Fiona Ma, who has served two terms as California’s state treasurer, has had numerous interactions with officials and intelligence agents from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) over the years, according to an investigation by the Daily Caller News Foundation.
In many of these encounters, both in the U.S. and China, Ma, seen as a likely candidate for the 2026 California Lieutenant Governor election, presented American lawmakers to Chinese intelligence officials. She has also reportedly given awards to members of the CCP and individuals linked to their influence efforts, as translated from Chinese government reports.
“We really need to be more integrated,” Ma remarked in a 2023 interview with CGTN, expressing her belief that cooperation could lead to greater peace and improved economic opportunities for both nations.
Peter Schweitzer, author of “Red Handed,” commented on the implications of such relationships: “The Chinese Communist Party’s capture of elites is alive and well. Politicians engaged in this behavior may not be direct targets but are complicit in CCP activities. Ignorance is no longer an excuse.”
Ma’s connections with China drew heightened attention after a Politico report in April revealed that she had facilitated internship and employment opportunities in the U.S. for students from a program established by her campaign finance committee in Qingdao. These students, who are Chinese nationals, were suspected of obtaining California high school diplomas through questionable partnerships, although the Val Verde Unified School District did not accuse Ma of any wrongdoing.
Multiple attempts to reach Ma for comment went unanswered.
“Flashing red light”
Ma has engaged with CCP officials and the Chinese government at least 30 times, as per DCNF translations. The United Front Work Department (UFWD) is known for its combination of engagement and influence operations aimed at steering foreign policy and accessing advanced foreign technologies, according to a report by the House of Representatives Special Committee on the Chinese Communist Party.
Having been born in New York to Chinese immigrant parents from a distinguished military background, Ma began inviting U.S. lawmakers to China in 1999 while working for the state-run China Daily as an aide to the late California Democratic Senator John Burton.
She has led various delegations and reportedly holds a position as an advisor to Sichuan province. Since taking office as California State Treasurer in January 2019, Ma has met with Chinese officials more than 20 times, including three meetings in China during 2023.
Notably, Ma has given at least 10 awards to CCP members and Chinese intelligence officials on multiple occasions since 2018. For instance, one award was presented to the president of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries during a U.S. visit in February 2023. This organization has been known for influencing state and local leaders in alignment with Chinese interests, as warned by the U.S. National Counterintelligence and Security Center.
Even without evidence that the CPAFFC has tried to sway Ma directly, she has faced pressure from Chinese officials in the past regarding policy choices. For example, while on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in 2005, she reportedly retracted her support for an art exhibition affiliated with Falun Gong practitioners under pressure from the Chinese government. Later, as a congressman, she was said to have vetoed a resolution supporting Tibet after intense lobbying from Chinese entities.
Former U.S. Ambassador Joseph Serra highlighted the potential security risks associated with frequent meetings between lawmakers and Chinese officials, stating that such activities should raise concerns within the national security and intelligence communities.
“Elected officials and staff need to be educated about the nature of the Chinese Communist Party, how these threats manifest, and the importance of reporting such meetings to the FBI,” Serra advised.
