Retired U.S. Soldier Arrested for Alleged Espionage for China

Former U.S. Army soldier Joseph D. Schmidt has been charged with attempting to deliver classified secrets to the Chinese government. Schmidt, who served in a military intelligence battalion, was indicted on two counts of violating the Espionage Act and faces up to 10 years in prison for each count. Prosecutors allege that Schmidt tried to help the Chinese government after leaving active duty in January 2020, having had access to sensitive materials while stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. This case highlights the ongoing issue of national security secrets flowing to China, as the country aggressively recruits spies and steals technology to gain an economic and military advantage over the United States.