Chinese Operative Arrested in Los Angeles on Charges of Influencing U.S. Politics

A 64-year-old man from California, Yaoning “Mike” Sun, has been arrested on allegations of acting as an illegal agent for the Chinese government while serving as the campaign manager for a local politician. U.S. authorities allege that Sun worked to influence elections and advance Beijing’s agenda through his role in a 2022 southern California city council campaign.

According to court documents, Sun collaborated with Chen Jun, a Chinese national recently sentenced to 20 months for acting as an illegal agent of Beijing. Chen pleaded guilty earlier this year to using Chinese funds to bribe federal agents and undermine the anti-China spiritual group Falun Gong.

Prosecutors allege that Sun and Chen coordinated efforts during the 2022 election to secure the victory of an unnamed politician described in communications as a “new political star.” After the election, Sun reportedly sent reports to Chinese officials detailing the campaign’s outcome and plans for further activities promoting Beijing’s interests.

Court filings indicate that the two men sought $80,000 to support pro-Beijing initiatives in the U.S. and worked to cultivate ties with local politicians sympathetic to China’s foreign policy, particularly regarding Taiwan. In one instance, Chen referred to Sun and the politician as part of a “basic team dedicated for us” in communications with Chinese government officials.

Although the councilperson remains unnamed in the affidavit, campaign finance records list Sun as the treasurer for Eileen Wang, a 2022 city council candidate in Arcadia, California. Later filings show another individual taking over the role. Wang and city officials have not yet responded to inquiries about the case.

Sun also ran a media organization called the US News Center, which reportedly collaborated with the councilperson. Records suggest Sun paid for some of the politician’s travel expenses, including plans for a visit to China and meetings with Chinese diplomats in Los Angeles.

U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada described the case as part of a broader effort by Beijing to interfere in U.S. politics. “The People’s Republic of China is seeking to influence foreign and domestic policy in the United States by supporting candidates aligned with their interests,” Estrada stated.

Sun, who previously served in the Chinese military, appears ideologically aligned with Beijing’s goals. Prosecutors did not allege direct financial benefits for Sun in the affidavit, though his involvement highlights what officials view as a significant national security concern.

China’s foreign ministry denied involvement, stating it “never interferes in the internal affairs of other countries.” However, U.S. authorities maintain that the case reflects Beijing’s growing efforts to exert influence in American politics through covert operations and strategic relationships.

This case follows a broader pattern of alleged Chinese interference, including charges against Linda Sun, a former aide to New York governors Kathy Hochul and Andrew Cuomo, accused of acting as an illegal agent of Beijing.

Yaoning Sun’s arrest marks another flashpoint in the ongoing tensions between the U.S. and China, with the case shedding light on alleged attempts to shape political outcomes and policy decisions in America.