Wanying Zhang Pleads Not Guilty to Espionage Charges in Los Angeles
Wanying Zhang, a 34-year-old realtor from Southern California, appeared in a Los Angeles federal courtroom on Friday, where she pleaded not guilty to allegations of being a Chinese foreign agent. Dressed in a white jumpsuit and shackles, Zhang spoke only to deny the charges against her, which include claims that she surveilled the son of Taiwan's president in a Seattle suburb in September 2025.
This plea sets the stage for a trial in which the Justice Department will present its evidence regarding allegations that Zhang conspired with Chinese intelligence officials in what prosecutors describe as a spy mission. Zhang was arrested earlier this month at Los Angeles International Airport while attempting to board a flight to China. She faces one count of acting in the U.S. as an unregistered agent of the Chinese government.
Zhang's husband, Edric Ding, had attended earlier court hearings but was absent during this brief session. Prosecutors have indicated that Zhang was involved in an affair with a man identified as Fatai Miao, a construction entrepreneur who allegedly accompanied her on the surveillance mission. Miao has since left Southern California for China and has not been charged with any crime. His son expressed disbelief that Miao was working for the Chinese government.
Final Brief
The judge has scheduled a pretrial hearing for November 12, with the trial set to commence on November 30 at a federal courthouse in Santa Ana, California. The proceedings are expected to last approximately four days. Both the prosecution and Zhang's attorney, Craig Harbaugh, declined to comment following the hearing.
