U.S. journalist receives two-year term for acting as China’s unregistered agent

Thomas Pauken II, an American reporter with a long residency in China, was sentenced Tuesday to a two-year prison term after confessing to serving as an unregistered agent for the Chinese government. According to court filings, he produced confidential reports on U.S.-China relations and was paid $100,000 across a seven-year span, while also attempting to link a Trump administration official with his Chinese handler. Prosecutors highlighted his efforts to introduce the handler to U.S. experts and his claim that the reports were sent to President Xi Jinping.

Although the judge found no classified information was actually transferred, she emphasized the seriousness of his attempts to facilitate foreign intelligence gathering. Pauken expressed remorse, describing his conduct as “shocking” and “terrible,” and said he now recognizes the potential for greater damage, including the risk of war. The sentencing follows his February arrest by the FBI at a Washington hotel.