Ex-Chinese military men accused of espionage near US bases in South Korea

South Korean police have arrested two former Chinese military personnel on suspicion of espionage near U.S. military installations. The arrests, announced on August 11, 2026, involve separate alleged attempts to gather intelligence on joint exercises and U.S. forces stationed in the country. Both individuals are identified as veterans of China's People's Liberation Army.

In one case, a Chinese national in his 60s was apprehended on August 7, 2026, for allegedly intercepting communications between fighter jets and air traffic control towers near Gunsan Air Base. Authorities claim he used a software-defined radio receiver, an antenna, and a laptop from a hotel approximately one kilometer from the military airport. He reportedly told investigators that listening to aircraft communications was a hobby, but police are examining his devices to determine if information was transmitted to Chinese authorities.

In a separate incident, a 45-year-old ethnic Korean-Chinese national was arrested for allegedly recruiting a South Korean woman working at Camp Humphreys in Pyeongtaek. This individual, who operated a military surplus store near the base, is accused of obtaining classified information regarding U.S.-South Korea military drills, weapon movements, and personnel records between November 2021 and May 2026. Both suspects face charges, including those related to general espionage and violating laws protecting military secrets and communications.