Chinese Government Allegedly Used Local Man to Advance Policies Favorable to China in Southern California
Case Highlights Growing Concerns Over Chinese Influence in Local Governments
A criminal complaint released on Thursday alleges that the Chinese government used a Chino Hills man to advance policies favorable to the People’s Republic of China in Southern California local governments.
Yaoning "Mike" Sun, 64, Charged with Acting as an Illegal Agent of a Foreign Power
Yaoning "Mike" Sun, a 64-year-old Chinese national, was charged with acting as an illegal agent of a foreign power and conspiring with another man, John Chen, who had been plotting to target U.S.-based practitioners of Falun Gong, a spiritual practice banned in China.
Sun’s Alleged Role in Supporting Politician’s Campaign
Sun, who served as the campaign manager and business partner for a Southern California politician, described in court records only as Individual 1, allegedly communicated with Chen about his efforts to get the politician elected to a city council. Chen relayed information to officials in the Chinese government about how it could influence local-level politicians in the United States, particularly in getting them to oppose Taiwan’s independence.
U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada: "Disturbing Trend" of Chinese Government Influence
U.S. Atty. Martin Estrada called the case "another example of a very disturbing trend" of the Chinese government seeking to influence foreign and domestic policies in the United States. China takes a broad approach, including connecting with local government officials who might not yet be on the national stage.
Scope of the Effort and Outcomes Unclear
The scope of the effort and whether it led to any concrete actions to favor China is unclear.
Growing Concerns Over Chinese Influence in Local Governments
The indictment comes at a time of souring U.S.-China relations and a looming trade war as President-elect Donald Trump prepares to return to the White House. There have been growing signs that China is attempting to influence state and local governments.
Chen’s Previous Charges and Conviction
Chen was sentenced last month to 20 months in prison for acting as an unregistered agent of the People’s Republic of China and bribing an Internal Revenue Service agent.
Conclusion
The case highlights growing concerns over the Chinese government’s efforts to influence local governments in the United States. The U.S. government has been warning of the threat of Chinese espionage and influence operations, and this case is another example of the alleged efforts to undermine American democracy.
FAQs
Q: What is the alleged scheme?
A: The scheme allegedly involved Yaoning "Mike" Sun, a Chinese national, using his position as campaign manager and business partner for a Southern California politician to advance policies favorable to the People’s Republic of China.
Q: Who is John Chen?
A: John Chen is a man who was previously charged with acting as an unregistered agent of the People’s Republic of China and bribing an Internal Revenue Service agent. He was sentenced to 20 months in prison.
Q: What is Falun Gong?
A: Falun Gong is a spiritual practice banned in China. The Chinese government sees it as a threat to the continuation of Communist Party control of the country.
Q: What is the scope of the effort?
A: The scope of the effort is unclear, but it is alleged to have involved Sun and Chen working to get a politician elected to a city council and to oppose Taiwan’s independence.
