Tue Jul 01 21:50:00 UTC 2025: **News Article Summary:**

Two Chinese nationals, Yuance Chen and Liren “Ryan” Lai, have been charged in the United States with espionage on behalf of Beijing. According to the Justice Department, their activities included taking photographs of a naval base, coordinating a cash drop, and attempting to recruit members of the military to work for Chinese intelligence. This case highlights the US’s concerns about China’s aggressive efforts to infiltrate the military and undermine national security. It is one in a series of prosecutions concerning Chinese intelligence-gathering.

**Rewritten News Article:**

**U.S. Charges Two Chinese Nationals with Espionage Amid Rising Security Concerns**

*Washington D.C. -* The United States Justice Department has announced the indictment of two Chinese nationals, Yuance Chen, 38, and Liren “Ryan” Lai, 39, on charges of espionage. The charges allege that Chen and Lai were operating within the U.S. on behalf of the Chinese government, gathering intelligence and attempting to recruit military personnel.

According to the indictment, their activities included taking photographs of a naval base, coordinating a $10,000 cash drop to an operative, and attempting to cultivate military members as potential intelligence assets. Authorities say Lai, who resides in China, travelled to the U.S. this spring to supervise the clandestine operation.

Attorney General Pam Bondi stated, “This case underscores the Chinese government’s sustained and aggressive effort to infiltrate our military and undermine our national security from within.” She added that the Justice Department would vigorously prosecute those who attempt to embed spies within the country.

This case is the latest in a series of prosecutions targeting alleged Chinese intelligence-gathering activities. In the past few years, similar cases involved the unauthorized gathering of sensitive information near military sites and the provision of classified military data to Chinese entities. This case adds to growing concerns in Washington about China’s alleged intelligence operations within the United States.

The Chinese embassy in Washington has not yet responded to requests for comment.

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