California political operative charged as illegal Chinese agent

Campaign official for local council member sought to influence Taiwan policy, prosecutors say

A campaign official with a local California politician was charged with acting covertly as an illegal agent of communist China working to influence U.S. policy toward Taiwan in Beijing’s favor, the Justice Department said Thursday.

Sun Yaoning, 64, of Chino Hills, Calif., was charged in a criminal complaint with helping the politician win a 2022 race for seat on the council of a southern California city and reporting on the support to Beijing officials.

The local politician identified as “Individual 1” appears to be Arcadia, California, councilwoman Eileen Wang.

Ms Wang’s 2022 California state political candidate form listed her campaign treasurer as Sun Yaoning.

Ms. Wang did not immediately respond to phone and email requests for comment. A spokeswoman for the U.S. Attorney’s office declined to comment on whether Ms. Wang was Individual 1.

Mr. Sun was arrested by FBI agents on Thursday morning and is in federal custody. He is scheduled to appear in court in Los Angeles on Friday.

https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2024/dec/19/california-political-operative-charged-illegal-chi/