NYC Man Accused of Spying for China: Ex-Pro-Democracy Activist Now Charged with Giving Info to Beijing

NYC Man Accused of Spying for China: Ex-Pro-Democracy Activist Now Charged with Giving Info to Beijing

The US Justice Department has charged a New York City resident of Chinese origin with acting as an illegal agent for Beijing. Tang Yuanjun, a naturalized US citizen, is accused of spying on Chinese pro-democracy activists and dissidents in the US and providing information to Chinese intelligence services between 2018 and 2023.

Tang's Accusations:

• Spying on Dissidents: Tang is alleged to have provided information to Chinese intelligence officials about individuals and groups seen as "potentially adverse" to Beijing's interests, including prominent US-based Chinese democracy activists and dissidents.
• Deception to FBI: The Justice Department accuses Tang of falsely telling the FBI that he no longer had access to the email account he used to communicate with his Chinese handler.

Tang's Background:

• 1989 Pro-Democracy Movement: Tang, 67, participated in China's 1989 pro-democracy movement, leading to his imprisonment for 20 years. He ultimately served eight years.
• Asylum in US: After escaping to Taiwan, Tang was granted political asylum in the United States, where he became a naturalized citizen. He no longer holds Chinese citizenship.

China's Response:

• A spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy to the US said they were unaware of the case details and that China requires its citizens abroad to comply with local laws.
• The spokesperson also stated that China "firmly opposed" groundless accusations against the country.

The case highlights the growing concerns over Chinese surveillance of diaspora communities in Western countries. Earlier this month, a Chinese-American academic, also a New York resident, was convicted of spying for Beijing. This case underscores the ongoing tension between the US and China on matters of intelligence and national security.