Yaoning “Mike” Sun, a Chinese national, was arrested for allegedly acting as an illegal agent for Beijing while serving as the campaign manager for an unnamed politician elected to a city council in Southern California two years ago.
Sun’s arrest raised concerns about the Chinese government’s involvement in influencing local elections in the U.S. to promote politicians friendly to Beijing and advance Chinese interests.
The big picture; The charges against Sun also implicated Chen Jun, another Chinese national sentenced previously for acting as an illegal agent of the Chinese government, highlighting a broader network of operatives.
- Sun was allegedly instructed to report to Chinese officials on how they assisted the local politician’s election and requested $80,000 for pro-Beijing activities in the U.S., emphasizing efforts to elevate the politician’s status in China.
- The unnamed councilperson implicated in the case was identified as campaign treasurer for Arcadia city council candidate Eileen Wang.
- Sun and his accomplice Chen coordinated actions to oppose visits to Taiwan and arrange meetings with top Chinese diplomats in Los Angeles, showcasing a coordinated effort to advance Beijing’s influence and control within the U.S.
What they’re saying: “This case is yet another example of a very disturbing trend: the People’s Republic of China is seeking to influence foreign and domestic policy in the United States,” Martin Estrada, U.S. attorney for the Central District of California, told reporters. “To do so, government officials in China are seeking to help get elected individuals who they see as being friendly to Chinese foreign policy.”
