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The trial of a former Chinese university professor and US citizen accused of allegedly acting as a Chinese spy has kicked off in New York.
Let’s bring you up to speed: According to prosecutors with the Department of Justice, Shujun Wang is accused of acting as a Chinese agent by spying and reporting on US-based activists opposed to Beijing’s Communist government. Federal prosecutors allege that he exploited his leadership role within New York’s pro-democracy communities to gather information on dissidents and shared it with China’s Ministry of State Security. Prosecutors add that he specifically targeted pro-democracy advocates for Hong Kong, supporters of Taiwanese independence, and Uyghur and Tibetan activists.
What prosecutors have: The evidence against Shujun Wang includes approximately 163 “diary” entries found at his residence, detailing his private conversations with prominent dissidents and the activities of pro-democracy activists and human rights organizations. These entries were allegedly sent to Chinese intelligence officers using encrypted messaging applications and emails. Additionally, specific communications revealed that Wang received direct instructions from Chinese officials to target individuals at pro-democracy events and report back with detailed information. One such report led to the subsequent arrest of a Hong Kong democracy activist.
What Wang’s lawyers are arguing: Wang’s defense lawyers say that his communications with Chinese officials were part of an effort to “infiltrate and subvert” the Chinese government by spreading Western political ideas and not acts of espionage. They claim that Wang’s intentions were misunderstood by the FBI, with his actions promoting democratic principles within China rather than spying on US-based activists for Chinese intelligence.
What’s he charged with: Shujun Wang is specifically charged with acting as a foreign agent without notifying the US government and lying to investigators. If convicted, he faces up to 25 years in prison.
