivalry. Beijing considers Taiwan a part of its territory.

President Lai Ching-te, who was elected in 2024, advocates for Taiwan's distinct identity from China and has increased defense spending. China labels him a separatist and a "destroyer of peace."

The Justice Department has pursued a series of prosecutions targeting alleged covert agents working on behalf of Beijing to advance its interests within the U.S. These efforts often focus on silencing pro-democracy activists and influencing American public opinion.

In a separate case in May, a Southern California mayor, Eileen Wang, agreed to plead guilty to acting as an illegal agent for the Chinese government and resigned from her position. She was accused of carrying out directives from Chinese officials, such as sharing articles favorable to Beijing, without notifying the U.S. government as required by law.