Chinese Student Charged Over U.S. Aircraft Photos
Chinese student Zhao Xuefeng, 25, was charged in Wyoming after alleged photos of C-130s near a restricted area; he remains in custody.
Lauren Collins ·
Cheyenne, Wyoming — A Chinese national who is a college student has been charged in the United States District Court for the District of Wyoming after authorities alleged he photographed military aircraft at a U.S. military installation, according to court documents.
The defendant was identified as 25-year-old Zhao Xuefeng. Officials said he was arrested on August 15, 2024, near a restricted area tied to the Wyoming Air National Guard’s 153rd Airlift Wing at Cheyenne Regional Airport. The charge was filed on Tuesday, and the case is proceeding in federal court in Wyoming.
Prosecutors brought one count of photographing defense installations. Court documents state the allegation centers on Zhao taking multiple images of C-130 military transport aircraft. Authorities said a review of his phone found numerous photos of military aircraft, including images that investigators said were taken at other U.S. military bases.
According to the filings, Zhao told investigators he had traveled to various U.S. states to photograph military aircraft and described himself as a military aircraft enthusiast. Officials have not detailed in the court documents cited here why he was near the restricted area at the time of the arrest beyond the allegation involving photography.
The investigation is being handled by the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, the FBI, and the Cheyenne Police Department, officials said. The involvement of multiple agencies underscores the national-security sensitivity that U.S. authorities attach to incidents involving defense sites and military equipment, particularly when activity occurs near restricted areas.
What it means: The case arrives amid stated U.S. concerns about foreign intelligence-gathering efforts aimed at defense assets. While the charge described in court documents focuses on photographing a defense installation, the broader policy backdrop has kept investor and government attention on how security enforcement can affect cross-border travel, academic ties, and technology-related scrutiny.
Risks and unknowns: The public record described here does not specify what Zhao intended to do with the images beyond his stated interest, nor does it outline any additional charges. Zhao remains in custody pending further legal proceedings, and the court process will determine how the allegations are tested and resolved.