FBI arrests California woman Wanying Zhang for spying on Taiwan president's son for China

On October 4, 2026, the FBI arrested Wanying Zhang, a 34-year-old California woman, at Los Angeles International Airport as she prepared to depart for China. She was charged with acting as an unregistered foreign agent. Authorities allege she surveilled Lai Ting-yu, a son of Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te, at the direction of Chinese officials, sending them photos, videos, and license plate information. Zhang appeared in federal court on October 5. Taiwan condemned the alleged actions as transnational repression, while China did not respond. The case highlights ongoing tensions between the U.S., China, and Taiwan.