Two US Navy Servicemen Charged With Leaking Spy Secrets to China

Two California-based Navy servicemen are accused of passing military secrets and defense intelligence to Chinese agents for cash, including a blueprint for a radar system, details of defensive weapons, and operational plans for military exercises.

Both sailors had security clearances but it isn’t known if the espionage cases are connected.

The arrests come at a time of tense relations between the US and China following the detection of a Chinese spy balloon flying over the US which led Secretary of State Antony Blinken to delay his Beijing trip. The allegations also come after Jack Teixeira, a 21-year-old airman, was accused of leaking US military documents including assessments of Beijing’s ability to deploy a high-altitude spy drone. Teixeira’s age and experience has led to questions about how he could have been given top-secret security clearance. 
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Cash for US secrets

In the latest charges, San Diego machinist’s mate Jinchao Wei, 22, (aka Patrick) faces four counts related to leaking sensitive information through encrypted communications about the amphibious assault ship he worked on, the USS Essex, stationed at Naval Base San Diego - home port of the Pacific Fleet - and the location of other vessels. He was paid thousands of dollars, according to the allegations. Wei also allegedly sent photos of military equipment and military manuals.

Petty Officer Wenheng Zhao, 26 (aka Thomas), who works at Naval Base Ventura County, is charged with sending sensitive military information to a Chinese spy in exchange for money. Zhao allegedly sent videos, photographs, and recordings of a radar system’s blueprints on a US base in Japan. The Chinese spy paid Zhao about $15,000, the indictment alleged.