US charges journalist Thomas Pauken II as unregistered China agent
Synopsis
A US journalist who spent years embedded in Chinese state media has been charged with secretly working for Beijing's intelligence apparatus — allegedly cultivating sources near the Trump administration, ferrying communication devices, and pocketing $100,000 in assignments. The case is one of the most direct public allegations of MSS-directed influence operations targeting a US presidential transition.
Key Takeaways
Thomas Weir Pauken II , also known as 'Tom McGregor' , was charged on 27 May 2025 with acting as an unregistered agent of China under Title 18, Section 951 of the US Code.
Prosecutors allege he operated under the direction of individuals linked to China's Ministry of State Security (MSS) since at least 2019 .
Pauken allegedly received roughly $100,000 for reports and assignments, with travel financed by Chinese contacts.
He reportedly told the FBI he was '80 per cent sure' an associate connected to the Trump administration would provide classified information to China.
His attorney Charles Burnham noted Pauken 'is not charged with spying or mishandling classified information,' framing the case as a registration dispute.
Pauken previously worked for China Radio International , China Central Television , and China Global Television Network .
American journalist and political commentator Thomas Weir Pauken II, who worked for multiple Chinese state media outlets under the alias 'Tom McGregor', has been charged in the United States with acting as an unregistered foreign agent on behalf of China, according to federal court documents unsealed in Virginia on 27 May 2025. The criminal complaint, filed in the US District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, alleges Pauken operated under the direction of individuals linked to China's Ministry of State Security (MSS).
Key Allegations
Federal prosecutors allege that Pauken worked 'at the direction and control' of individuals connected to the People's Republic of China (PRC) since at least 2019. According to an affidavit authored by FBI Special Agent Timothy J. Healy, Pauken's alleged handler — identified only as 'Cathy' — assigned him tasks including meeting potential human intelligence sources, delivering communication devices, collecting information, and sending reports back to China.
Court filings further allege that Pauken admitted during voluntary interviews that his work with 'Cathy' and others 'was part of a conspiracy to obtain classified information from the United States government.' Notably, he reportedly told the FBI he was '80 per cent sure' an associate connected to the incoming Trump administration would eventually provide classified information to China.
Finances, Devices and Travel
Investigators allege Pauken received roughly $100,000 for reports and assignments, with his travel between China and the United States — spanning 2019 to 2025 — allegedly financed by his Chinese contacts. In January 2025, Pauken arrived at Washington Dulles International Airport carrying two cellphones, a laptop, and $3,000 in cash.
Court documents also allege that Pauken later offered a person identified as 'Person 1' a $10,000 bonus to resume working with 'Cathy', claiming the reports produced would 'influence policy and be read by Xi Jinping.' The FBI reportedly instructed Pauken to continue his activities — while warning him against obtaining or transferring classified information — apparently to monitor his contacts.
Background and Chinese State Media Ties
Pauken moved to China around 2010 and subsequently worked for China Radio International, China Central Television, China Global Television Network, and later at a Chinese state news agency described in court filings as the 'official state news agency of the PRC.' Investigators said he met 'Cathy' around 2017 after being introduced by a man described as one of Chinese President Xi Jinping's speechwriters. Communications between Pauken and 'Cathy' allegedly took place via WeChat, Signal, and Telegram.
The Legal Charge and Defence Response
The complaint was filed under Title 18, Section 951 of the US Code, which makes it illegal to act within the United States as an agent of a foreign government without notifying the Attorney General. Prosecutors said checks of the Justice Department database found no evidence that Pauken had registered as an agent of the Chinese government.
Pauken's attorney, Charles Burnham, argued that his client 'is not charged with spying or mishandling classified information,' contending the case centres on registration requirements tied to acting on behalf of a foreign government. The distinction, critics note, does not diminish the seriousness of the alleged conduct — particularly the alleged cultivation of sources close to a presidential transition.
What Happens Next
The case is being closely watched as part of a broader US crackdown on alleged Chinese influence operations targeting American political institutions. Legal analysts expect the prosecution to test the boundaries of Section 951 as a tool against foreign influence campaigns that stop short of classic espionage. Further court proceedings are expected in the Eastern District of Virginia.
Point of View
Not espionage — but for what the affidavit reveals about MSS operating methods: long-horizon cultivation, journalists as cover, and deliberate targeting of presidential transition networks. The $100,000 figure is modest; the access allegedly sought was not. Washington has charged foreign-agent cases before, but few have alleged this level of proximity to an incoming administration. The defence's framing — 'not spying' — is technically accurate under the charge but risks obscuring the operational picture prosecutors have laid out. Expect this case to sharpen congressional debate over whether Section 951 penalties are adequate deterrents for state-directed influence operations.
NationPress
13 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Thomas Pauken II charged with?
Thomas Weir Pauken II has been charged with acting as an unregistered agent of a foreign government — specifically China — under Title 18, Section 951 of the US Code. The charge alleges he worked under the direction of individuals linked to China's Ministry of State Security without notifying the US Attorney General.
Who is Thomas Pauken II and what is his background?
Pauken is an American journalist and political commentator who moved to China around 2010 and worked for several Chinese state media outlets including China Radio International, China Central Television, and China Global Television Network. He also used the alias 'Tom McGregor' in his media work.
What did Pauken allegedly do for Chinese intelligence?
According to court filings, Pauken allegedly met potential human sources, delivered communication devices, collected information, and sent reports to China. He reportedly received around $100,000 for these assignments and allegedly offered a contact a $10,000 bonus to resume working with his handler, 'Cathy'.
Is Pauken accused of passing classified information?
No. His attorney Charles Burnham stated that Pauken 'is not charged with spying or mishandling classified information.' The charge relates to operating as an unregistered foreign agent. However, prosecutors allege Pauken admitted his work was 'part of a conspiracy to obtain classified information.'
What happens next in the case?
Further court proceedings are expected in the US District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. The case is being watched as part of a broader US effort to counter alleged Chinese influence operations, and legal analysts expect it to test the scope of Section 951 prosecutions.
