A 64-year-old Chinese national, Yaoning “Mike” Sun, was arrested on Thursday, accused of acting as an illegal agent for the Chinese government. This arrest is notably linked to his role as a campaign manager for a politician who successfully gained a city council seat in Southern California two years prior.
The charges reflect growing concerns over alleged attempts by Beijing to infiltrate local elections in the United States. The Chinese government has been accused of building a network to support candidates who may align with its interests, thereby shaping policies in favor of China.
According to legal documents filed in U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, Sun allegedly conspired with Chen Jun, who recently received a 20-month prison sentence for also acting as an illegal agent for China. Chen, who is 71 and also from China, pleaded guilty to bribing federal employees to undermine the anti-Beijing organization, Falun Gong. The allegations against Sun indicate that he was part of a conspiracy to manipulate local elections.
As of now, it remains unclear whether Sun has legal representation to respond to these claims.
In response on Friday, the Chinese foreign ministry indicated it was unaware of the case but stressed that China does not interfere in the internal matters of other nations.
The affidavit states that in 2023, Sun was directed by Chen to prepare a report detailing how they supported the election of the local politician. Subsequent correspondence between Sun and Chen referred to the elected official as a “new political star” and included requests for $80,000 to back further pro-China activities within the United States.
Chen emphasized to Sun the importance of documenting all prominent American politicians that the council member was acquainted with, asserting it would significantly enhance the council member’s profile in China.
U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California, Martin Estrada, highlighted that the case exemplifies a worrying trend of the People’s Republic of China attempting to sway foreign and domestic U.S. policies. Estrada stated that Chinese officials are actively working to elect individuals who could support Chinese governmental agendas.
Court documents do not identify the city council member involved. However, records show that Yaoning Sun was associated as the campaign treasurer for Eileen Wang, a candidate who was elected to the Arcadia city council in 2022. Wang is known for her educational services business in Arcadia, situated about 15 miles from Los Angeles, and has been active in several community organizations.
Wang has yet to respond to inquiries regarding the case, and a city spokesperson has not provided comment either.
The charges brought against Sun follow similar accusations against another individual, Linda Sun, a former aide to two New York governors, who is also under scrutiny for allegedly acting as an illegal agent for the Chinese government.
Estrada pointed out that Yaoning Sun seemed dedicated to promoting Chinese government interests in the U.S., noting his previous service in the Chinese military. The documents do not mention any specific financial benefits gained by Sun, who is likely not related to Linda Sun, despite their shared surname.
Additionally, the affidavit claims that Sun operated a media outlet known as the U.S. News Center alongside the councilperson and covered some of her travel expenses. His LinkedIn profile identifies him as the director of the U.S. News Center, which is registered under Wang’s name in California.
Legal authorities assert that Sun maintained a close relationship with Chen, who was reportedly in regular contact with Chinese officials. Their communications included discussions on how to protest against the proposed visit of a U.S. congressperson to Taiwan—a region that Beijing considers part of its territory. They also strategized on arranging meetings for the city council member with prominent Chinese diplomats in Los Angeles and making travel plans for her visit to China.
