from Dissident to Alleged Spy: The Case of Tang Yuanjun
Tang Yuanjun, a Chinese-American man and former political prisoner, has pleaded guilty to conspiring to act as an illegal agent of the Chinese government within the United States, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. The alleged espionage activities spanned from at least 2018 to June 2023.
Born in Changchun City, Jilin Province in 1957, Tang Yuanjun was a participant in the 1989 pro-democracy movement. He organized a “Democracy Salon” with colleagues and participated in demonstrations supporting democratic ideals. This led to his arrest by Chinese authorities and a 20-year prison sentence on charges of “counter-revolutionary crime.” He was released in 1997 after a sentence reduction. Following his release, he reportedly assisted in preparations for the establishment of the Chinese Democratic Party.
In 2002, Tang sought political asylum, initially from the Taiwanese government, before successfully applying for and receiving political asylum in the United States, eventually becoming a U.S. citizen. He resided in New york City, actively participating in events with other dissidents and leading a non-profit organization focused on promoting chinese democracy.
However, beginning in 2018, the Justice Department alleges Tang Yuanjun began working as a spy for china’s Ministry of State Security (MSS). he reportedly received instructions from MSS intelligence officials and provided regular updates on the activities of Chinese dissidents, including thier names, photos, and records. He also allegedly provided contact information for immigration lawyers in New York City and details regarding the U.S. political asylum process.
The Justice Department claims tang Yuanjun traveled to Macau and mainland China at least three times to meet with MSS personnel, undergoing questioning and lie detector tests. During one meeting, he allegedly permitted MSS agents to install a mobile submission on his phone, enabling the real-time transmission of photos and other data back to China. He also received a laptop for secure interaction with the MSS.
Furthermore, Tang Yuanjun is accused of assisting the MSS in infiltrating an encrypted chat group comprised of Chinese dissidents and democracy advocates residing in the United States.He allegedly provided instructions on encrypting and transmitting collected intelligence to the MSS and facilitated their access to the group where members discussed democratic issues and criticized the Chinese government.
This case highlights a complex situation involving a former advocate for democracy in China now accused of collaborating with the same government he once opposed. The investigation and prosecution are ongoing.
