The Secrets of an Unassuming N.Y. Official Linda Sun Accused of Working for China
In a shocking turn of events, Linda Sun, a former deputy chief of staff to Governor Kathy Hochul of New York, is at the center of a federal investigation.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Sun is accused of using her political influence to benefit the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), raising concerns about foreign espionage in the United States.
Linda Sun’s Role in State Government and Alleged Involvement with China
According to the federal indictment, Sun’s political career has been closely monitored since her 2019 trip to China.
FBI investigators started raising questions in 2020, seeking information about her activities while in China.
Sun’s positions of influence in New York’s government made her a target for Chinese officials, according to prosecutors.
In February 2023, the state’s Office of the Inspector General interviewed Sun regarding unauthorized proclamations from the governor’s office.
Following this, Sun was terminated by Governor Hochul’s administration, who immediately reported their suspicions to federal authorities.
Also Read: US Sailor Detained in Venezuela: Key Details Confirmed by Officials
Allegations Against Linda Sun and Her Husband, Chris Hu
Sun, along with her husband, Chris Hu, is accused of accepting millions of dollars in benefits, including financial transactions linked to China-based companies.
In exchange, prosecutors say Sun used her influence to manipulate state government policies, favoring Chinese government positions.
This included blocking Taiwanese officials from accessing the governor’s office and eliminating references to Taiwan and Uyghurs in official communications.
The Financial Perks of Chinese Influence
The federal indictment highlights how Sun and Hu were compensated for their loyalty to China.
The couple received luxury perks, such as tickets to exclusive events, Nanjing-style salted ducks from the Chinese consulate, and travel benefits.
The indictment also alleges that Sun’s cousin secured employment in China, another benefit of their dealings with the Chinese government.
Sun and her husband face serious charges including money laundering and visa fraud. Both have pleaded not guilty and were released on bond after surrendering their passports.
Also Read: Atlanta City Council Bans Data Centers Along Beltline to Preserve Urban Development
A Target for Espionage: How China Recruited Linda Sun
Experts in foreign espionage, like James Lewis from the Center for Strategic and International Studies, explain that China often targets mid-level officials like Sun.
These officials may not hold top positions, but their influence in government makes them valuable assets for foreign governments seeking to manipulate state policies.
According to Lewis, Sun’s recruitment by the Chinese government would have been seen as a “major coup” by Beijing.
Linda Sun’s Political Rise and the Involvement with Grace Meng
Sun’s political career began as chief of staff for Representative Grace Meng, a Democrat representing a Queens district in the New York State Assembly.
Sun’s work in the Asian American community and her involvement in Democratic circles made her a prominent figure.
She later joined the Cuomo administration, where she held key roles in the diversity office and the Asian American Advisory Council.
Sun’s rise to power continued when Governor Hochul promoted her to deputy chief of staff.
Luxurious Lifestyle Raises Suspicions
Colleagues began noticing Linda Sun’s luxurious lifestyle, which seemed inconsistent with her government salary.
Despite working in a public role, Sun frequently wore designer outfits and carried expensive handbags.
Meanwhile, her husband, Chris Hu, was often described as unemployed. This lavish lifestyle raised red flags among officials who began questioning how the couple could afford such a high standard of living.
The 2019 Trip to China and Sun’s Role During COVID-19
In 2019, Sun attended a reception in Beijing celebrating the 70th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China.
The trip, now under scrutiny, was allegedly organized by a Chinese government official who also paid for Sun’s hotel accommodations.
Sun’s role expanded during the COVID-19 pandemic when she became one of the few senior officials in Governor Cuomo’s office with Mandarin language skills.
Sun was part of a team tasked with securing personal protective equipment (PPE) from China.
According to the indictment, she coordinated donations of PPE from U.S.-based Chinese associations and even offered free shipping through a company falsely attributed to her husband.
What’s Next in the Investigation?
The investigation into Linda Sun’s activities is part of a larger Department of Justice initiative to combat foreign espionage and Chinese influence in the United States.
Recently, the Biden administration has taken a strong stance against these actions, with the Justice Department prosecuting individuals who act on behalf of the Chinese Communist Party.
In response to the charges, Governor Hochul expressed her outrage, stating, “I’m outraged by this behavior… She used that position to deteriorate the trust as outlined in the indictment.”
Hochul has also worked with the State Department to remove the Chinese consul general from New York, signaling the seriousness of the accusations.
Final Thoughts
As the investigation into Linda Sun and her husband continues, the case highlights the growing threat of foreign interference in American government.
It serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance in protecting state and federal institutions from outside influence.
The trial will likely uncover more about how foreign governments seek to manipulate U.S. policies through influential figures in state government.