Prosecutors said Jinchao "Patrick" Wei, 25, used his position as a machinist’s mate on the amphibious assault ship USS Essex at Naval Base San Diego. ( STR/AFP via Getty Images)
The espionage-related charges carry life sentences and a $250,000 fine.
Conspiracy to violate the Arms Export Control Act and each count of violating the act carries a penalty of up to 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine.
The Chinese intelligence officer approached Wei and posed as a naval enthusiast working for the China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation, a state-run yard.
Wei suspected the officer of being linked to Chinese intelligence.
"Wei told his friend that he is ‘no idiot’ and that ‘this is quite obviously f***ing espionage,’" according to the Department of Justice (DOJ).
Still, Wei began spying for the officer, sending pictures of the Essex and describing the vulnerabilities of ships at the San Diego Naval Base.
An attorney for Wei did not deny that his actions were wrong but characterized him as young and naive, arguing he "never intended to harm the United States."
Multiple Chinese nationals, led by President Xi Jinping, have been arrested for spying on U.S. military bases. (Lauren DeCicca/Getty Images)
"By trading military secrets to the People’s Republic of China for cash, he jeopardized not only the lives of his fellow sailors but also the security of the entire nation and our allies," Gordon said. "The jury’s verdict serves as a crucial reminder that the Department of Justice will vigorously prosecute traitors."
Wei is scheduled to be sentenced on December 1.
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"If there is only one thing I can make clear, it is that Jinchao loves America. He has no allegiance to China," his attorney said. "He made a stupid decision to make some easy money by selling outdated maintenance manuals to a broken and obsolete steam-powered ship. I firmly believe his actions had absolutely no effect on national security.
Multiple Chinese nationals have been arrested for spying on U.S. military bases. Just last month, two were detained in Houston for allegedly trying to collect intelligence about U.S. Navy service members and bases and recruiting other military members to carry out tasks for the country’s main foreign intelligence service, the Ministry of State Security (MSS).
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/navy-sailor-faces-life-prison-after-selling-military-secrets-china-12k-payment