In February 2022, the Biden Department of Justice brought an end to the China Initiative, a program created by the Trump administration to root out Chinese spies.
The wisdom of that move was called into question this week after a U.S. Navy sailor was convicted of spying on China’s behalf.
Sailor approached in 2022
According to Just the News, a federal jury found 25-year-old Jinchao “Patrick” Wei guilty on Wednesday of six criminal offenses.
The charges included conspiracy to commit espionage, espionage, and unlawful export of, and conspiracy to export, technical data related to defense articles in violation of the Arms Export Control Act and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations.
However, Wei, who was born in China and is a naturalized American citizen, was acquitted on one charge of naturalization fraud.
A press release put out by the Department of Justice (DOJ explained how Wei was approached in February 2022 via social media by a Chinese intelligence officer who claimed to be a naval enthusiast.
Wei paid over many months
Wei proceeded to send the Chinese agent extensive information concerning the U.S.S. Essex, an amphibious assault ship on which he served as a machinist’s mate.
U.S. Navy Sailor Convicted of Spying for China
“The defendant, who took an oath to protect our Nation and was entrusted with a security clearance as a petty officer in the United States Navy, sold out his country for $12,000,” said Assistant Attorney General for National… pic.twitter.com/QFhVUCbGmM
— National Security Division, U.S. Dept of Justice (@DOJNatSec) August 21, 2025
This included photographs and videos detailing the Essex’s weapons system, along with information concerning other ships, which he obtained from restricted U.S. Navy computer systems.
In exchange for this material, Wei was paid approximately $12,000 over the 18-month period between his initial contact and his arrest in August of 2023.
Violated oath, servicemembers betrayed
John A. Eisenberg serves as assistant attorney general for National Security, and he issued a statement following Wei’s conviction.
“The defendant, who took an oath to protect our Nation and was entrusted with a security clearance as a petty officer in the United States Navy, sold out his country for $12,000,” Eisenberg declared.
“He violated his oath, betrayed his uniform and fellow sailors, and turned his back on his adopted nation for money,” the assistant attorney general stressed.
“This verdict serves as a warning to those who do not take seriously the solemn obligations of their positions of trust or their duty to this Nation. Do not be tempted by easy money because you will be prosecuted and sent to prison,” Eisenberg went on to add.
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Author: Adam Peters
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