Chinese Agent Arrested for California Election Interference Plot \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Yaoning “Mike” Sun, a 64-year-old Chinese national, was arrested Thursday on charges of acting as an illegal agent for Beijing. Prosecutors allege Sun worked to influence local U.S. elections, including serving as campaign manager for a Southern California city council member elected in 2022. The arrest highlights growing concerns about Beijing’s covert efforts to install pro-China politicians in U.S. government positions. Sun is accused of conspiring with Chen Jun, a convicted Chinese agent, to interfere in local elections, fund pro-Beijing activities, and promote Chinese foreign policy goals.
Chinese National Arrested for Election Interference: Quick Looks
- The Arrest: Yaoning “Mike” Sun allegedly acted as an unregistered agent for Beijing, influencing a city council race.
- The Allegations: Sun conspired with Chen Jun, a convicted Chinese agent, to install pro-Beijing politicians.
- Campaign Target: An unnamed city council member in Southern California, described as a “new political star.”
- Chinese Interests: Beijing allegedly sought to elevate politicians favorable to its foreign policy goals.
- Prosecutors’ Concerns: U.S. attorneys say this reflects a broader trend of foreign interference in local politics.
Deep Look
Election Interference Allegations Against Yaoning “Mike” Sun
According to court documents filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, Sun allegedly worked as the campaign manager for a Southern California city council member elected in 2022. Prosecutors claim Sun collaborated with Chen Jun, another Chinese national who was recently sentenced to 20 months in prison for illegal activities on behalf of Beijing.
Sun, 64, is accused of paying campaign expenses, coordinating with Chinese officials, and working with Chen to promote the council member’s political profile both in the U.S. and China.
The Broader Chinese Agenda in U.S. Politics
Prosecutors allege that Sun’s activities are part of a wider effort by Beijing to influence U.S. domestic policy by supporting politicians deemed sympathetic to China’s interests. Martin Estrada, U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California, described the case as emblematic of a “very disturbing trend.”
Sun’s arrest follows concerns about Beijing’s broader strategy to cultivate influence in U.S. local elections, which often attract less scrutiny than federal races.
Details of the Alleged Scheme
According to court filings, Sun:
- Coordinated Campaign Activities: Served as the campaign manager for the unnamed city council member, organizing and financing elements of the campaign.
- Reported to Beijing: Drafted a report for Chinese officials in 2023, detailing efforts to help the council member win.
- Described the Politician as a “Star”: Wrote about the council member as a “new political star” with the potential to elevate U.S.-China relations.
- Requested Additional Funding: Sought $80,000 from Chinese officials to support further pro-Beijing activities.
- Facilitated Connections with Chinese Diplomats: Arranged for the council member to meet with the top Chinese diplomat in Los Angeles and discussed plans for the politician to visit China.
Prosecutors say the communications between Sun and Chen included instructions to elevate the council member’s status in China by highlighting their connections with prominent U.S. politicians.
Connection to Arcadia City Council Race
Although court documents did not name the council member, public records show that Yaoning Sun was listed as the campaign treasurer for Arcadia city council candidate Eileen Wang in early 2022. Wang, who runs a tutoring business and has been active in local community groups, won her race later that year.
Records indicate Sun’s involvement ended before the election, with a different individual listed as Wang’s campaign treasurer in later filings. Wang has not been accused of wrongdoing. Attempts to contact Wang and Arcadia city officials for comment were unsuccessful.
Sun’s Background and Activities
Prosecutors allege that Sun’s past service in the Chinese military and ideological alignment with Beijing motivated his actions. While financial compensation for Sun’s activities is unclear, he appears to have been deeply committed to advancing China’s interests in the U.S.
Links to Convicted Agent Chen Jun
Sun’s arrest builds on the recent conviction of Chen Jun, a 71-year-old Chinese national who pleaded guilty in July to operating as an illegal agent for Beijing. Chen admitted to bribing federal agents to undermine the anti-China spiritual group Falun Gong.
Court documents reveal that Sun and Chen collaborated closely, with Chen reportedly acting as a liaison between Sun and Chinese officials. The pair also discussed plans to protest a U.S. congressperson’s proposed visit to Taiwan, a self-governed island that China claims as its territory.
Broader Pattern of Chinese Influence
While Yaoning Sun and Linda Sun are not believed to be related, their cases highlight growing concerns about Beijing’s covert operations in the U.S.
Concerns About Local Elections as Targets
The charges against Sun underscore the vulnerability of local elections to foreign interference. With fewer resources and less media scrutiny than federal races, local campaigns may be easier targets for foreign governments seeking to influence U.S. policy.
By installing friendly politicians in city councils, Beijing could potentially shape U.S. policy at a grassroots level while building relationships with influential figures for future use.
What’s Next for Sun?
The investigation is ongoing, with federal authorities probing the extent of Beijing’s influence network in Southern California and beyond.
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