Originally published August 3, 2023 11:18 am PDT
In a recent development that further strains the already tense U.S.-China relations, two U.S. Navy sailors have been apprehended on charges associated with national security and links to China, as per the information provided by U.S. officials to the Associated Press.
One of the sailors, a 22-year-old, who was stationed on a ship in San Diego, was taken into custody on Wednesday.
The charges against him involve espionage and a conspiracy to transmit national defense information to Chinese officials.
In a separate incident, another sailor was detained at the Naval Base Ventura County, located north of Los Angeles.
The charges against him include conspiracy and accepting a bribe from a Chinese official.
The details of these incidents were shared in the report, but the Justice Department has yet to comment on the matter.
The relationship between the U.S. and China has been fraught with tension over a multitude of national security and trade issues.
The U.S. has leveled accusations of espionage and cyberattacks against China, allegations that Beijing has vehemently denied.
China, in turn, has expressed that it is under threat from espionage activities.
The discord between the two nations extends beyond these issues.
Other points of contention include the U.S.’s prohibition on exporting advanced technologies, China’s state-driven industrial policies, human rights concerns, the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic, trade tariffs, and the issue of Taiwan.
