Five Chinese Nationals Charged with Lying About Midnight Visit to U.S. Military Base

In August 2023, the five students were confronted by a National Guard officer while near a military training site, where they claimed to be members of the media. Following their encounter, they booked a motel room in the vicinity, raising suspicions about their activities. The FBI later discovered inconsistencies in their statements, including implausible claims about being there to watch a meteor shower despite the weather conditions. Investigators found that one of the students had taken photos of military vehicles during their visit, contradicting their explanations. The case echoes previous incidents involving Chinese nationals surveilling sensitive U.S. military sites, further complicating the context of their actions and the charges against them.

Charges and Allegations

• Lying to Investigators: The five are accused of providing false statements when questioned about their activities near the military base.
• Conspiracy to Delete Evidence: They allegedly conspired to delete photos from their electronic devices to obscure their involvement and intentions.

Context of the Incident

The incident occurred during a significant military exercise known as “Northern Strike,” which included classified operations and personnel from Taiwan. The military’s heightened sensitivity to surveillance activities by foreign nationals, particularly from China, has intensified scrutiny on such encounters. This case is part of a broader pattern involving Chinese students and military sites, with previous cases leading to legal repercussions for similar actions.

Current Status

None of the five individuals are currently in custody, but they face arrest should they come into contact with U.S. authorities. The case remains a focal point in discussions about national security and the activities of foreign students in the United States.