A US citizen who spent several years living and working for Chinese state media has pleaded guilty to acting as a foreign agent for Beijing, after allegedly receiving $100,000 in exchange for gathering intelligence in US on “American targets” and US politicians, according to a report by the South China Morning Post.
The report said Thomas Weir Pauken II, 50, was accused by US prosecutors of working on behalf of individuals linked to China’s intelligence apparatus while seeking to cultivate sources and gather information in the United States.
Contacts with China
According to reports, Pauken relocated to Hong Kong around 2010 and went on to work for several major Chinese state media organisations. He worked at China Radio International, followed by stints at China Central Television (CCTV) and China Global Television Network (CGTN), before becoming an editor at Xinhua News Agency in 2024.
According to court documents, Pauken maintained contacts with Chinese officials and allegedly acted as an intermediary between individuals associated with China’s Ministry of State Security and potential American sources.
US authorities claim that beginning in 2019, Pauken undertook activities directed by Chinese handlers, including attempting to obtain information from individuals with access to US government circles. Prosecutors alleged he received compensation and other benefits for his efforts.
As per reports, the investigators accused Pauken of trying to recruit a US government job seeker and offering money in exchange for information that could be relayed to Chinese authorities.
Pauken’s lawyer argued that his client believed he was promoting better US-China relations and religious freedom in China. The journalist has pleaded guilty to acting as an unregistered foreign agent and is expected to be sentenced later this year, according to the report.
Growing Scrutiny Of Chinese Influence Activities
The case comes amid heightened scrutiny in Washington over alleged Chinese influence and intelligence-gathering activities inside the United States.
US officials have in recent years launched a series of investigations and prosecutions involving individuals accused of acting on behalf of Beijing without proper disclosure. American authorities argue that such activities form part of broader efforts to expand China’s political influence and intelligence reach overseas.
China has consistently rejected allegations of unlawful interference, maintaining that exchanges between Chinese and foreign individuals are legitimate and should not be politicised.
The case is likely to add to tensions in an already strained US-China relationship, where disputes over technology, security, espionage and influence operations continue to shape bilateral ties.
(With inputs from agency)
