Two Chinese nationals have been charged with spying inside the United States on behalf of Beijing, including by taking photographs of a naval base, coordinating a cash dead-drop and participating in efforts to recruit members of the military who they thought might be open to working for Chinese intelligence.

The United States has charged two Chinese nationals Yuance Chen, 38, and Liren “Ryan” Lai, 39, accused of trying to recruit spies for Beijing. They were arrested for allegedly acting on behalf of China without registering as foreign agents with the Justice Department, in accordance with the law.

WASHINGTON — Two Chinese nationals have been charged with spying inside the United States on behalf of Beijing, including by taking photographs of a naval base, coordinating a cash dead-drop and by participating in efforts to recruit members of the military who they thought might be open to working for Chinese intelligence.