Two Active Duty Soldiers, One Former Soldier Caught Selling Secrets to China

Two active-duty U.S. Army soldiers and one former soldier have been arrested in Oregon, accused of selling classified military information to contacts in China, posing a serious threat to national security.

Key Facts:

Soldiers Jian Zhao and Li Tian, stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, and former soldier Ruoyo Duan were arrested in Oregon.
All three face charges of conspiracy to commit bribery and theft of government property.
Zhao faces additional charges for attempting to sell classified documents labeled “SECRET” and “TOP SECRET” to contacts in China.
Tian and Duan allegedly conspired to sell sensitive military details on Army vehicles, including Bradley and Stryker fighting vehicles.
Zhao received approximately $15,000 total for stolen classified hard drives and military documents.

The Rest of The Story

According to the Department of Justice (DOJ), the espionage conspiracy spanned over three years, from November 2021 until at least December 2024.

Soldiers Tian and Duan secretly collected sensitive military information, while Zhao separately began selling top-secret data around July 2024. FBI agents describe their actions as “unconscionable,” directly endangering U.S. military readiness.

Attorney General Pam Bondi condemned the betrayal, vowing rapid and severe justice for the accused.

FBI Director Kash Patel reinforced the message, emphasizing America’s resolve in prosecuting anyone who threatens national security by selling secrets to foreign rivals.

BREAKING: I can now report that today the FBI, along with our interagency partners led by @AGPamBondi, arrested two active duty U.S. Army soldiers and one former U.S. Army soldier for theft of government property and a bribery scheme.

These individuals have been charged with…

— FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) March 7, 2025

Commentary

The alleged betrayal by Zhao, Tian, and Duan is a direct attack on America’s national security and defense readiness.

Anyone sworn to defend the United States who sells sensitive information to foreign powers must be prosecuted swiftly and severely.

The integrity of military secrets is crucial for national survival, and compromising that integrity puts the lives of American soldiers and citizens at risk.

Espionage should be met with the strongest possible punishment, including the death penalty.

Treason within the ranks of the military should never be tolerated. America must send a clear message: betraying the nation’s defense secrets carries the ultimate price.

Given China’s aggressive posture toward the U.S., these actions are particularly dangerous.

Zhao allegedly sold classified details about the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS), crucial to America’s defense against potential Chinese aggression.

Such a breach provides our adversaries with strategic advantages that could cost American lives.

These soldiers swore an oath to protect the United States. Instead, their alleged crimes undermined national defense.

Justice in these cases must be decisive and severe, reflecting zero tolerance for treachery.

Executing convicted spies serves as a deterrent, demonstrating the seriousness of their betrayal.

The nation must ensure that military personnel fully understand the gravity of their oaths. Betray your country, especially while in uniform, and face the harshest consequences.

The Bottom Line

The arrests reveal a disturbing case of alleged espionage within the U.S. Army, with soldiers accused of selling secrets to China. Swift and severe punishment, including execution if convicted, must reinforce the message that betrayal carries the ultimate penalty.

America’s national security depends on unwavering loyalty from those sworn to defend it.