A New York resident has been charged with operating as an illegal agent of the Chinese government. The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced on Wednesday that 67-year-old Yuanjun Tang, a naturalized U.S. citizen, was arrested for allegedly spying on Chinese dissidents and pro-democracy activists in the United States at the behest of China's Ministry of State Security (MSS).
The DOJ's criminal complaint paints a picture of Tang as a covert operative, working for five years from 2018 to 2023 under the direction of MSS, China's principal intelligence agency. His alleged activities included gathering and transmitting information about individuals and groups that Beijing views as adversarial, particularly those involved in promoting democracy and criticizing the Chinese government.
"Mr. Tang is accused of betraying the trust of his fellow U.S. citizens and engaging in a covert relationship with a foreign government that he once fled," the DOJ said in a statement. "His actions are a direct threat to the values and security of our nation."
Tang, originally from China, was reportedly a dissident who opposed the Chinese Communist Party during the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests. His opposition led to his imprisonment in China before he eventually defected to Taiwan. In 2002, Tang sought and was granted political asylum in the United States, where he later became a naturalized citizen.
However, U.S. authorities now allege that Tang, despite his troubled past with the Chinese government, agreed to work with the MSS, potentially in exchange for assurances about the safety of his family members who remain in mainland China. The DOJ claims that Tang maintained regular communication with his MSS handler through email and encrypted messaging apps. He is also accused of facilitating the infiltration of an encrypted group chat used by Chinese dissidents to discuss pro-democracy issues.
In addition to these espionage activities, Tang allegedly made false statements to the FBI when he claimed that he no longer had access to an email account used to communicate with his MSS contacts. This deception, the DOJ asserts, was part of an effort to cover up his ongoing relationship with Chinese intelligence.
Tang's arrest is the latest in a series of U.S. actions against individuals accused of acting as agents for the Chinese government. These cases often highlight the complex dynamics faced by Chinese immigrants in the U.S., many of whom fled persecution only to find themselves caught in geopolitical crossfire. The case also raises questions about the reach of Chinese intelligence operations and their impact on the Chinese diaspora, particularly those involved in political activism.
The Chinese Embassy in the United States responded to the charges with a statement that neither confirmed nor denied the allegations. A spokesperson for the embassy remarked, "China requires its citizens abroad to comply with the laws and regulations of the host country. We firmly oppose groundless slandering and smearing that targets our country."
Tang's case has sparked widespread condemnation, particularly from the Chinese dissident community in the U.S., many of whom view the charges as a betrayal of the principles for which they stand. "If these allegations are true, it's not just a crime against the United States; it's a profound moral failing," said one prominent U.S.-based Chinese dissident who wished to remain anonymous for security reasons. "To spy on those who share your struggles and aspirations is to betray the very cause of freedom."
Legal experts note that Tang could face severe penalties if convicted, including a lengthy prison sentence. The charges of acting as an unregistered foreign agent and making false statements to federal authorities are serious, and the case is likely to draw significant attention as it progresses through the legal system.
The arrest comes at a time of heightened scrutiny over foreign influence operations in the U.S., particularly those linked to China. As tensions between Washington and Beijing continue to simmer, cases like Tang's serve as a reminder of the ongoing efforts by both nations to counter each other's influence on the global stage.
