Calls to End State Funding for China-Linked Nonprofits

In Washington, Representatives Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) and Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) are urging New York Governor Kathy Hochul to halt all state funding for nonprofits connected to China, citing possible “election interference.” This plea comes via a letter obtained by the Post.

The duo, which includes the New York gubernatorial candidate and the chair of the House Judiciary Committee, requested on Thursday that Hochul stop funding and special tax exemptions for any nonprofit linked to the Chinese Communist Party.

They also urged the Albany administration to conduct a thorough investigation into political appointees and staff for any potential conflicts of interest with the Chinese Communist Party or other foreign entities.

“We have serious concerns about the widespread influence of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) on your administration in New York State,” they expressed, referring to reports from the Post and the New York Times regarding Beijing’s activities aimed at swaying elections.

They emphasized, as senior members of Congress, that New York has unfortunately become a focal point for the CCP’s election interference and other potential violations of federal laws.

A recent Times report highlighted over 50 organizations, revealing that 19 were involved in unauthorized campaign activities while being registered as charities.

Stefanik and Jordan noted, “Many of these China-aligned organizations masquerade as tax-exempt charities. Yet they openly flout U.S. law by fundraising for campaigns and endorsing candidates, all while denying any political activity to the IRS.”

One cited incident involved Chinese intelligence agents targeting former congressional candidates who had protested against the Chinese government during the 1989 Tiananmen Square demonstrations. The letter suggests these agents worked closely with private investigators to compromise candidates and even alluded to potential violence as an intimidation tactic.

Additionally, concerns were raised regarding Linda Sun, a former chief of staff to Hochul, who allegedly engaged in activities to bolster the Chinese government’s standing in New York. An indictment from last year claims she obstructed access to Taiwanese officials and eliminated references to Taiwan in state communications.

According to the indictment, Sun is accused of not registering as a foreign agent for the Chinese government and possibly directing lucrative contracts to associates and family.

Sun is currently facing trial in Brooklyn federal court for charges that include acting as a foreign agent and visa fraud.

Stefanik and Jordan delivered a warning: “If you cross Beijing’s red line, your political future in New York is at stake. This situation extends beyond foreign interference; your lack of oversight is reshaping New York’s political climate.”

They also referred to how TikTok, a platform owned by Beijing’s ByteDance, amplified content that favored socialist New York Mayor-elect Zoran Mamdani while downplaying information from his competitor, former Governor Andrew Cuomo.

The Republican lawmakers have requested documentation related to how the Hochul administration determines “access to state aid and officials” and what measures have been taken to tackle potential negative influences from the Chinese Communist Party.

In conclusion, Stefanik and Jordan asserted, “New York elections belong to New Yorkers, not the Chinese Communist Party.”

Requests for comments from Hochul’s office have not been addressed.