China Waging An Espionage War On The US? Top Chinese Spy Accused Of Stealing Sensitive Aviation Secrets

Yanjun Xu, who also goes with at least two other aliases Qu Hui and Zhang Hui, was arrested and charged for allegedly attempting to steal trade secrets from GE Aviation and other US aerospace companies.

Xu serves as the deputy director of China's Ministry of State Security (MSS), the country's intelligence agency. He was extradited to the US on Tuesday (9 October) with co-operation from Belgian authorities and will now stand trial.

The details of the chargesheet by the US Department of justice has been reported in detail by Cincinnati Enquirer.

As per the chargesheet, Xu was attempting to steal classified information on composite materials used in GE's fan blades and fan blade encasement. These speciality materials are more durable, weigh less and cost less, according to the 16-page indictment against him.

The composites are a pivotal component in the Leap engine developed by West Chester-based CFM, a joint venture between GE Aviation and Snecma Moteurs of France. The engine powers the Airbus A320 Neo, the Boeing 737 Max and the China Comac C919.

Xu was seeking to obtain the critical information. by cultivating an GE Aviation employee, who has been described as an expert in the Jet technology space.  The company employee however has not been named and has not been charged in this case.

The chargesheet also adds that employee met Xu several times in China and Xu continued to pursue him when the employee was back in Cincinnati.

Fed officials said that GE Aviation was working closely with the FBI to plug potential economic espionage attempts, and these trips raised red flags to investigators.

Xu faces a prison sentence of up to 25 years in addition to fines if charged and convicted.

Concerns over Chinese espionage has led to US tightening its rules on foreign investment in high tech industries including aviation next month.