A California girl allegedly despatched photographs and movies of President Lai’s son and his household to Chinese language officers.
Printed On 5 Oct 2026
The FBI has arrested a “Chinese language international agent” at Los Angeles Worldwide Airport accused of spying on the Taiwanese president’s son.
Wanying Zhang, often known as Heather, was arrested on Sunday earlier than her deliberate departure to China, the primary assistant US legal professional for the Central District of California, Invoice Essayli, stated in a publish on X.
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Authorities charged Zhang, 34, of Irvine, California, with appearing as an unregistered international agent.
Zhang surveilled Taiwanese President William Lai Ching-te’s son, the FBI stated. The company didn’t instantly title Zhang’s alleged goal, however later shared a information article figuring out him as Lai Ting-yu.
The US Justice Division stated Zhang travelled to Seattle in 2025 on the behest of Chinese language officers. She despatched photographs, video and license plate data of the Taiwanese chief’s son and his household to China.
Essayli known as Zhang a “Chinese language international agent” and stated she “used tradecraft to keep away from detection”.
“She by no means notified the Lawyer Normal she was appearing for a international authorities, a federal offense,” he added.
Essayli stated Zhang will seem in a Los Angeles federal court docket on Monday.
William Lai Ching-te and his Democratic Progressive Social gathering say that Taiwan is already an impartial nation separate from China. Beijing views the island as Chinese language territory.
Washington doesn’t have formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan, however the US is certain by regulation to offer the island with the means to defend itself.
Earlier this week, the US delivered two F-16V Block 70 fighter jets to Taiwan because the island seeks to construct its defence capabilities to discourage a feared assault by China.
In January, Chinese language President Xi Jinping pledged to realize the “reunification” of China and Taiwan, calling Beijing’s long-held objective “unstoppable”.
