American Journalist Living in China Pleads Guilty to Illegal Foreign Agency
Thomas Weir Pauken II admitted to conspiring with Chinese intelligence to obtain sensitive US government information in exchange for over $100,000.
Primary source: BBC World News. Full source links, newsroom standards, and correction details are below.
Fast summary
Start here
- Pauken pleaded guilty to acting as an illegal agent for the People's Republic of China since at least 2019.
- He received at least $100,000 to meet with potential intelligence assets and gather information on American targets.
- The journalist was introduced to his handlers by a man employed as a speechwriter for Chinese President Xi Jinping.
What happened
Thomas Weir Pauken II, a 50-year-old American journalist who lived in China for over a decade, pleaded guilty in a US court to acting as an unregistered agent for the People's Republic of China. Pauken admitted to a conspiracy to obtain sensitive information from the US government for Chinese intelligence.
What's new in this update
The plea reveals that Pauken worked under the direction of individuals he knew were associated with the PRC from 2019 until February of this year. Court documents detail that Pauken received at least $100,000 for his activities, which included identifying potential intelligence assets and gathering information on American targets.
Key details
Pauken was introduced to his primary handler, known as 'Cathy,' by a man employed as a speechwriter for Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2017. He was tasked with traveling to the US to gather intelligence and was also asked to assist in finding experts for cyber espionage activities. Additionally, he admitted to selling information regarding the US Department of Justice to a group in Wuhan.
Background and context
Pauken had been living in China since 2010 and held positions at several state-controlled media organizations, including China Central Television (CCTV) and Xinhua News. To conceal the nature of the work, some handlers told Pauken his reports were being sent to Japan rather than the PRC government.
What to watch next
Sentencing is scheduled for September 1 in Alexandria, Virginia. Pauken faces a maximum of 10 years in prison. His attorney, Charles Burnham, stated that his client has accepted responsibility and initially intended to promote peaceful relations and religious freedom in China.
Why this matters
The case underscores the methods used by Chinese intelligence to recruit foreign nationals in media to infiltrate and gather intelligence from democratic institutions.
Reader context
This story belongs to Northstar Herald's International Relations coverage, with related entities including Thomas Weir Pauken II, China, Espionage, Department of Justice. The report is based on BBC World News source material.
Related coverage
Why it matters
The case underscores the methods used by Chinese intelligence to recruit foreign nationals in media to infiltrate and gather intelligence from democratic institutions.
Read next
Follow this story through the topic hub, more world coverage, and the latest updates.
Weekly briefing
Get the week's key developments in one concise email.
Get a fast catch-up on the biggest stories, the context behind them, and the links worth your time.
Cadence
Weekly, for a quick catch-up
Coverage
AI, business, world, security, sports
Format
Clear takeaways and useful context
Request the briefing
Leave your email to open a prepared request and get on the list for the weekly briefing.
Author
The world desk follows geopolitics, humanitarian crises, diplomacy, and major international developments with an emphasis on fast updates and public-interest context.
Sources and methodology