
Chinese engineer pleads guilty to stealing US missile tech secrets
Gong, a naturalized US citizen since 2011, worked briefly at an unnamed Los Angeles-based R&D company in 2023. Prosecutors revealed he downloaded blueprints for infrared sensors used in space-based nuclear missile detection systems. The stolen files also included designs for military aircraft sensors that counter heat-seeking missiles.
Court documents show Gong accessed over 3,600 proprietary files during his employment. He pleaded guilty to one count of trade secret theft in a California federal court, with sentencing scheduled for September 29. The charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.
The Justice Department noted Gong had previously applied to Chinese government-backed 'Talent Programs' while working at major US tech firms between 2014 and 2022. These initiatives seek experts in advanced sciences to boost China's economic and military capabilities.
Authorities did not disclose whether the stolen data was shared with foreign entities. The case underscores growing concerns over intellectual property theft and national security risks linked to sensitive defense technologies. - AFP
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Tensions initially flared over long-contested ancient temple sites, but fighting has spread along the neighbours' rural frontier region, marked by a ridge of forest-clad hills surrounded by wild jungle and agricultural land where locals farm rubber and rice. Both sides reported a coastline clash at around 5am (6am Singapore time), with Cambodia accusing Thai forces of firing 'five heavy artillery shells' into locations in Pursat province, which borders Thailand's Trat province. Cambodia's Defence Ministry said 13 people were now confirmed killed in the fighting, including eight civilians and five soldiers, with 71 people wounded. Thai authorities say 13 civilians and seven soldiers have been killed on their side, taking the toll across both nations higher than the 28 killed in the last major round of fighting between 2008 and 2011. The fighting has forced more than 138,000 people to be evacuated from Thailand's border regions, with more than 35,000 driven from their homes in Cambodia. After the closed meeting of the Security Council in New York, Cambodia's UN ambassador Chhea Keo said his country wanted a ceasefire. 'Cambodia asked for an immediate ceasefire – unconditionally – and we also call for the peaceful solution of the dispute,' he told reporters. Border row Thai Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa said on July 26 that for any ceasefire or talks to proceed, Cambodia needed to show 'genuine sincerity in ending the conflict'. 'I urge Cambodia to stop violating Thai sovereignty and to return to resolving the issue through bilateral dialogue,' he told reporters. Thai Foreign Ministry spokesman Nikorndej Balankura said on July 25, before the UN meeting was held, that Bangkok was open to talks, possibly aided by Malaysia. 'We are ready, if Cambodia would like to settle this matter via diplomatic channels, bilaterally, or even through Malaysia, we are ready to do that. But so far we have not had any response,' Nikorndej told AFP. 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