US Attorney Warns of Pervasive Chinese Espionage
First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli states that China is 'playing the long game' with extensive espionage efforts within the United States.
Chinese espionage is "extremely pervasive" in the United States, according to First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli, who recently commented on the matter following the arrest of an alleged Chinese agent in Los Angeles.
Essayli stated in an interview that his office has pursued charges against several alleged Chinese spies in recent months, characterizing Beijing's attempts to establish access within the U.S. as brazen. "China is one of our biggest adversaries, and they're committed to advancing their interests," Essayli said. "And they're playing the long game, and so they are willing to put a lot of resources into developing sources, recruiting people within the U.S. to advance their interests."
He added that China is willing to steal U.S. technology and engage in espionage, highlighting it as a significant concern. "We have to be vigilant, and we have to disrupt these operations on our soil. We have to protect our sovereignty," Essayli urged.
Essayli cited several cases handled by his office, including one where a woman from Irvine was accused of espionage against a relative of Taiwan's president. He also mentioned the arrest of an individual who allegedly sold over $300 million in SI chips, formerly known as AI chips, to China. Additionally, a local mayor was charged with serving as an unregistered agent of China, promoting Beijing's propaganda and taking directives from the country.
Wanying Zhang, 34, of Irvine, was arrested earlier this month on a federal charge of acting as an unregistered agent of the People's Republic of China. According to a criminal complaint, Zhang allegedly traveled to Seattle in 2025 at the direction of Chinese officials and sent them photographs, videos, and license plate information. She was apprehended at the Los Angeles airport while attempting to depart for China.
Essayli confirmed that the alleged surveillance targeted a relative of Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te, identified as his U.S.-based son, Ting-Yu Lai, though the complaint does not name him. Zhang allegedly communicated with a Chinese government contact, stating, "Saw him. Young male. It’s that young one," and "I am videorecording," before sending license plate numbers.
Essayli emphasized that the FBI has dedicated squads to combating such operations and that the U.S. Attorney's Office is committed to supporting these investigations and pursuing criminal charges to disrupt them. He described the situation as a "huge problem" but expressed confidence in the FBI's efforts.
Essayli also noted that China is committed to advancing its interests and is willing to invest significant resources in developing sources and recruiting individuals within the U.S. He stated that the efforts involve stealing technology and engaging in espionage, underscoring the need for vigilance and disruption of these activities on American soil to protect national sovereignty.