US journalist pleads guilty to working as China's agent

June 5, 2026

Thomas Weir Pauken II, a 50-year-old American journalist who spent more than ten years working for Chinese state media outlets, has admitted to operating as an unregistered agent for China's government. Between 2019 and early 2025, he collected sensitive intelligence from American sources at the direction of Chinese handlers and received at least $100,000 for his activities. Introduced to his main handler through a speechwriter for President Xi Jinping, Pauken traveled repeatedly to the United States to meet with targets and gather information to relay back to Chinese intelligence.

Who is affected

Thomas Weir Pauken II (the defendant facing sentencing)
US government officials and individuals who were intelligence targets
American individuals identified as "potential intelligence assets" whom Pauken met
Chinese handlers including "Cathy," "William," and "Richard"
A group of people from Wuhan who received information from Pauken
The US Department of Justice and FBI

What action is being taken

Pauken is accepting responsibility for his actions through his guilty plea
The US justice system is prosecuting Pauken for working as an illegal foreign agent

Why it matters

This case demonstrates the ongoing espionage threat posed by Chinese intelligence operations targeting the United States. According to FBI officials, it illustrates the Chinese Communist Party's willingness to recruit American citizens to gather sensitive government information and undermine democratic institutions. The case highlights vulnerabilities created when journalists working for foreign state media are leveraged for intelligence collection against their home country, representing a significant national security concern for the US government.

What's next

Pauken is scheduled to be sentenced on September 1
He faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison

Read full article from source: BBC