Saturday, October 31, 2026 - The United States has sentenced two Chinese nationals to 30 months in federal prison each for conducting espionage activities targeting American military personnel and national security installations. Liren “Ryan” Lai, 40, and Yuance Chen, 39, were sentenced on October 30, 2026, after admitting to operating as agents of China's Ministry of State Security without notifying US authorities.
The case highlights growing concerns in Washington over foreign intelligence operations targeting sensitive military information and attempting to recruit American service members.
According to the US Department of Justice, the two men began working with Chinese intelligence officials no later than May 2021. Their activities included collecting photographs and information about US Navy facilities, military personnel and potential intelligence targets. They also facilitated secret cash payments worth at least $30,000 through concealed collection arrangements known as dead drops.
Prosecutors said Lai recruited Chen into the operation, while Chen gathered information about military installations and attempted to identify potential intelligence assets. Both men pleaded guilty and were additionally sentenced to three years of supervised release after completing their prison terms.
The convictions are likely to intensify scrutiny of foreign intelligence activities targeting America's defence institutions, military personnel and strategic infrastructure. US authorities have warned that attempts to obtain confidential military information through covert recruitment and financial incentives will attract serious criminal consequences.
The case also highlights the growing importance of counterintelligence, cybersecurity and stronger protection of sensitive government information. As international security competition continues, Washington is placing increased emphasis on identifying and disrupting espionage networks operating within its borders.
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