You really don’t know how researches work… they get to be in multiple projects globally, specially when working in a university… that is why of the name. Besides, the US is highly sensitive with confidential information and for the most ridiculous things you need a “security clearance” that he will never get even the most basic one. Today, most on the spying is not done presentially within the target country, let alone with such a prominent position.
China, for sure, has spies,… who doesn’t. But the overwhelming majority of these cases tend to be non factual. Causes like fearmongering, departmental rivalries, someone wanted a medal, gathering prisoners for exchange, setting example, etc… are usually what is behind this. If I were a Chinese researcher, no matter the area of expertise, I would leave the US… and this is not Trump! This is the current US policy that all sides subscribe to.
I find it pathetic. If politicians wanted to stop these violation they could. If I have a restaurant in town and the antitrust penalties is, by law, a maximum of 10% of my profits… considering a court ruling takes some 5-7 years that is an actual some 2% fine. What incentive is that from me to get rid of all my competition in town!? I would not stop my illegal practices even if fines where 10 times that!!
No much. He would have to declare if conflict of interest or to IRS. But strong feeling that is not the case. Again, if evidence was there, the FBI and even Trump would be all over with the evidence. This guy, probably had no even Confidential Security Clearance (lowest one). The only thing I can think of is industrial espionage but those are brought by the injured party and goes to a normal judicial channel… nothing indicates that is the case here.