Safeguarding American Military Technology

Two foreign nationals, Cui Guanghai, 43, of China, and John Miller, 63, of the United Kingdom, face serious charges in a scheme to illegally smuggle sensitive U.S. military equipment, including missiles, into China.

The U.S. Justice Department revealed the plot, which points to the growing threat of foreign actors targeting American defense technology.

The charges include interstate stalking, conspiracy, smuggling, and violations of the Arms Export Control Act, highlighting a deliberate effort to undermine U.S. national security.

Thwarting a Sophisticated Smuggling Operation

Court documents detail how Cui, allegedly acting on behalf of the Chinese government, and Miller, a U.S. permanent resident, schemed to acquire military-grade equipment such as missiles, air defense radar, drones, and cryptographic devices starting in November 2023.

The duo worked with two individuals who, unbeknownst to them, were FBI informants.

To evade detection, Cui and Miller devised plans to conceal a cryptographic device inside everyday items like a blender, small electronics, or a motor starter, or to reroute shipments through Hong Kong.

They paid a $10,000 deposit for the device, unaware their plot was under FBI surveillance.

Additionally, the pair allegedly orchestrated a separate scheme to silence a U.S. citizen critical of Chinese President Xi Jinping, involving surveillance, vehicle tampering, and the destruction of statues depicting Xi and his wife.

Strengthening National Security Measures

The case reflects U.S. efforts to counter foreign espionage and protect critical defense technologies.

Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche condemned the defendants’ actions, stating, “The defendants targeted a U.S. resident for exercising his constitutional right to free speech and conspired to traffic sensitive American military technology to the Chinese regime. This is a blatant assault on both our national security and our democratic values.”

Arrested in Serbia in April at the U.S. government’s request, Cui and Miller face up to 40 years in prison if convicted.

The U.S. is collaborating with Serbian authorities for their extradition.

Meanwhile, the State Department, under Secretary Marco Rubio, is enhancing visa screening processes, particularly for applicants from China and Hong Kong, to prevent similar threats.

A U.K. spokesperson confirmed consular support for Miller, while China’s Embassy has not responded to inquiries.

Are you concerned with the threat China poses to the United States? Let us know what you think in the comments below!