Chinese-linked group photo raises questions about alleged spy Wanying Zhang

Wanying “Heather” Zhang, a 34-year-old California realtor, was detained at Los Angeles International Airport on accusations of spying for China, including alleged surveillance of Lai Ting-yu, the son of Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te, in Seattle. A security analyst uncovered a photograph showing Zhang wearing a red baseball cap behind a banner for the All American Chinese Association (AACA), standing beside its president Cai Chenghua, also known as Edward Cai.

The AACA is connected to Beijing’s United Front Work Department, which coordinates influence operations among overseas Chinese communities. Although the organization has not been prosecuted as an illegal foreign agent, its leadership, including Cai, previously held positions in the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, a group required to register under the Foreign Agents Registration Act. Federal prosecutors allege Zhang acted as an unregistered Chinese government agent and will appear in court for a further hearing on Tuesday.