A British citizen has been indicted in the United States on espionage-related charges for allegedly conspiring with a Chinese national to smuggle sensitive U.S. military technology to China and target a U.S. resident critical of President Xi Jinping.

John Miller, 63, from Tunbridge Wells, Kent, and Chinese national Cui Guanghai, 43, face multiple charges including conspiracy, smuggling, and violations of the Arms Export Control Act, which carries a potential 20-year prison sentence. U.S. authorities say the pair attempted to illegally procure and export cryptographic devices, missile components, drone systems, and air defense radar.

Court documents allege that Miller and Cui discussed smuggling a classified encryption device hidden inside a kitchen blender and routing it through Hong Kong. They reportedly transferred a $10,000 deposit through a U.S. courier and wire services.

Targeting U.S.-Based Chinese Dissident

Beyond espionage, the defendants are accused of coordinating surveillance and harassment against a U.S. resident who publicly criticized Chinese President Xi Jinping. Ahead of the November 2023 APEC summit, they allegedly hired individuals to stalk the dissident, slash their car tires, and install a tracking device. In 2025, they attempted to suppress an online display of statues depicting Xi and his wife by paying FBI-linked actors $36,500.

U.S. Officials Condemn Transnational Repression

Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche called the case “a blatant assault on both our national security and our democratic values.” FBI officials emphasized that transnational repression and foreign targeting of dissidents in the U.S. would not be tolerated.

“The FBI will not tolerate transnational repression targeting those in the United States who express dissenting opinions about foreign leaders,” said Akil Davis of the FBI’s Los Angeles office.

Background: Rising China-U.S. Espionage Tensions

The case comes amid escalating concerns in Washington over Chinese intelligence operations targeting U.S. defense assets and dissident communities. It follows a pattern of Beijing-linked espionage efforts aimed at stealing sensitive technology and silencing criticism abroad. The indictment underscores an increasing overlap between foreign intelligence activities and domestic security enforcement in the U.S.