U.S. authorities have arrested Wanying Zhang, a 34‑year‑old California resident also known as Heather, on charges of acting as an unregistered foreign agent for China.

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According to the Justice Department, Zhang allegedly traveled to Seattle in 2025 under the direction of Chinese officials and conducted surveillance on the son of Taiwan’s President Lai Ching‑te and his family. She reportedly sent Chinese handlers photos, videos, and license plate details, raising serious concerns about espionage targeting Taiwanese leadership.

The FBI detained Zhang at Los Angeles International Airport on Sunday, just before her planned departure to China. Officials said she faces charges of treasonous espionage and foreign agent activity, crimes that carry severe penalties under U.S. law.

The case highlights escalating tensions between Washington and Beijing, particularly over Taiwan. U.S. officials have repeatedly warned of Chinese intelligence operations on American soil, and Zhang’s arrest underscores the growing risks posed by covert surveillance activities.

Authorities are continuing investigations to determine the extent of Zhang’s connections with Chinese intelligence networks. The arrest is expected to further strain U.S.–China relations, already tense over trade, technology, and Taiwan’s security.