Chinese American professor accused of espionage

Wang, a former professor at Qingdao’s school of social sciences, has found himself at the center of an espionage case that has drawn the attention of the FBI. Known for his writings on Chinese military history, Wang's academic career led him to the United States, where he became involved with the Hu Zhao Foundation, an organization advocating for democracy in China. His involvement with the foundation coincided with a period of increased scrutiny from U.S. authorities, particularly after he provided information on Hong Kong activists, some of whom were later detained in China. Despite Wang's self-proclaimed status as a "famous academic," his tenure at Columbia was short-lived, and his acclaimed work, *The Legend of Zhang Xueliang*, faced allegations of plagiarism. Concerns about his affiliations arose among foundation members, who noted his connections with Chinese law enforcement. While Wang was diligent in his work, the information he accessed was deemed not particularly sensitive, yet it was sufficient for U.S. prosecutors to charge him with espionage. Wang's case reflects a broader trend in U.S.-China relations, where individuals with ties to both nations are increasingly targeted for espionage. The FBI has been focusing on those born in China but now residing in the U.S., leading to a mix of genuine informants and ordinary citizens caught in complex international dynamics. Reports suggest that Wang may not have been a high-level agent but rather an informant, raising questions about the motivations and circumstances surrounding his actions.