A naturalized American citizen who co-founded a pro-democracy organization in New York has been convicted of acting as a secret agent for the Chinese government.
On Tuesday, a federal jury found Shujun Wang, 75, guilty on all four counts of the indictment. These counts include acting and conspiring to act as an agent of a foreign government without notifying the U.S. attorney general, criminal use of identification, and making false statements to law enforcement.
Wang helped establish the Flushing-based Hu Yaobang and Zhao Ziyang Memorial Foundation, which opposes the communist regime in China. He now faces up to 25 years in prison.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office
Public Affairs, Wang used his position within the Memorial Foundation and his status in the Chinese diaspora community to gather information on prominent activists, academics, and dissidents, which he then reported to the Chinese government.
This espionage included spying on advocates for Hong Kong’s democracy, Taiwan’s independence, justice for the Uyghur minority, and Tibetan freedom.
U.S. Attorney Breon Peace compared the crime to a plot from a John LeCarre or Graham Greene spy novel, revealing that Wang acted under PRC orders since at least 2006. These orders were delivered in face-to-face meetings and through encrypted messaging apps, with Wang detailing his findings in approximately 163 “diary entries.”
Matthew G. Olsen, assistant attorney general of the Justice Department’s National Security Division, stated that the verdict demonstrates accountability for those advancing the Chinese government’s agenda of transnational repression.
Wang is scheduled for sentencing on January 9, 2025.
His co-defendants, officials from China’s Ministry of State Security—Feng He, Jie Ji, Ming Li, and Keqing Lu—remain large.
Frequently Asked Question
What was Shujun Wang convicted of?
Shujun Wang was convicted of acting as a secret agent for the Chinese government, criminal use of identification, and making false statements to law enforcement.
What was Wang’s role within the Hu Yaobang and Zhao Ziyang Memorial Foundation?
Wang was one of the founders of the Flushing-based Hu Yaobang and Zhao Ziyang Memorial Foundation, which opposes the communist regime in China.
What specific activities did Wang engage in as a secret agent?
Wang used his position to gather information on prominent activists, academics, and dissidents, including those advocating for Hong Kong’s democracy, Taiwan’s independence, justice for the Uyghur minority, and Tibetan freedom. He reported this information to the Chinese government.
How long had Wang been acting under orders from the PRC, and how did he communicate his findings?
Wang had been acting under PRC orders since at least 2006, communicating his findings through face-to-face meetings and encrypted messaging apps. He detailed his findings in approximately 163 “diary entries.”
When is Wang’s sentencing, and what is the status of his co-defendants?
Wang is set to be sentenced on January 9, 2025. His co-defendants, China’s Ministry of State Security officials Feng He, Jie Ji, Ming Li, and Keqing Lu, remain large.
Conclusion
The conviction of Shujun Wang underscores the seriousness with which the U.S. legal system treats acts of espionage and transnational repression. His activities, conducted under the orders of the Chinese government, aimed to undermine democratic advocates and dissidents. As Wang awaits sentencing in January 2025, the continued evasion of his co-defendants highlights the ongoing challenges in addressing international espionage. This case is a stark reminder of the vigilance required to protect national security and uphold democratic values.
