Chinese Spy Sentenced for Political Manipulation in California
According to federal authorities, Chinese spies have been working to influence local U.S. politics, including the recent election of a California city council member.
Yaoning “Mike” Sun, who is 65, received a four-year prison sentence after he became romantically involved with Eileen Wang, his campaign adviser and treasurer during his bid for the Arcadia City Council in 2022.
Sun reportedly coordinated his election under the direction of Chinese officials and later provided Chinese intelligence with a detailed account of how he cultivated “political stars” who favor the Chinese government, as outlined in court documents.
Despite the investigation, Sun and Wang are still engaged. Notably, some campaign contributions he facilitated came from individuals associated with the Chinese government.
In October 2025, Sun pleaded guilty to charges of acting as an unlawful agent for a foreign government.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Esseri emphasized the importance of preventing foreign interference, stating that “Federal law enforcement will not allow a hostile foreign state to intrude on the governance of our nation’s political entities.” This statement was made public alongside Sun’s sentencing announcement on Monday.
Esseri also urged that the persistent efforts of Chinese intelligence must be met with equivalent resolve from U.S. officials to safeguard the nation.
Court documents revealed that Sun closely monitored the movements of then-Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen during her visit to Southern California in April 2023, reporting his observations to Chinese consulate officials.
Sun and Wang have maintained a tight connection not only personally but also in business. They were both listed on an application for the Southwest Chamber of Commerce, an organization aimed at enhancing communication among Chinese Americans in the Southwest, and co-ran a media outlet known as U.S. News Center.
No charges have been brought against Wang, with officials indicating there’s no proof she was aware of Sun’s espionage. However, their business and personal ties underscore how he sought to leverage close relationships to boost Chinese influence in local governance.
FBI counterintelligence deputy director Roman Rosavsky remarked that when Americans elect their representatives, they expect them to prioritize the interests of their constituents rather than those of foreign powers like China. He accused Sun of using his role as a campaign aide to disrupt American democratic processes for the advantage of the Chinese Communist Party.
This case arose during the Biden administration when U.S. officials expressed concerns regarding China’s attempts to sway local elections by backing sympathetic candidates.
Additionally, Sun’s associate, John Chen (also known as Chen Jun), faced charges for acting as an illegal agent for China and conspiring to bribe public officials, receiving a 20-month prison sentence in 2024. Chen was described as a senior figure within the Chinese intelligence community, having participated in high-level training and events, including private meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
According to reports, Sun worked closely alongside Chen in the U.S. for many years, highlighting the complex and concerning nature of foreign influence on American politics.
