L.A. resident critic of Xi Jinping was harassed and threatened, feds say. Two people have been arrested

Los Angeles Times - Apr 26th, 2025

Authorities have detained two foreign nationals, Cui Guanghai from China and John Miller from the UK, for allegedly orchestrating a campaign to harass and intimidate a Los Angeles resident critical of Chinese President Xi Jinping. This operation was set in motion around October 2023, in the lead-up to the APEC summit in San Francisco. The suspects reportedly hired individuals in the U.S. to surveil and intimidate the victim, which included damaging his property and suppressing his artistic expressions. Unbeknownst to Cui and Miller, these individuals were actually undercover FBI agents. Similar actions were taken again in 2025 to suppress the victim's artistic expressions.

The arrests highlight growing concerns over international efforts to suppress dissent against foreign governments within the United States. The U.S. Justice Department is actively seeking the extradition of Cui and Miller, who face multiple charges with significant potential penalties. This case underscores the U.S. government's vigilance against foreign interference and the lengths to which some regimes might go to silence critics abroad. The incident also raises broader questions about freedom of expression and the reach of authoritarian governments beyond their borders.

Artistic Expression Xi Jinping Doj Fbi Foreign Interference Surveillance Intimidation Cui Guanghai John Miller Apec Summit

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

7.0

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article provides a clear and timely report on a significant international arrest, supported by credible sources from the U.S. Justice Department. It effectively communicates the key facts and allegations but lacks multiple perspectives and additional sources that could offer a fuller picture of the events. The clarity and readability are strong, ensuring the information is accessible to a broad audience. However, the lack of transparency about the reporting process and the absence of diverse viewpoints limit its overall depth and balance. The story has the potential to impact public discourse on international relations and freedom of expression, though its engagement potential is somewhat constrained by the straightforward presentation.

Accuracy

The article provides a detailed account of the arrest of two foreign nationals accused of targeting a Los Angeles resident. It specifies the names, ages, and nationalities of the suspects, as well as the charges they face, which adds to its factual accuracy. The article states that the suspects were arrested by Serbian law enforcement at the request of the U.S., a fact that is likely verifiable through official channels. However, the article does not provide direct quotes from the Justice Department's statement, which would enhance accuracy. The mention of the FBI's involvement, with two individuals acting under its direction, requires further verification from official sources to confirm these claims.

Balance

The article presents a single narrative focusing on the accusations against the two suspects and the actions they allegedly took. It lacks the perspectives of the accused or their legal representatives, which could provide a more balanced view. The story does not explore potential motivations or the broader context of the alleged harassment, which might offer additional viewpoints. While it does not exhibit overt bias, the absence of multiple perspectives limits the story's balance.

Clarity

The article is clearly written, with a straightforward structure that outlines the key events and allegations. The language is neutral and professional, aiding in comprehension. However, the lack of detailed background information on the victim or the broader implications of the case might leave some readers with unanswered questions.

Source quality

The primary source of information is a statement from the U.S. Justice Department, which is a credible and authoritative source. However, the article does not mention any other sources, such as interviews with legal experts, statements from the accused, or independent analysts. This reliance on a single source limits the depth of the reporting and the ability to cross-verify the claims made in the article.

Transparency

The article lacks transparency in terms of how the information was gathered and does not disclose any potential conflicts of interest. It does not mention the methodology used to verify the claims or provide context on how the story was developed. While it cites the Justice Department as the source of information, more transparency about the reporting process would enhance credibility.