LOS ANGELES- A California woman accused of spying on the son of Taiwan’s president for Chinese officials was arrested at Los Angeles International Airport before she could board a flight to Shanghai.
Wanying Zhang, 34, also known as Heather, was arrested on Sunday. US authorities charged her with acting as an agent of a foreign government without notifying the US Attorney General.
The FBI alleges Zhang travelled to Seattle in 2025 to surveil Lai Ting-yu, the US-based son of Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te, and his family.
She allegedly sent Chinese officials photographs, video and vehicle licence-plate information.
Taiwan’s presidential office confirmed the president’s relatives were targeted and condemned the alleged surveillance as “transnational repression”. China had not publicly commented on the case as of Monday.
Zhang was expected to appear in federal court in Los Angeles on Monday.
Prosecutors allege surveillance was coordinated
A criminal complaint alleges Zhang made the Seattle trip with an associate and used covert methods to avoid detection.
The FBI says information recovered during its investigation included messages between Zhang and people she appeared to acknowledge were Chinese government officials.
The FBI said the alleged surveillance targeted the president’s son and his family while they were in the United States. Zhang was due to appear in federal court in Los Angeles on Monday.
Taiwan’s presidential office confirmed that President Lai’s relatives were targeted and condemned the alleged operation as “transnational repression”.
Spokesperson Karen Kuo said Taiwan strongly condemned conduct intended to threaten or harm people who support freedom and democracy, or their families.
Beijing claims Taiwan as part of China and has not ruled out using force to bring the self-governed island under its control.
President Lai and his Democratic Progressive Party defend Taiwan’s separate identity, a position opposed by Beijing.
The United States has no formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan but is its key international backer and arms supplier.
