California woman arrested over alleged China-linked surveillance operation

California woman arrested over alleged China-linked surveillance operation

The FBI has arrested 34-year-old Wanying “Heather” Zhang of Irvine, California, who is accused of acting as an unregistered agent for China.

According to a federal complaint, Zhang allegedly traveled to Seattle in 2025 after being directed by Chinese officials to gather information and take photographs of a relative of a Taiwanese government official.

The FBI said the person allegedly targeted was the son of Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te, along with his family.

Zhang now faces federal charges, although the allegations have not been proven in court. It remains unclear whether she has legal representation.

The case comes amid ongoing tensions between China and Taiwan, with Beijing claiming Taiwan as part of its territory while Taiwan maintains its own government and democratic system.

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