The recent arrest of two active-duty U.S. Army soldiers and one former soldier has sent shockwaves through military and intelligence communities. This betrayal not only violates the sacred oath taken by military personnel but potentially compromises America’s defense capabilities at a time of increasing global tensions with China. How did these soldiers gain access to such sensitive military information?
Betrayal Within Military Ranks
FBI Director Kash Patel announced the arrest of two current U.S. Army soldiers, Jian Zhao and Li Tian, along with former soldier Ruoyu Duan, for allegedly stealing government secrets for China. The arrests followed indictments by federal grand juries in Oregon and Washington, revealing a conspiracy that reportedly operated from November 2021 to December 2024.
According to federal authorities, Tian allegedly transferred sensitive information about U.S. Army operational capabilities to Duan in exchange for payment. Zhao allegedly received at least $15,000 for conspiring to transmit national defense information to individuals in China, demonstrating the financial motivation behind these acts of betrayal.
🚨JUST ANNOUNCED: Three U.S. soldiers from Pacific NW were arrested for sharing/spying on the United States of America Military classified information with Communist China. #TheTraitors #TheTraitorsUS
Jian Zhao, and Li Tian, active-duty U.S. Army soldiers stationed at Joint Base… pic.twitter.com/ZIlUQn4LqA
— AJ Huber (@Huberton) March 7, 2025
Critical Military Intelligence Compromised
The scope of the stolen information appears significant, with Zhao allegedly taking an encryption-capable computer containing data on the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) and U.S. military readiness. This technology has been crucial in various global conflicts, including Ukraine’s defense against Russian forces, making its compromise particularly concerning for U.S. military planners.
FBI Director Patel emphasized the severity of the situation, stating: “While bribery and corruption have thrived under China’s Communist Party, this behavior cannot be tolerated with our service members who are entrusted with sensitive military information, including national defense information.” The theft potentially provides China with insights into U.S. military capabilities that could take years or decades to develop independently.
“U.S. Army Soldiers”
*squints eyes*
Li Tian, Ruoyu Duan, Jian Zhao
Ah yes, very American indeed. pic.twitter.com/jAEmRDE3HX
— iamyesyouareno (@iamyesyouareno) March 7, 2025
Swift Justice Promised
Attorney General Pam Bondi did not mince words when addressing the arrests, declaring: “The defendants arrested today are accused of betraying our country, actively working to weaken America’s defense capabilities, and empowering our adversaries in China.” Officials have promised swift, severe, and comprehensive justice for the accused, signaling the government’s determination to make an example of those who betray military oaths.
The charges against these soldiers violate the fundamental duties of Army officers and enlisted personnel who swear to defend the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic. These cases highlight the ongoing challenge of maintaining military security in an era where information can be easily digitized, encrypted, and transmitted globally, creating new vulnerabilities that adversaries like China actively exploit.