Uncovering Secret Connections Between China and NY Politicians

A former aide to New York state governors finds herself at the center of a Chinese political influence scandal that could have far-reaching implications for national security.

At a Glance

Linda Sun, a former aide to New York governors Kathy Hochul and Andrew Cuomo, was charged with acting as an illegal agent of the Chinese government.
Sun is accused of promoting Chinese interests at state functions and blocking Taiwanese representatives from meeting the governor in exchange for financial benefits.
This scandal highlights a broader effort by the U.S. Department of Justice to root out Beijing’s agents in the U.S.
Concerns are growing about overseas Chinese police stations operating without host country knowledge.

Linda Sun’s Arrest: The Charges and Background

Linda Sun, who held various roles in New York state government including deputy chief of staff for Gov. Kathy Hochul, was arrested for acting as an illegal agent of the Chinese government. Sun’s influence activities reportedly included promoting Chinese interests at state functions and blocking Taiwanese representatives from meeting the governor in exchange for financial compensation.

Sun’s arrest underscores the U.S. Department of Justice’s broader initiatives to dismantle Beijing’s network of agents operating within the United States. These efforts are vital in countering China’s subtler strategies of influencing local U.S. politics and policies, leveraging connections at various governmental levels.

Broader Implications for Local and National Security

The case exemplifies a larger trend in Chinese foreign policy: cultivating relationships with state-level officials as federal relations deteriorate. China has historically utilized these state-level ties to maintain its influence, especially through entities like the United Front, a Chinese Communist Party branch dedicated to overseas influence operations. These operations often involve the Chinese diaspora, engaging through groups such as the All-China Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese.

The allegations against Sun also cast light on other covert Chinese activities, such as operating overseas police stations without the host nation’s knowledge. There are growing concerns about these police stations’ potential roles in influencing and monitoring Chinese communities abroad.

Expert and Intelligence Community Reactions

U.S. and British intelligence agencies have been vocal about their rising concerns over China’s covert operations. FBI Director Christopher Wray and MI5 Director General Ken McCallum held a joint news conference, highlighting Beijing’s increased efforts to steal technology, economic intelligence, and influence foreign politics.

Local governments are encouraged to engage more strategically with legitimate Asian American organizations rather than relying solely on community liaisons, to counteract Chinese influence effectively.

Political and Public Responses

Rep. Claudia Tenney (R-N.Y.) has demanded answers from Gov. Kathy Hochul regarding Sun’s influence on the New York state government. Tenney has called for a bipartisan panel to investigate Hochul’s administration and the full impact of Sun’s activities.

In response, Hochul expressed shock at the allegations while maintaining confidence in the state’s vetting process. The case continues to unfold, with both legislators and the public keenly watching its impact on local and national security policies.