Records obtained indicate that New York Governor Cathy Hochul’s administration maintained communications with Chinese government officials several months after dismissing an aide connected to espionage, Linda Sun.
Email exchanges reveal discussions regarding the reception of a delegation from Henan province, which had significance in Sun’s criminal trial, shortly after she was let go for allegedly acting as an undisclosed agent for the People’s Republic of China (PRC). An aide mentioned that the governor was “pleased to hear from” the officials seeking collaboration.
These records, along with various revelations, highlight a concerning pattern of engagement with the Chinese government by Hochul’s administration, despite federal warnings about Beijing’s efforts to influence local officials to advance its political aims.
Federal agents arrested Sun and her colleague in September 2024, alleging that she utilized her position in state government to promote policies in line with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The accusations included discussions to facilitate a Henan delegation visit in 2018 at the direction of Chinese authorities. Furthermore, it was claimed that Sun had forged Hochul’s signature to help enable these visits.
A federal judge declared a mistrial in Sun’s case in December after jurors could not reach a unanimous verdict. Nevertheless, insights gained during the trial turned out to be damaging for the Hochul administration. Notably, a text from Sun claimed that Hochul was “much more obedient” to Chinese consulate officials compared to her predecessor, Andrew Cuomo.
Although Sun was dismissed in March 2023, emails suggest that Hochul’s office remained in contact with Chinese officials, contemplating a visit from a Henan delegation in July of that year.
Records show Ma Pengchao, an official from Henan’s Foreign Ministry, requested a formal invite for a delegation led by He Jinping, vice chairman of the Henan Provincial People’s Congress. The aim was to “deepen friendly relations” and enhance cooperation in trade, finance, and other sectors. An assistant secretary in Hochul’s office expressed appreciation for the invitation, indicating the governor might confirm her attendance later.
Ma conveyed gratitude for Hochul considering a meeting with the Henan delegation, recalling a previous encounter in 2018. Communications sought details such as the representatives’ names and travel logistics.
Xiaojiang “Elaine” Fan, who took on the role of director for Asia in 2021, managed much of this correspondence. She has familial ties to Chinese media and the CCP, as her grandfather was a prominent figure in China’s state-run news outlet, Xinhua News Agency.
Under her supervision, it was reported that she participated in events organized by the Chinese Consulate General in New York, aligning with efforts related to the CCP’s political influence abroad.
There are no public records confirming that the Henan delegation visited New York in 2023, and inquiries have not clarified why the potential visit did not occur.
Hochul’s administration has faced scrutiny for allegedly obstructing record requests regarding its interactions with Chinese-linked organizations, claiming searches yielded no relevant communications.
Prosecutors are gearing up to retry Sun, who is accused of facilitating favors for Chinese authorities in exchange for significant business benefits to her husband’s seafood export enterprise. “Given the blatant nature of her actions, it is fitting that the Eastern District of New York is proceeding with a retrial,” remarked Republican state Sen. Jake Ashby.
