Thorn in the flesh! 2 American Navy Alleged To Be Chinese 'Spy'

<p>&nbsp;Two US Navy sailors in California have been arrested on charges of providing sensitive military information to China.</p><p><br /></p><p>Jinchao Wei, also known as Patrick, is a US citizen. He is alleged to have conspired to channel national defense information to Chinese agents.</p><p><br /></p><p>The conspiracy is believed to have started in 2022, when he served aboard the USS Essex which is an amphibious assault ship.</p><p><br /></p><p>In February of that year, he began communicating with Chinese intelligence officials seeking information about the Essex and other ships in the US Navy.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>In addition, Wei is also accused of sharing some photos of military equipment to intelligence officers.</p><p><br /></p><p>While Wenheng Zhao, or Thomas, is accused of receiving payments or bribes for sharing sensitive military information accessed through US security clearances.</p><p><br /></p><p>Among the information sent were plans for large-scale military exercises in the Indo-Pacific region and plans for a base in Japan, for which he received about $14,866 for the intelligence.</p><p><br /></p><p>If convicted, Jinchao Wei faces up to 20 years in prison, while Zhao carries a maximum sentence of 20 years.</p><p><br /></p><p>The indictment of the two individuals comes amid heightened tensions between the US and China, with both sides accusing the other of being spies.</p>