Federal prosecutors have charged five Chinese nationals with multiple crimes after they were discovered trespassing at a military facility in northern Michigan last year.
The individuals, all graduates of the University of Michigan, were allegedly caught with cameras during a joint training exercise between U.S. National Guard troops and Taiwanese military personnel in August 2023.
This incident comes amid escalating tensions between China and Taiwan, with Chinese leader Xi Jinping recently reaffirming his commitment to “reunification” with the island democracy.
The charges, which include conspiracy, lying to federal investigators and destroying records during a federal probe, show the need for heightened vigilance against threats the U.S. faces from spies from hostile nations.
“This case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing attempts by foreign actors to compromise our national security,” said a senior Defense Department official, speaking on condition of anonymity. “We must remain vigilant and protect our military installations from unauthorized access and potential intelligence gathering.”
The timing of these charges coincides with increased Chinese military activity in the Taiwan Strait and provocative missile tests aimed at intimidating Taiwan and its allies. Just days ago, China fired an intercontinental ballistic missile into the Pacific Ocean, its first such test in over four decades.
Conservative lawmakers have long warned about the risks posed by foreign nationals from adversarial nations gaining access to sensitive U.S. locations. This incident at a Michigan military site appears to validate those concerns.
“We cannot afford to be complacent when it comes to safeguarding our military assets and personnel,” said Rep. John Smith (R-MI). “This breach of security demands a thorough review of our protocols and stricter measures to prevent future intrusions.”
With tensions on the rise with China, and the U.S. reaffirming its support for Taiwan’s defense, how many other military facilities face potentially more successful breaches?