Investigation reveals that donors linked to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and its intelligence services contributed over $100,000 to the political fund of California Treasurer Fiona Ma. Many of these donations were directed towards Democratic candidates.
Notably, in September 2022, Ma received $2,500 from Eileen Wang, a candidate for mayor in Arcadia, who is also competing in the 2026 California Lieutenant Governor race. Additionally, the Justice Department announced that there would be an indictment for charges related to acting as an illegal agent for China in the upcoming weeks. This was highlighted in various California events, during which Wang was present, shortly before receiving campaign contributions, as reported by Chinese media.
Both Ma and Wang did not respond to several requests for comments. Ma has previously met with Chinese government officials, including the finance minister. Reports suggest that Ma’s office has made numerous inquiries to the United Front Work Department (UFWD) since 1999. This arm of the Chinese government allegedly operates to influence foreign policy and gain access to advanced technologies.
Sam Cooper, an investigative journalist, commented that this kind of infiltration aims to co-opt American politicians under the pretext of legitimate community efforts, raising concerns about the intersection of foreign donations and American democracy.
The scrutiny surrounding Ma intensified after a Politico report in April 2026 indicated her role in helping Chinese students secure internships in California. Allegations surfaced that these students received diplomas through dubious means, though no wrongdoing was attached to Ma from a local school district’s audit.
Financial Connections
Individuals with ties to Chinese state institutions have contributed significantly to Ma’s political efforts. Her campaign garnered over $2 million from various sources in 2025 alone. Concerns were voiced by former U.S. Ambassador Joseph Serra, highlighting the dangerous blending of U.S. politics with organizations tied to the CCP.
Noteworthy donations have come from individuals connected to the UFWD, such as Simon Pang, who donated $12,500 since 2018. Pang, linked to the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), aims to influence local leadership.
The California Treasurer has been spotted at events with various UFWD-affiliated donors, further linking her to these groups. Additionally, Ma’s 2022 re-election campaign received contributions from a businessman involved in the Xinjiang region and was arrested for unrelated charges involving child abuse connected to surrogacy arrangements.
Furthermore, Ma has accepted funds from organizations with ties to the UFWD and its affiliates, which have also funded several other candidates, raising alarms about potential influence operations targeting American officials.
Journalist Sam Cooper warns that groups like the ACFROC and COFA may engage in espionage and intelligence operations within the U.S., with notable donations from individuals attached to these organizations contributing to Ma’s campaign.
Overall, there are growing concerns about the extent of influence that foreign entities might be exerting over local and state politics in California, particularly through financial contributions from Chinese-linked sources.
