Los Angeles Mayor and Advisory Team’s Ties to Chinese Banks Raise Concerns

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has formed a transition advisory team that includes two bankers linked to Chinese intelligence, as uncovered by an investigation. The advisory team features Dominic Ng, the CEO of East West Bank, and Simon Pan, co-founder of East West Bank and Royal Business Bank. Both contributed significantly, over $1 million, to Bass’s campaign and associated funds.

While specific roles for Ng and Pan during the transition are unclear, they both have connections to the Chinese government and the Chinese Communist Party’s United Front Work Department. The office of Mayor Bass has not provided clarity despite several requests for comment.

A spokesperson for East West Bank acknowledged Ng’s previous involvement with two Chinese governmental organizations but denied his participation in a third. Investigative reporter Sam Cooper expressed concern about individuals tied to the United Front holding positions in mayoral transition teams, suggesting it indicates deeper political motivations, often correlating with substantial donations.

After an investigation into Bass’s administration, her relations with the Chinese government have come under scrutiny. Some experts suggest that Bass is facilitating the presence of Chinese communists in Los Angeles, raising ethical questions about her commitments and influences.

Connections and Contributions

According to information, Bass’s mayoral campaigns and the Los Angeles Mayor’s Fund have received substantial financial support from Ng and East West Bank, emphasizing their influence. Ng himself contributed $1,500 to the mayoral campaign, while East West Bank has donated generously to the Mayor’s Fund in previous years.

Despite claims that the funds support community initiatives, questions remain about the nature of these contributions and the connections of the donors to the Chinese government. Notably, both Ng and Pan have been linked to various roles within organizations that have been described as extensions of Chinese governmental influence.

Further complicating the matter, Ng had been honored by a Chinese organization for promoting friendship between the U.S. and China. Photos taken during ceremonies reveal a blending of political and cultural affiliations, suggesting a deeper integration of interests.

The connections of these individuals with Bass highlight a potential area of concern for transparency in the mayor’s office, as fundraising strategies and donor influences begin to intertwine with governance.

Ultimately, experts argue that such donations from individuals affiliated with state-managed organizations are part of a broader strategy to gain political influence within the U.S., potentially reshaping political landscapes to favor specific agendas.