Has US South Asia Expert Ashley Tellis Mishandled Classified Data and Engaged with Chinese Officials?
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Synopsis
In a shocking revelation, Ashley Tellis, a prominent US government advisor with extensive knowledge of South Asia, faces serious charges of mishandling classified information and engaging with Chinese officials. This unfolding story raises questions about national security and international relations.
Key Takeaways
- Ashley Tellis accused of mishandling classified info.
- Allegations involve meetings with Chinese officials.
- FBI affidavit details surveillance evidence.
- Tellis's expertise in South Asian affairs is notable.
- Serious implications for national security.
Washington, Oct 14 (NationPress) In a significant turn of events, Ashley Tellis, a veteran adviser to the US government and a recognized authority on India and South Asia, has been accused of improperly retaining national defense information and engaging with Chinese officials.
A federal affidavit submitted on October 13, 2025, in the Eastern District of Virginia, charges Tellis with taking classified documents from secure facilities and storing them at his residence in Vienna, Virginia.
The 10-page affidavit, presented by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), outlines a series of surveillance findings and evidence suggesting Tellis's alleged wrongdoing, including the removal of classified materials from secure locations.
According to court documents, on September 12, 2025, video surveillance recorded Tellis at the Department of Defense (DOD)'s Mark Centre in Alexandria, where he instructed a colleague to print several classified documents, including one labeled as “TOP SECRET”.
On September 25, 2025, Tellis accessed a classified State Department computer system in Washington, D.C., and opened a lengthy 1,288-page US Air Force document marked as “secret”, the documents claim.
He allegedly renamed the file “Econ Reform” to conceal its nature, printed hundreds of pages, and subsequently deleted the file. The court documents indicate he also printed two additional 40-page Air Force documents about military aircraft, both marked as “Secret”.
The FBI claims that on October 10, Tellis was seen concealing these documents – believed to contain top-secret information – within notepads and placing them in his leather briefcase before departing the facility and driving home.
The affidavit also highlighted that Tellis had multiple meetings over the years with Chinese officials. In a notable meeting in 2022, he arrived with a manila envelope and left without it after two hours.
Subsequent discussions covered topics such as Iran-China relations, artificial intelligence, and US-Pakistan relations. During their most recent meeting on September 2, 2025, Chinese officials reportedly presented Tellis with a red gift bag, as per the affidavit.
The documents further state that Ashley Tellis is currently an unpaid Senior Advisor at the Department of State. He also works as a contractor in the Office of Net Assessment (ONA) within the DoD. In this capacity, Tellis is regarded as a subject matter expert on India and South Asian affairs.
Additionally, he is affiliated as a Senior Fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, a think tank based in Washington.
Tellis has previously held the position of senior adviser to the US undersecretary of state for political affairs and played a pivotal role in negotiating the civil nuclear agreement with India.
Attempts to reach Tellis for a comment were unsuccessful.
Point of View
It's vital to approach this incident with objectivity. Ashley Tellis's expertise in South Asian affairs is significant, but the allegations raise critical concerns regarding national security. We must ensure transparency and thorough investigation to uphold the integrity of our government and protect our national interests.
NationPress
14/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the charges against Ashley Tellis?
Ashley Tellis has been charged with unlawfully retaining classified national defense information and unauthorized meetings with Chinese officials.
What evidence supports these charges?
The charges are backed by a 10-page FBI affidavit detailing surveillance observations, including the removal of classified documents from secure facilities.
What role does Ashley Tellis play in the US government?
He currently serves as an unpaid Senior Advisor at the Department of State and is a contractor in the Office of Net Assessment within the DoD.
Has Ashley Tellis responded to the charges?
As of now, Ashley Tellis has not been available for comment regarding the allegations against him.
What are the implications of these allegations?
These allegations could have significant repercussions for US national security and diplomatic relations, particularly with China.
