FBI arrests Wanying Zhang at LAX, accused of spying on Taiwan leader's family for China; Taiwan calls it 'a classic case of transnational repression'

The FBI arrested Wanying Zhang, 34, at Los Angeles International Airport as she attempted to leave the U.S. Zhang is accused of spying on the family of Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te for the Chinese government, including taking photos and videos of her targets and sending license plate information to Chinese officials.

According to the FBI, Zhang operated without registering as a foreign agent, a legal requirement for individuals working on behalf of foreign governments.

Taiwan's presidential office confirmed that the targets were indeed relatives of President Lai, labeling the incident as a “classic case of transnational repression.”

Spokesperson Karen Kuo condemned the actions, stating, “Taiwan condemns in the strongest terms such barbaric acts – which disregard human rights and national sovereignty and aim to suppress, threaten, or even harm individuals advocating for freedom and democracy or their families – as such behavior should not be tolerated in the civilized world.”

The case raises significant concerns about the safety of individuals advocating for democracy in Taiwan and the lengths to which foreign governments may go to intimidate them.

Zhang was a licensed real-estate salesperson in Irvine, California, according to local records, and was arrested while preparing to board a flight to China.