The commander of U.S. Air Force units in Europe is warning veterans to avoid post-military employment with privately owned aviation companies affiliated with the People’s Republic of China.

     Gen. James B. Hecker, commander of U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Air Forces Africa, said personnel must protect the tactics, techniques and procedures they learned in the military, even after hanging up their uniform.  Gen. Hecker’s warning  followed recent updates to German defense laws that will impose harsh penalties on German-trained troops who provide defense services or military intelligence to foreign militaries.  Good advice and warning.

     "The new laws passed last year are proof that allies will seek to hold individuals accountable when they compromise the safety of our teammates by pursuing employment backed by our adversaries,” he said.  Great Britain and Belgium passed similar laws in recent years, and other NATO allies are considering similar measures. Sentencing can include jail time and life imprisonment in some circumstances, Air Force officials said.

     “We welcome these legal changes and encourage other allies to consider similar measures,” Gen. Hecker said.  Even so, China’s People’s Liberation Army continues to recruit current and former military personnel from NATO nations and other Western countries to help bolster Beijing’s aviation capabilities, Air Force officials said.  A former U.S. Marine who became an Australian citizen 13 years ago will be extradited to America over claims he illegally trained Chinese pilots. Daniel Duggan, 55, was taken into custody in October 2022 following a request from the U.S. to move him over charges of conspiracy, arms trafficking and money laundering. U.S. officials said he broke arms-export control laws while teaching Chinese and other foreign pilots at a flying academy in South Africa over a decade ago.