Chinese national charged after photographing Missouri military base

A Chinese man faces federal charges for photographing B-2 stealth bombers and sensitive military infrastructure at a Missouri air base.

The allegations: Qilin Wu, 35, has been charged with unlawfully photographing vital military installations after he appeared twice at Whiteman Air Force Base in Knob Noster last month. Authorities first encountered him on Dec. 2 following reports of a suspicious Massachusetts-plated minivan near the base perimeter, where he said he had traveled from Boston to observe the B-2 Spirit aircraft.

Despite being told he could not photograph the installation, he returned the next day and acknowledged capturing video footage of the B-2 aircraft along with images of security fencing, a gate and equipment. When investigators examined his phone, they found 18 total images and videos of the base and its assets. He also disclosed he had previously photographed another Air Force installation and its aircraft.

What this means: The case comes amid increased scrutiny of Chinese nationals and concerns over policies that unfairly target Asian communities under the Trump administration. Last June, Texas implemented Senate Bill 17, which prohibits citizens of China, Russia, Iran and North Korea from purchasing property in the state, prompting accusations of racism and discrimination.

Ahead of its passing, State Rep. Gene Wu (D-Houston) said the measure sent “a loud and clear message that Asians don’t belong in this country,” while Asian Texans for Justice co-founder Alice Yi slammed the bill as “racist” and announced plans for a federal court challenge. Federal officials have similarly contested Florida’s comparable restriction, arguing it violates fair housing laws.

What authorities are saying: In response to the charges, U.S. Rep. Mark Alford, a Republican whose Missouri district includes Whiteman Air Force Base, addressed the case in a Facebook video while raising broader security concerns about Chinese nationals near the facility. He said officials are “very concerned about Chinese nationals getting near our base and spying on the B-2 stealth bomber — of course, part of our nuclear triad” and praised President Donald Trump for “doing the right thing” with the arrest. The congressman also referenced a November 2025 Daily Caller report examining a nearby trailer park allegedly connected to Chinese interests.

Wu entered the country illegally through Nogales, Arizona, in June 2023 before being released due to limited detention capacity, then was taken back into custody by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on Dec. 3. He faces up to one year in federal prison if proven guilty.