FBI arrests California woman accused of spying on Taiwan president’s son for China

United States authorities have arrested a California woman accused of secretly gathering information about the son of Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te on behalf of Chinese officials.

The FBI arrested Wanying Zhang, also known as Heather, at Los Angeles International Airport before she was due to travel to China.

The 34-year-old Irvine resident has been charged with acting as an unregistered agent of a foreign government.

US prosecutors allege that Zhang travelled to Seattle in 2025 under the direction of Chinese officials and conducted surveillance on a close relative of a senior Taiwanese government official.

The FBI did not initially name the alleged target, although subsequent reporting identified him as Lai Ting-yu, the son of Taiwan’s president.

According to the criminal complaint, Zhang allegedly collected photographs, videos and vehicle licence-plate information involving the president’s son and members of his family.

US authorities also allege that she used methods intended to avoid detection and transmitted information to Chinese officials.

Taiwan condemns alleged surveillance

Taiwan’s presidential office condemned the alleged operation and described it as an example of transnational repression.

Taipei thanked US authorities for intervening and protecting Taiwanese citizens.

China’s foreign ministry said it was not familiar with the case and criticised what it described as attempts to sensationalise allegations involving Chinese spies.

The case comes amid longstanding tensions involving China and Taiwan.

Beijing regards Taiwan as part of China, while Taiwan operates with its own government and President Lai has emphasised the island’s separate political identity.

The United States does not maintain formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan but remains one of its most important international supporters.

Zhang’s case remains at the allegation stage, and the charges do not amount to a finding of guilt.