Two Chinese Ex-Soldiers Arrested in South Korea for Espionage Near US Military Bases

South Korean authorities have arrested two Chinese nationals on suspicion of engaging in espionage activities around South Korea-U.S. military installations, prompting heightened security alerts. The individuals are accused of using tourism or study as cover to conduct long-term observations near military facilities and collect communication data.

One suspect, a man in his 60s identified as 'A', was reportedly eavesdropping on communications between fighter jets and the control tower near Gunsan Air Base in North Jeolla Province. Police investigations indicate 'A', a retired military personnel, entered South Korea multiple times on tourist visas, coinciding with joint South Korea-U.S. Air Force exercises.

The second suspect, a man in his 40s identified as 'B', was arrested for allegedly collecting classified information near the U.S. Army Garrison Humphreys (K-6) in Pyeongtaek. Operating under the guise of a military supply store, 'B' is accused of bribing South Korean employees to obtain data related to the 'Ulchi Freedom Shield' (UFS) joint military drills and internal personnel documents. He also allegedly observed and photographed weapons transfers within the base.

Both suspects are retired military personnel. Authorities are currently conducting digital forensics on their electronic devices to determine if the collected information has been leaked to Chinese entities. This incident follows previous cases of Chinese nationals engaging in similar activities in South Korea, including the conviction of two Chinese high school students for unauthorized filming and eavesdropping near military facilities earlier this year.

The repeated security breaches have raised concerns within the South Korean military and among experts, who warn of potential threats to the Korean Peninsula's security and damage to the intelligence cooperation trust between South Korea and the United States.