According to CNA reports, the U.S. Attorney's Office for Missouri issued a statement on its official website on the 7th, pointing out that the defendant Qilin Wu (Qilin Wu, transliteration) filmed critical military facilities and equipment at Whiteman Air Force Base without authorization, violating U.S. law.
Court documents state that on December 2, 2025, the special investigation office of Whiteman Base received a report about a suspicious small van near the military facility. Patrol personnel went to investigate and encountered Wu. Wu stated that he was there to observe the B-2 bomber. Patrol personnel informed Wu that he was not permitted to take photos or videos within the military facility.
The next day, the special investigation office reported that the same van appeared again near the perimeter fence of the base. According to court documents, agents went to investigate and again made contact with Wu.
Wu admitted to filming video of the B-2 bomber, as well as multiple photos of the base perimeter fence, gate, and military equipment. He also showed investigators his phone, which contained files including images of Whiteman Base and military equipment—a total of 18 photos and videos, all of which Wu admitted to taking.
In addition, Wu also admitted to having filmed another U.S. Air Force base and its military aircraft.
The prosecutor's office said Wu is a Chinese citizen who illegally entered the U.S. from Arizona in June 2023. At that time, Wu was arrested by immigration authorities for illegal stay. Due to lack of detention space, Wu was released on bond and scheduled for deportation in February 2027.
The prosecutor's office pointed out that the indictment is merely a charge and not evidence of guilt; if convicted, Wu faces a maximum federal prison sentence of one year.
This is not the first time a Chinese citizen has been caught photographing military bases or training in the U.S.; five Chinese students broke into Camp Grayling Military Base in Michigan at night in 2023, where Taiwanese troops were also training.