China’s Influence in California Politics Under Scrutiny
The recent case involving Eileen Wang, the mayor of Arcadia in Southern California, highlights what federal prosecutors describe as China’s ongoing efforts to manipulate U.S. politics, according to First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Ezeiri. Wang resigned on Monday, coinciding with the termination of her plea agreement concerning accusations of acting as a secret agent for China.
Ezeiri stated that Wang’s political ascent in the area underscores China’s strategy of inserting operatives into local governments. The intention seems to be to have supporters who can climb the political ladder and potentially cause significant disruption.
“They are very nefarious,” Ezeiri remarked, emphasizing that China’s long-term objective is to place individuals in influential positions. Besides influencing political decisions, China aims to target dissidents residing in the U.S.
Last year, two individuals—Cui Guanghai from China and John Miller from Britain—faced charges related to stalking and illegal arms exports after trying to intimidate a Chinese expatriate in Southern California who had criticized China’s leadership. The FBI reports revealed that they had plans to surveil the individual, tamper with their property, and even destroy artwork portraying China’s president and his wife.
Additionally, Guangmi and Miller attempted to procure components from Wisconsin for advanced military technologies, although they initially fled to Hungary before being arrested in Serbia, where they wore ankle monitors while under house arrest. Ultimately, they cut off their monitors and escaped to China, leaving their current whereabouts uncertain.
Wang, who recently appeared in federal court, is expected to plead guilty shortly to charges involving her operation of a propaganda agency for China. The FBI had been tracking her since at least 2017, when agents came across her handler, John Chen, who was later sentenced for his role as an illegal agent for China. Chen, who had met with President Xi Jinping, initiated Wang’s political ambitions and reported back on her progress, branding her a “rising star.”
The relationship between former congressman Eric Swalwell and a suspected Chinese spy sparked significant investigation, and in 2022, the U.S. House Ethics Committee issued a warning regarding foreign influence through connections and gifts.
Earlier this year, the FBI conducted searches in Lancaster related to potential links between local officials and a Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer, raising concerns about espionage capabilities linked to electric buses being tested in the area.
As the investigation continues, Ezeiri noted that this incident is just a fragment of a larger issue. “This is not an isolated incident,” he stated, indicating that the FBI is keeping a watchful eye on Chinese interference in politics, particularly in California.
