China's Ministry of State Security announced on 31/8 that Zhang, a senior executive at a defense trade company, was arrested for leaking sensitive information to the intelligence agencies of two unnamed countries.

While China often publicizes information about citizens accused of working for foreign intelligence agencies, it is rare for a director to collaborate with two different foreign intelligence services simultaneously.

According to China's Ministry of State Security, Zhang studied abroad for an extended period and was proficient in several foreign languages. After returning to China, he was highly regarded by his company and regularly handled its international trade activities.

Model of a J-35A stealth fighter displayed at the Zhuhai Airshow in 11/2024. Photo: AFP

Chinese officials stated that Zhang was first recruited by foreign intelligence many years ago after meeting a diplomat named Lucas from "country A". Lucas praised Zhang's language skills and expertise, and the two exchanged contact information.

Several months later, Lucas asked Zhang to translate several pages of technical documents for a fee of a few hundred USD. Zhang accepted the offer, unaware he was falling into a trap, China's Ministry of State Security stated.

As translation requests became more frequent and the remuneration increased, Lucas began seeking sensitive information related to China's arms imports and the operations of its defense companies.

"Even after realizing Lucas was likely an intelligence agent, Zhang continued to cooperate due to greed and the belief he would not be discovered", China's Ministry of State Security stated. "Zhang subsequently leaked information verbally and in writing, receiving tens of thousands of USD in compensation".

CH-7 UAV prototype taking off in a video released in 12/2025. Video: X/Clash Report

While working with country A, Zhang was targeted by country B's intelligence during an overseas business trip. Zhang met an embassy employee from country B named Mike, who assisted him with a visa application that had been "intentionally delayed".

Mike then introduced Zhang to Sarah, a person of a similar age. Sarah approached Zhang and developed a close personal relationship with him, then revealed she was a foreign intelligence agent and asked him to provide sensitive information.

In addition to generous compensation, Sarah also told Zhang that country B would help him leave China if he were exposed. This convinced Zhang to provide classified documents about Chinese weapons.

After his arrest, Zhang admitted to all charges, stating, "This day was bound to come, and now it's too late to regret it".

China's Ministry of State Security warned of the risk that foreign intelligence exploits personal relationships and money as bait to recruit Chinese citizens working in various fields, from military experts to defense company employees. The agency urged the public to be vigilant against traps set step-by-step, as agents gradually increase demands from harmless requests to national secrets.

Nguyen Tien (According to Global Times, SCMP, CCTV)