A woman from California has been indicted for allegedly spying on a son of Taiwan’s president, as outlined in a recent federal indictment. Wanying Zhang, 34, from Irvine, faces charges of conspiracy and acting as an unregistered foreign agent for China.
The indictment, filed on October 9 in the Central District of California, echoes earlier accusations against Zhang, who is also known as Heather. Prosecutors claim she engaged in surveillance of the unnamed son outside his home in the Seattle area, reportedly acting under the direction of Chinese officials between June and September 2025.
According to court documents, Taiwan is recognized as a self-governing democracy and is a crucial player in global chip manufacturing. Despite Beijing’s claims over Taiwan, the U.S. maintains a commitment to ensure the island’s self-defense under its laws.
Investigators allege that Zhang was influenced by a former classmate from her university, which is closely connected to China’s intelligence services. Prosecutors provided evidence that she was instructed to photograph the residence of the son of the Taiwanese president as part of her spying activities.
Zhang reportedly traveled from California to Las Vegas and then to Seattle to conduct her surveillance, capturing photos and videos, as well as license plate information, which she sent to her alleged Chinese handler. In addition, she traveled to China in August 2025 to meet with a government official and informed them of her intentions to surveil the target shortly thereafter.
Her attorney, Craig Harbaugh, has defended her, stating that the government’s portrayal of Zhang as a sleeper agent is unfounded. He emphasized that she is a devoted family member living in Irvine with her husband and children.
After a hearing, U.S. Magistrate Judge Steve Kim ruled that Zhang would remain in custody due to concerns she might flee. Her next court appearance is scheduled for Friday, where she could face a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison if convicted.
Photo credit: FBI via AP
