In New York City, a hidden Chinese police station has been discovered, revealing secret efforts by Communist Party agents to monitor and intimidate Chinese expatriates. Recent charges have implicated Linda Sun, a former aide to New York governors Kathy Hochul and Andrew Cuomo, as secretly acting on behalf of the Chinese government.
The U.S. Department of Justice has intensified its efforts to uncover covert Chinese agents in the U.S. Over the past four years, Brooklyn federal prosecutors have initiated over a dozen cases involving more than 90 individuals. The latest case involves Sun, whose actions highlight China’s attempts to influence American policy and build relationships with political figures, even at local levels.
China’s influence efforts extend beyond traditional espionage. Rather than focusing solely on military or state secrets, China has been working to sway American officials on local issues, such as land use and labor regulations.
Adam Hickey, a former Justice Department official, noted that China is keen on forming connections within state and local governments. Sun is accused of undermining Taiwanese diplomatic efforts, encouraging positive remarks about China from Cuomo and Hochul, and influencing a video recording by Hochul. In exchange, Sun reportedly received tickets to Chinese cultural events and other benefits, including business help for her husband.
Sun and her husband, Chris Hu, have pleaded not guilty. Sun’s lawyer, Jarrod Schaeffer, expressed her distress over the charges but did not provide details. Governor Hochul has condemned Sun’s alleged actions as a betrayal of public trust.
The broader context includes ongoing efforts by the FBI and Justice Department to combat Chinese influence. This has led to numerous charges against Chinese nationals, including those accused of harassment and intimidation of dissidents and espionage.
China’s response has been to dismiss these allegations as exaggerated, arguing that its operations, such as “Operation Fox Hunt,” are legitimate. Chinese officials maintain that the police stations are simply providing routine services for Chinese citizens abroad.
Experts like Yaqiu Wang from Freedom House support measures to counteract Chinese influence but caution against potential civil rights violations. The former China Initiative, launched by the Trump administration, faced criticism for racial profiling and was rebranded under Biden. Concerns about wrongful accusations and discrimination remain significant.
U.S. Rep. Judy Chu has voiced concerns about racial profiling and unjust accusations, emphasizing the need for fairness and protection against prejudice.
Blue & Gold NLR Team is a dedicated journalist at blueandgoldnlr.com, where he provides insightful and up-to-date news coverage. With a passion for uncovering the truth and a commitment to delivering accurate information, Blue & Gold NLR Team brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the team. His work ensures readers stay informed about the latest events and developments.