By NEW YORK — The U.S. Justice Department announced Wednesday that Tang Yuanjun, a 67-year-old naturalized U.S. citizen residing in Queens, New York, has been charged with operating as an illegal agent for China’s Ministry of State Security (MSS).
Tang, a native of China’s northeastern Jilin province, is accused of spying on Chinese pro-democracy activists and dissidents in the United States and providing information to Chinese intelligence services between 2018 and 2023.
According to the Justice Department, Tang allegedly completed tasks directed by the MSS, China’s principal civilian intelligence agency. He is accused of providing information on “individuals and groups viewed by [Beijing] as potentially adverse” to its interests, including “prominent US-based Chinese democracy activists and dissidents.”
The charges also include allegations that Tang falsely claimed to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) that he no longer had access to the email account used to communicate with his MSS handler.
Tang’s background adds a layer of complexity to the case. He participated in China’s 1989 pro-democracy movement, for which he was sentenced to 20 years in prison, ultimately serving eight years. Following his release, Tang swam to the island of Dadan, part of the Kinmen islands governed by Taiwan, and was subsequently granted political asylum in the United States.
This case is part of a broader trend of Western countries accusing Beijing of engaging in surveillance of Chinese diaspora communities. Earlier this month, a Chinese-American academic, also a New York resident, was convicted of spying for Beijing, underscoring the ongoing concerns about espionage activities.
A spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in the U.S., cited by Reuters, stated they were unaware of the case details and emphasized that China requires its citizens abroad to comply with host country laws. The spokesperson also expressed firm opposition to “groundlessly slandering and smearing” targeting China.
The charges against Tang highlight the complex relationships between China, its diaspora, and the countries where they reside. It also raises questions about the extent of China’s intelligence operations abroad and the challenges faced by individuals with ties to both China and their adopted countries.
As the case progresses, it is likely to further strain U.S.-China relations, already tense due to ongoing disputes over trade, technology, and human rights. The U.S. government’s increased focus on countering Chinese espionage activities may lead to heightened scrutiny of Chinese nationals and Chinese-Americans in sensitive positions or with access to valuable information.
Legal experts note that cases involving alleged espionage for foreign powers often involve complex issues of evidence and national security, potentially leading to protracted legal proceedings.
The Justice Department has not yet announced a trial date for Tang. If convicted, he could face significant penalties, including imprisonment and fines, though specific sentencing details have not been disclosed.
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