Wenheng Zhao, a 26-year-old petty officer stationed in California, has been found guilty of a crime.
Over two years, he willingly collaborated with Chinese intelligence, disclosing sensitive military information for a meager $14,866.
Zhao, a naturalized citizen born in China, exploited his security clearance to access crucial details of large-scale Indo-Pacific drills, pivotal in US strategy against China's growing military presence.
He betrayed the secrets of Okinawa's vital radar system, compromising the eyes and ears of US operations in the region.
Whether driven by greed or deeper ideological currents, Zhao's actions were not isolated. Just months earlier, Jinchao Wei, another naturalized American sailor, faced similar charges.
In October, following Zhao's guilty plea, US Justice Department Assistant Attorney General Matthew Olsen said China's intelligence services "actively target clearance holders across the military, seeking to entice them with money to provide sensitive government information."
Despite receiving a 27-month jail sentence, the damage is irreparable, says military.
Zhao's betrayal exposed critical weaknesses in US security, prompting the Navy to seek solutions.
Enhanced vetting, stricter information control, and counter-intelligence operations are now under consideration.
