Do Virginians know that George Allen knowingly fought for the release of a Chinese prisoner who was, in actuality, a spy for the Chinese government? And do Virginians know that this spy was later convicted of selling China sensitive military technology?
Let's tell them.
In 2001, George Allen was an outspoken advocate for Gao Zhan, a Chinese woman who was arrested in China charged with spreading anti-Chinese propaganda. The high-profile arrest of Gao, then a researcher at American University, brought much media attention and Senator George Allen to the fanfare. It was later speculated that this "arrest" was simply a ruse, allowing Gao, an undercover Chinese agent, to be brought into contact with the Chinese government. [Washington Post 11/27/2003; CNN Nov. 26, 2003]
At the time, Senator Allen claimed to be outraged by the seemingly arbitrary arrest of Gao by the Chinese government and he introduced legislation to grant her U.S. citizenship. And, although Allen's assistance to Gao could mean that he was simply duped, the evidence shows otherwise.
The Richmond-Times Dispatch reported, "On the day in April 2001 he [Allen] was set to introduce the bill, a Justice Department official called his office to disclose Gao was the subject of an investigation, the aides said. The information conveyed to Allen was classified." So, despite being informed that Gao was under investigation, Allen chose to push forward anyway. [CR S3532 April 5, 2001, Richmond Times Dispatch, March 6, 2004]
Later in 2001, Gao was released and allowed to return to the United States, where she resumed exporting sensitive technology to Chinese military institutions. Upon her return, George Allen spoke at a press conference welcoming her back to the U.S. despite having knowledge that she was under federal investigation. Later, Allen even tried to arrange for a special citizenship ceremony for Gao on Capital Hill but the ceremony was called off by government officials. [CNN Live Event Coverage of Gao Zhan Press Conference Aired July 26, 2001 - 16:01 ET; New York Times July 26, 2001][AP, January 23, 2006; Washington Post, November 27, 2003]
On November 26, 2003, Gao pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of breaking export control laws and tax evasion. She admitted to selling more than $539,000 of sensitive microprocessors to a procurement agency of the Chinese government. Government officials also reported that Gao was also selling items with no civilian uses, but would not reveal the nature of those items. The U.S. Attorney stated that it was, "A serious matter involving national security." [Washington Post, November 27, 2003]
The technology Gao sold to the Chinese government is a threat to our nation's security. The products she exported include a model of microprocessors used in tracking and radar systems aboard guided missiles. China has been known to export missile technology to rogue states like Iran and North Korea who are now attempting to design nuclear missiles. Chinese missile technology was integral to North Korea's missile tests near Japan this summer and Hezbollah's attacks on Israel. [CNN, November 26, 2003; Washington Post November 28, 2003, TIMES Asia Edition, Dec. 01, 2003; Peter Rodman, Assistant Secretary of Defense of International Security Affairs, Testimony before the U.S.-China and Economic Security Review Commission, September 14, 2006]
But what was George Allen's reaction to findings that Gao Zhan was actually a Chinese spy? Surely he would regret any involvement in allowing a spy's access into the United States--right?
Wrong.
According to the Richmond Times Dispatch, Allen had no regrets in fighting for Gao's return to the United States. "Somebody's got to be a champion. I would do it all over again. I'm happy I did what I did. If I knew this would be the result in the end, I still would do it." [Richmond Times Dispatch, March 6, 2004]
"We live in an insecure, dangerous world where our nation's security and the safety of our citizens should be our government's priority. The fact that George Allen would fight for someone under federal investigation for espionage to return to the United States, is just ridiculous. But, what's even more absurd is that Allen feels no remorse for endangering America's security and has proudly admitted that given the chance, he would do it again. It's shameful that this man is in the United States Senate," said Webb spokesperson Kristian Denny Todd.