Army Soldiers Arrested for Leaking Classified Military Data to China
Three U.S. Army soldiers were taken into custody on suspicion of misdeeds related to misappropriation of government property, bribery, and the transmission of national defence information to Chinese individuals. The detentions raise espionage as one of the main fears in defending the security of sensitive military material.
Keep reading
Arrests and Charges
On March 6, 2025, federal authorities captured Jian Zhao and Li Tian, who are two active-duty U.S. Army soldiers positioned at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, along with Ruoyu Duan, a former soldier. The indictments, which were unsealed in the District of Oregon and the Western District of Washington, consist of serious allegations against them.
Allegations Against Zhao
Jian Zhao, having a position such as a Supply Sergeant is accused of trying to send national defence information to Chinese nationals. It is reported that Zhao sold two classified hard drivers marked “SECRET” and “TOP SECRET” that were used in sensitive operations for at least $10,000. As he is also charged with attempting to sell an encryption-capable computer stolen from the U.S. government and sensitive military documents, including information on the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) and U.S. military readiness in potential conflicts with China, it is further mentioned that Zhao agreed to sell at a gain of not less than $15,000.
Allegations Against Tian and Duan
Li Tian and Ruoyu Duan are charged with conspiring to commit bribery and theft of government property. From around November 28, 2021, and until at least December 19, 2024, Duan allegedly escorted Tian to the transfer location so that Tian could receive sensitive military information, including technical manuals on weapon systems such as the Bradley and Stryker fighting vehicles. Tian then transmitted this information to Duan in exchange for money, which went against his official duties as an Army officer.
Official Responses
Castigating the actions, the Attorney General, Pamela J. Bondi, stated, “The defendants arrested today are accused of betraying our country, actively working to weaken America’s defense capabilities and empowering our adversaries in China.”
The FBI Director, Kash Patel, underlined the gravity of the situation by expressing that service members entrusted with sensitive military information must not be allowed to engage in such behaviour. Rhett R. Cox, the Commanding General of the Army Counterintelligence Command, reminded that foreign intelligence continuously threatens the Army and the whole country.
Consequently, he impressed in strong terms that the members should keep their eyes wide open for anything in the pretended or the real supernatural sphere of life and then communicate with the appropriate people about such cases right afterwards. Context of Espionage Concerns .
The two soldiers were just a drop in the ocean of the total cases of American soldiers who were, in turn, entrapped by the grave and illegal practice of espionage. Way back in August 2023, two U.S. Navy soldiers were taken into custody on charges of providing China with important military details, which included reports on wartime exercises and the location of naval operations. Allegedly, one sailor posted blueprints of a U.S. radar system in Japan. Moreover, in July 2023, other cases emerged; one of them was former Army Sergeant Joseph Daniel Schmidt, who was arrested for passing out U.S. secrets to China, where he had lived there for a long time.
Implications for National Security
Including army personnel in espionage activities places the USA at risk of security crises. Unauthorized and classified information made public can cause the military to be unable to execute orders and eventually lead to an increase in the number of military casualties and the failure of the country to defend itself. These kinds of situations demonstrate the urgency of screening and regular checks to avoid such violations.
Given the situation, the DoD and the CIA will likely take another look at the problem and tighten up the protocols for safely managing classified information. Regarding the formation of new training programs for military soldiers, more strict requirements would be to forge a data protection culture. Rapid response, proactive measures, and monitoring can be various ways to strengthen the cybersecurity of a federal government and hence demotivate both from within and outside forces.
Conclusion
Jian Zhao, Li Tian, and Ruoyu Duan being arrested are clear proof that national security forces are encountering many challenges due to the sensitive information they are to protect. These soldiers, who are accused of their actions, do not only break the oath they have taken but also the safety and security of the nation will be undermined. During the investigations, military and intelligence agencies should ensure they are always on the alert to keep the breaches from recurring and protect their defence systems.
