The Wall Street Journal reported on Monday that Daniel Duggan, a former US Marine now residing in Australia, will be extradited to the United States to face charges related to allegations of aiding Chinese military pilots.

Duggan is accused of assisting China in enhancing its pilots' aircraft carrier landing skills, a critical focus as the country builds its naval capabilities.

The allegations, which Duggan denies, involve claims that he worked with a South African aviation school to train Chinese pilots during the early 2010s.

Duggan's legal team has argued that his actions would not be considered criminal under Australian law.

His family, expressing deep concern over the extradition decision, stated they are exploring their legal options.

🧵DESPICABLE!🤬

Under cover of Christmas, Attorney General @MarkDreyfusKCMP has approved Australian citizen & father of six DAN DUGGAN's extradition to the USA.

Duggan will NOT receive a free trial in the weaponised US legal system.

Listen to his devestated wife Saffrine⬇️ pic.twitter.com/HVpPx0H8zJ

— Robert Barwick (@RobbieBarwick) December 23, 2024

Australian Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus confirmed the decision, asserting that Duggan would be handed over to US authorities following his detention in 2022.

The indictment against Duggan, originally filed in 2017 and made public two years ago, underscores heightened scrutiny by the US and its allies over reports of veteran Western military personnel contributing to Chinese military advancements.

Read more: Germany concerned retired pilots might disclose secrets to China

The US Department of Justice has not issued a public response to the matter.

Meanwhile, the case raises broader concerns about China's efforts to recruit Western expertise as it expands its fleet of aircraft carriers and strengthens its military operations.

Duggan, an Australian citizen for nearly 13 years and a father of six, maintains his innocence, contending that he has been unfairly targeted.