Foreign Policy Expert Ashley Tellis Faces Arrest for Alleged China Links

Ashley Tellis, a renowned Indian-origin foreign policy and defence expert, has been arrested by U.S authorities for retaining legal defence files without permission, confirmed by the U.S Attorney’s Office in Virginia. 

He has also come under scrutiny for his alleged connection to Chinese officials in 2023. Ashley Tellis, an Indian origin expert, was a consultant in the U.S State Department and held many key government positions. 

As stated in the FBI affidavit, Ashley (64 years) has served as an unpaid adviser to the State Department without pay and as a contractor for the Pentagon.

Ashley Tellis: Who Is He?

Ashley Tellis, accused of keeping the official documents without permission, was reported to have entered the Defence and State Department buildings. 

He was seen accessing and printing the classified documents, which featured details of military aircraft and left the building with a leather briefcase, according to an FBI affidavit. These activities were captured in September and October of this year. 

Briefing about him, Tellis has served for the US government as senior advisor to the Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs. 

He played a pivotal role in negotiating the US-India Civil Nuclear Agreement. He has previously worked as a special assistant to former U.S President George W. Bush on the National Security Council and as a senior director for Strategic Planning and Southwest Asia.

A book titled Striking Asymmetries: Nuclear Transitions in Southern Asia and Revising US Grand Strategy Toward China was a part of his scholarly work. 

Ashley was also a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and the International Institute for Strategic Studies. 

His other professional roles included senior policy analyst and professor at the RAND Corporation. 

Investigation Of Alleged Meeting With Chinese Officials

Authorities are reviewing Tellis's alleged interaction with a Chinese official during his professional tenure. 

As per prosecutors' allegations, Ashley met with Chinese officials between September 2022 and April 2023. 

He had an interaction with them while dining at a restaurant in Virginia. There, he discussed relations between Iran and China and future technologies.

Although there is no clear indication of espionage, he has flouted federal security rules by retaining official documents unlawfully. Regarding his bond, it will be decided by the judge later this week.

What Will Happen If Tellis Is Convicted?

In a press release, the announcement by US Attorney Lindsay Halligan pointed to charges against Ashley Tellis. 

According to him, his conduct has posed a threat to the security of the citizens. 

If found guilty, he would be behind bars for 10 years with a hefty fine of $250,000 for his involvement in the forfeiture of official materials. 

Until then, he would remain presumed innocent, as emphasised by the government.