Gao Zhan (alleged spy)
Gao Zhan (Chinese: 高瞻) is a researcher who worked at the American University in Washington, DC. In 2001, the government of the People's Republic of China detained her for 166 days on the grounds that she was spying for Taiwan.[1] At that time, she was widely regarded as a political dissident.
Upon her release through medical parole,[2] she was scheduled to become a naturalized citizen of the United States, but the ceremony was quickly cancelled. The reason for this became apparent in late 2003, when Gao was convicted on charges of violating export regulations in selling microprocessors to the Chinese government. It was revealed that Gao had been under investigation since 2000, before she was detained in China.
After her conviction for export of controlled technology, Gao faced the possibility of deportation following her jail sentence. Upon release from prison, her deportation was effectively cancelled.[3]
References
- "3 jailed in China for spying for Taiwan". The Irish Times. 25 July 2001. Archived from the original on 22 December 2020. Retrieved 22 December 2020.
China has sentenced two US-based scholars and a Chinese national to at least 10 years in prison for spying for Taiwan [...] Gao suffers from a heart condition and was sent to an emergency room last week. Gao's husband, Mr Xue Donghua, said he would appeal to Mr Powell to intervene.
- "Chinese scholar denies being a spy". CNN. 30 July 2001. Archived from the original on 11 August 2001. Retrieved 22 December 2020.
- "Accused spy allowed to remain in U.S." Washington Examiner. 21 May 2006. Archived from the original on 22 December 2020. Retrieved 22 December 2020.
A former American University researcher who pleaded guilty in 2003 to selling sensitive technology to China will not be deported back to her homeland, U.S. Immigration officials said. U.S. Immigration Judge Paul Schmidt ordered a "relief from removal" order March 20 for Gao Zhan, 44, who admitted selling more than $500,000 worth of military-grade microprocessors to the Chinese government between October 2000 and January 2001, according to U.S. Immigration spokeswoman Susan Eastwood.