Former Arcadia Mayor Eileen Wang Admits to Spying for China

Former Arcadia Mayor Eileen Wang has officially confessed in a federal plea agreement to acting as a spy for the People’s Republic of China.

The plea deal, made public on Monday, revealed that Wang acknowledged collaborating with the Chinese government to promote propaganda through fake news websites across the continental U.S. between 2020 and 2022. Interestingly, she was elected to the Arcadia City Council in November 2022.

Wang was reportedly working with her then-fiancé, Yaoning “Mike” Sun, on a site named “US News Center,” presented as a news source catering to Chinese Americans. Court documents indicate they were tasked by the Chinese government, posting materials to elevate China’s narrative while also sending reports detailing the viewership of these articles back to their handlers.

The plea agreement mentioned that Wang’s supervisor had directed an article to be published that refutes allegations of genocide and forced labor in Xinjiang. The spymaster claimed, “There is no genocide in Xinjiang. There is no such thing as ‘forced labor’ in any production activity, including cotton production. Spreading such falsehoods slanders China and destroys security and stability in Xinjiang.”

After completing this task, Wang received a response of appreciation: “Right away. Thank you, everyone.”

In another scenario, when her superior praised the number of views on the propaganda she posted, she responded with, “Thank you, leader.”

According to reports, Wang is facing charges that could lead to a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. The magistrate mandated a $25,000 bail and ordered her to surrender all travel documents. Furthermore, U.S. Attorney Amanda B. Erbogen urged that Wang should have no contact with the Chinese government, including U.S. consulate officials.

Wang’s legal representative stated that she regrets her actions and has expressed remorse for the personal mistakes she made. They also mentioned her ongoing commitment to the Arcadia community, requesting understanding and support from residents.

The lawyer clarified that the plea deal pertains to Wang’s personal choices and does not reflect her conduct as an elected official. However, U.S. Attorney Bill Esseri argued that Wang’s actions compromised American democracy, stating, “Individuals in our country who covertly follow the orders of foreign governments undermine our democracy. This plea agreement is a testament to our nation’s commitment to preserving our institutions from foreign interference.”

Located just east of Pasadena, Arcadia is now in the process of selecting a new mayor after Wang’s resignation. City Manager Dominic Lazaretto addressed the community, acknowledging the serious nature of the allegations and asserting that they take such claims seriously.

Yaoning “Mike” Sun, who has connections to Wang, previously managed her campaign for the City Council. Prosecutors have accused him and Wang’s associates of preparing him to gain political influence in California to benefit China’s interests. Notably, Sun pled guilty in October 2025 for acting as an illegal foreign agent and received a four-year sentence in federal prison the following February.