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Representative image (Picture credit: AP)
The arrest of Yaoning "Mike" Sun, a 64-year-old Chinese national, has intensified concerns about Beijing’s alleged interference in US politics. Sun was apprehended on Thursday on charges of acting as an illegal agent for the Chinese government and conspiring to influence a local election in Southern California to advance China’s foreign policy interests.
Authorities allege Sun collaborated with Chinese officials to support a politician sympathetic to Beijing’s agenda. The arrest comes amid growing concerns over China's alleged efforts to influence local US elections by backing candidates supportive of Beijing’s interests. Prosecutors claim Sun conspired with
Chen Jun
, a fellow Chinese national who was sentenced last month to 20 months in prison for acting as an illegal agent of the Chinese government.
Chen, 71, previously pleaded guilty to bribing federal agents to target the anti-Beijing group Falun Gong. Court documents reveal that Chen also collaborated with Sun to meddle in local elections.
The case is part of a broader trend of scrutiny toward Beijing's efforts to influence US governance through local channels, including covert operations and influence campaigns targeting local and state politicians.
Sun's arrest follows the conviction of Chen Jun, another Chinese national, who was sentenced to 20 months in prison for acting as an illegal agent of the Chinese government. Authorities have highlighted the involvement of both men in promoting pro-Beijing agendas and influencing elected officials, particularly on sensitive topics like Taiwan.
Who is Yaoning "Mike" Sun?
- Yaoning Sun is a Chinese national residing in Chino Hills, California, and has been charged with acting as an unregistered foreign agent.
- According to public records and court documents, Sun is listed as the director of a media outlet called the US News Center, which is registered under the ownership of the unnamed councilperson in California.
- The outlet appears to have been used as a vehicle to support pro-China narratives and to bolster the political status of elected officials in the United States and China.
- Sun served as the campaign manager for an unnamed city council candidate who was elected to office in Southern California in 2022.
- Records suggest Sun had close ties to the politician, funding some of their travel expenses and collaborating on political strategy. His role extended beyond campaign management, allegedly working to elevate the councilperson’s status with Chinese officials and facilitate their interactions with Beijing’s diplomats.
- Prosecutors allege that Sun conspired with Chen Jun to interfere in US elections. Sun is accused of writing a report for Chinese officials recounting his role in the councilperson's election, describing them as a "new political star" and seeking additional funding for pro-Beijing activities in the US.
- He also allegedly worked to set up meetings between the councilperson and high-ranking Chinese diplomats in Los Angeles.
- US Attorney Martin Estrada noted that Sun appeared to be ideologically committed to furthering the Chinese government’s goals in America. Sun previously served in the Chinese military, which underscores his longstanding ties to China.
- Sun faces charges of acting as an illegal agent of a foreign government and conspiracy to commit an offence against the United States. If convicted, he could face up to 15 years in federal prison.
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