The recent indictment of Linda Sun, a former aide to New York's governor, for allegedly acting as an illegal agent for China has brought attention to Beijing's efforts to influence U.S. politics at the state level. This development, occurring on September 3, 2024, marks a significant escalation in the ongoing tensions between the United States and China.
Sun, who previously served as deputy chief of staff for Governor Kathy Hochul, is accused of promoting Chinese interests at state functions and obstructing Taiwan's representatives from meeting with top New York officials. These actions were allegedly in exchange for substantial financial benefits.
This case is part of a broader trend of the U.S. Department of Justice intensifying its efforts to counter Chinese influence operations on American soil. While previous cases focused on surveillance of dissidents, Sun's arrest suggests a more direct attempt by China to shape U.S. politics, even at local levels.
China's strategy of cultivating state-level relationships with U.S. officials has a long history. During the 2010s, there was extensive regional-level engagement between the two countries, with U.S. governors frequently visiting China to promote trade and cultural ties. However, the bilateral relationship has deteriorated significantly in recent years.
The Chinese Communist Party's United Front Work Department, established to coordinate influence operations abroad, plays a crucial role in these efforts. One of its key instruments is the All-China Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese, founded in 1968 to engage with overseas Chinese communities. Sun was reportedly linked to Shi Qianping, a member of this organization.
"Seeking influence on the state level has increased in importance as relations at the federal level have soured. Something is better than nothing."
China's goals in these engagements include promoting messages aligned with Beijing's views and blocking interactions that could legitimize Taiwan's status. For instance, Sun allegedly prevented Hochul from mentioning Chinese human rights issues in a Lunar New Year video message.
The case raises questions about the future of state-level engagement with China. While some U.S. states are passing legislation to limit Chinese presence, experts argue for a more strategic approach. The disparity in resources dedicated to international engagement between Chinese cities and U.S. states highlights the need for a more balanced and informed approach to these relationships.
As U.S.-China relations continue to evolve, cases like Sun's serve as a reminder of the complex interplay between diplomacy, influence, and national security at all levels of government.