Signing up for any branch of the U.S. military is a noble feat demonstrating bravery and honorable character. It shows that you’re willing to sacrifice yourself to defend the honor and freedom of your fellow Americans. However, the adage “money is the root of all evil” sadly carries weight; it really can corrupt. Such is the case involving two agents who are accused of being Chinese spies. China spy charges are being brought against Sailors Jichao Wei (Patrick Wei) and Petty Officer Wenheng Zhao (Thomas Zhao). If found guilty, Wei could serve life in prison, while Zhao could face up to 20 years if convicted. Certainly, 2023 has been a year in which Chinese spying continues to make headlines. Related read: Long Before Chinese Spy Balloons, Japan Sent the Fu-Go Balloon Bomb

Possible China Spy Sailors in the U.S. Navy Exposed

Two Navy Sailors, Jichao Wei and Petty Officer Wenheng Zhao, were arrested in Southern California for allegedly transmitting sensitive military information to Chinese agents. China spy charges were brought against Wei for conspiracy to send national defense information to a Chinese intelligence officer.“The PRC compromised enlisted personnel to secure sensitive military information that could seriously jeopardize U.S. national security,” said the Assistant Director of the FBI’s Counterintelligence Division, Suzanne Turner.While stationed on the U.S.S. Essex, Wei, a Machinist's Mate, had access to sensitive national defense information about the ship's systems.Prosecutors allege that he communicated with a Chinese intelligence officer, providing photos, videos, and documents of various shipboard systems, receiving thousands of dollars in return.The FBI and Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys and Trial Attorney Adam Barry are prosecuting the China spy case.Wei's alleged communications involved sharing technical manuals, including critical technology and information on Marines' training and ship repairs. The indictment indicates that he provided details on the layout and location of certain departments on the ship. If convicted, Wei could face life in prison.The Department of Justice is charging Zhao with receiving money from a Chinese intelligence officer in exchange for information. From August 2021 to at least May 2023, the China spy Zhao allegedly provided information, photos, and videos to the officer, who posed as a maritime economic researcher.Zhao allegedly sent details of a U.S. military exercise in the Indo-Pacific Region. Additionally, he photographed electrical diagrams and blueprints for a radar system on a U.S. military base in Okinawa, Japan. The Chinese agents paid Zhao around$14,866, the indictment alleges.Suggested read: Poisoned Sailors: The USS Boxer Fuel Dump Comes to Light

Far From an Isolated Incident

One of the biggest news stories in 2023 was the Chinese spy balloon. Arguably, it was more concerning that there were multiple incidents hidden from the public and a spectacle of the balloon flying over America with its ties to China than the announcement, again, that aliens are real.But even without the sensational China spy balloon headlines, you’ll find that spying incidents are a somewhat recurring theme. There have been concerns from both sides of the political aisle surroundingChina’s involvement in 5G. Additionally, concerns surrounding the photographing of military bases have come to light. It’s a bit more disheartening to discover that Sailors who defend our nation may have actually jeopardized its well-being. After all, the honor of serving comes with the responsibility of operating at a higher level of ethics.The China spy incident is also exposing a flaw in the U.S. military. Only time will tell what the solution may be. But it’s clear that for the right price, military members can sadly provide rival nations with sensitive information.Risks are always going to be a part of the military’s structure, as will spying. There are several reasons that Chinese spying is taking place and it’s a lot more practical than you may otherwise be led to believe.

Why is China Spying?

China is spying because…that’s what countries do. Most, if not all, countries engage in spying for various reasons, such as: national security, economic advantages, political influence, counterintelligence, and military insights. This includes China and the United States.Many governments use spying to gather information, protect their interests, and to understand potential threats from other nations. Spying is not exclusive to any particular country and it would be irresponsible, and somewhat xenophobic to paint any one nation as exclusively liable to engage in the practice.The embarrassing Discord leak proved a well-known secret—the U.S. was spying. It’s sort of one of those things in which “everybody is doing it.” However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t any consequences that develop down the line.While the China spy charges don’t imply guilt, it’s certainly not a good look for either party. For the investigations to have gone this far, it’s clear that there are true concerns surrounding each case. How this unfolds could tell us more about how to prevent such incidents in the future, should the Sailors be found guilty.Read next: North Korea Spy Satellite Launch Fails, But Vows to Try Again