LOS ANGELES — The Federal Bureau of Investigation arrested a woman at Los Angeles International Airport on charges of spying for China on the family of Taiwan’s president. Wanying Zhang, 34, was detained as she prepared to board a flight departing for China, according to U.S. authorities.
Zhang, who is also known as Heather, faces accusations that she conducted surveillance on the son of President Lai Ching-te and his relatives while residing in the United States. Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli announced the arrest on social media, stating that Zhang gathered photographs, videos, and license plate information which she then transmitted to Chinese officials. She is charged with acting as an unregistered agent of a foreign government.
Taiwan’s Presidential Office confirmed that President Lai’s relatives were the targets of the alleged operation. Spokesperson Karen Kuo characterized the incident as “a classic case of transnational repression,” condemning the actions in the strongest terms as barbaric acts that violate human rights and national sovereignty. Kuo emphasized that such behavior, aimed at threatening or harming individuals advocating for democracy, is unacceptable in the civilized world.
As of Monday, the Chinese Embassy in the United States had not responded to a request for comment, and Beijing’s Foreign Ministry was closed for holidays. Information regarding Zhang’s nationality and legal representation remained unavailable.
The arrest occurs against a backdrop of heightened tensions between Taiwan and China. The two sides have been divided since the civil war concluded in 1949, though Beijing continues to claim the island as its territory. President Lai, elected in 2024, has rejected Beijing’s authority, stating that the People’s Republic of China has no right to represent Taiwan—a position China views as separatist and destabilizing. In response to the geopolitical climate, Lai has increased Taiwan’s defense spending, proposing a rise from 3% to 5% of GDP and advancing a special budget for the construction of a T-Dome air defense system.
Zhang is scheduled to appear in federal court in Los Angeles on Monday.
Taiwan defense spending rising to 5% of GDP makes sense now. This espionage threat is escalating fast.
I find it hard to believe someone spied on a president’s family using just photos and license plates. Is the evidence that thin?
Transnational repression is real and terrifying. Glad the FBI moved before Zhang could board that flight to Beijing.