US Navy Sailor Convicted of Spying for China

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9 hrs ago

Above: U.S. Navy sailors aboard the U.S.S. Essex pictured in 2022. Image copyright: Carolyn Cole/Los Angeles Times/Getty Images

story last updated 8 hrs ago

The Spin

Pro-government narrative

Wei's actions were an egregious betrayal of the trust placed in him as a member of the U.S. military. By trading secrets for cash, he jeopardized not only the lives of his fellow sailors but the security of the U.S. and its allies. This conviction demonstrates that the U.S. will vigorously prosecute traitors and will take decisive actions against China's surveillance efforts.

United States Department of Justice

Opposition narrative

Despite it being public knowledge that China is one of the U.S.'s greatest threats — especially when it comes to espionage — the U.S. is still failing to prevent serious cases such as these. Given the threat level, the U.S. needs to drastically enhance its counterintelligence procedures and practices, rather than just making an example of individuals after the damage to security has already been done.

Atlantic Council