FBI Arrests Self-Promclaimed Chinese Agent for Surveillance of Taiwan President’s Son
A California woman allegedly sent photos and videos of President Lai’s son and his family to Chinese officials.
Published On 5 Oct 2026
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Authorities charged Zhang, 34, of Irvine, California, with acting as an unregistered foreign agent.
Zhang surveilled Taiwanese President William Lai Ching-te’s son, the FBI stated. The agency did not directly name Zhang’s alleged target, but later shared a news article identifying him as Lai Ting-yu.
The US Justice Department confirmed Zhang travelled to Seattle in 2025 at the behest of Chinese officials. She sent photos, video and license plate information of the Taiwanese leader’s son and his family to China.
Essayli described Zhang as a “Chinese foreign agent” and stated she “used tradecraft to avoid detection”.
“She never notified the Attorney General she was acting for a foreign government, a federal offense,” the prosecutor added.
Essayli announced Zhang will appear in a Los Angeles federal court on Monday.
William Lai Ching-te and his Democratic Progressive Party assert that Taiwan is an independent nation separate from China. Beijing regards the island as part of Chinese territory.
Washington lacks formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan, yet legally must supply the island with means to defend itself.
Earlier this week, the US delivered two F‑16V Block 70 fighter jets to Taiwan as the island advances its defense capabilities against a looming Chinese threat.
In January, Chinese President Xi Jinping declared reunification of China and Taiwan “unstoppable.”