A Chinese national, Zheng Congying, has been sentenced to 16 months in prison for his involvement in what US authorities describe as a Beijing-led campaign targeting expatriates in the United States. Zheng was part of a group convicted of attempting to coerce Xu Jin, a former official from Wuhan, to return to China, where he faces bribery charges that he denies. Zheng left a threatening note at Xu's New Jersey home, saying, "If you are willing to go back to the mainland and spend 10 years in prison, your wife and children will be all right."
The case is the first trial spotlighting US claims that China harasses dissidents on foreign soil, a practice China robustly denies, branding its actions under "Operation Fox Hunt" as efforts to repatriate fugitives to face justice. During the trial, Zheng's attorney claimed he regretted his actions and tried to retrieve the note, while prosecutors doubted this, suggesting his return to the site was to ensure the note's delivery. Although the defendants did not testify, their lawyers asserted they mistakenly believed they were acting for private interests, not the Chinese government.
Zheng was convicted of stalking and conspiracy to stalk, but acquitted of other charges. His co-defendant Zhu Yong received a two-year sentence last week, while former US police sergeant Michael McMahon awaits sentencing. Three others have pleaded guilty, whereas five more suspects, believed to be in China, remain unaccounted for by US authorities. Zheng's lawyer did not comment on the sentencing. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)
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