A federal jury in New York has convicted Shujun Wang, a 75-year-old Chinese-American scholar, of spying for China by gathering information on dissidents and feeding it to the Chinese government. Wang, who held himself out as a pro-democracy activist, was found guilty of conspiring to act as a foreign agent without notifying the attorney general.
According to prosecutors, Wang lived a double life for over a decade, using his reputation to build rapport with people who opposed the Chinese government, then betraying their trust by reporting back to Beijing. The charges carry a potential sentence of up to 25 years in prison.
Wang’s lawyers argued that he was forthcoming with US authorities about his activities and that his communications were not under Chinese officials’ direction or control. However, the jury found that Wang’s actions were indeed directed by Chinese intelligence officers, who read his emails styled as “diaries” that recounted conversations and plans of critics of the Chinese government.
The case is part of a broader effort by US prosecutors to combat “transnational repression,” or the use of government operatives to harass, threaten, and silence critics living abroad. Four Chinese officials charged alongside Wang remain at large.
The Chinese embassy in Washington disputes the charges, saying that China does not engage in transnational repression and respects foreign nations’ judicial sovereignty.
Wang’s sentencing is set for January 9. The conviction highlights the ongoing tensions between the US and China over espionage and influence operations.
