California Governor Gavin Newsom’s Liaison Office to China is led by a woman whose father is involved in creating a genealogy database associated with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). This database, reportedly linked to Chinese intelligence agencies and military personnel, raises concerns, according to an investigation by the Daily Caller News Foundation.
Amy Tong, who has held various positions in the Newsom administration, including serving as a senior counselor, has been sent by Newsom to engage with CCP officials. Records indicate that Tong has been involved in negotiations with Chinese intelligence representatives, with Newsom emphasizing her role in handling interactions with China.
Her father, Peter Huang, is the founder of a nonprofit organization in California that collects sensitive data from Chinese-American families. Some experts warn that this information could be used by Beijing to target and harass U.S. citizens.
Gordon Chang, an expert on China, stated, “The more the Chinese government knows about these families, the easier it will be for them to exert pressure.” He expressed concerns that the genealogy database could be weaponized to turn Chinese diasporas into spies.
Huang and his nonprofit, the Dazhonghua Family Tree Development Association (Dazupu), have had long-standing ties with the CCP, specifically the United Front Work Department (UFWD). Documents show that the organization collects family lineage information, which includes names, birth dates, and photos of individuals, with the aim of preserving this data within Chinese cultural institutions.
Huang has made statements linking Dazupu’s purpose with CCP objectives, asserting that promoting ancestral and genealogical culture contributes to China’s national goals. The organization has partnered with various Chinese governmental bodies to foster a “China overseas” platform designed to connect diasporas with their relatives back home.
Despite multiple attempts to reach out for comments, neither Tong, Huang, nor Dazupu responded to inquiries. A spokesperson for Newsom mentioned that Tong’s work includes consultations with federal agencies but did not address her family’s affiliations with Chinese government entities.
Dazupu’s genealogy platform boasts an extensive database capturing over 50 Chinese surnames with profiles of more than 189,000 individuals, a significant portion of whom reside in the U.S. The nonprofit aims to deliver its database to state-run institutions in China for preservation.
Experts have expressed concerns regarding the implications of such databases, particularly given reports that Chinese intelligence uses cultural organizations as a façade for broader geopolitical agendas. Michael Lucci, an advocate, commented that the Chinese government’s interest in genealogical databases is likely part of an effort to create tools for repressing Chinese nationals abroad.
Additionally, several high-ranking officials from the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) reportedly have ties to Dazupu, further complicating the organization’s role within the political landscape. This involvement raises questions about the potential for surveillance and influence operations targeting overseas Chinese communities.
While there is no direct evidence linking Tong to intelligence activities, her repeated engagements with UFWD-related officials in the U.S. government warrant scrutiny. She has represented California at various events connected to the UFWD and participated in initiatives aimed at fostering connections with China.
Concerns about the intersection of public service and potential influence from the CCP are significant; many critics emphasize the need for transparency in dealings between U.S. officials and organizations associated with foreign governments. Ultimately, the influence of such organizations poses risks that many believe are not being adequately addressed.
