The big picture: Linda Sun, a former deputy chief of staff to New York governors Kathy Hochul and Andrew Cuomo, has been indicted on charges of acting as an undisclosed foreign agent for the Chinese government. The 41-year-old political insider, alongside her husband, Chris Hu, faces a slew of federal charges, including money laundering, visa fraud, and conspiring to act as an illegal foreign agent.
Why it matters: Sun’s arrest underscores growing concerns about foreign influence in U.S. government institutions. Her role allegedly allowed the Chinese government to gain access to high-level New York state operations, including messaging and diplomatic relations with Taiwan. Federal prosecutors argue that Sun manipulated state policies in favor of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) while enriching herself and her husband through millions of dollars in kickbacks.
Catch up quickly:
- Sun, a naturalized U.S. citizen born in China, built a successful career in New York state politics, beginning with her role as chief of staff to Assemblywoman Grace Meng in 2009.
- By 2012, Sun had joined the Cuomo administration, rising to the position of director of Asian American affairs before being promoted to deputy chief diversity officer.
- Prosecutors allege that during her time working for the Cuomo and Hochul administrations, Sun secretly collaborated with Chinese officials to influence state policy and block efforts to address human rights abuses in China, including the persecution of Uyghurs.
Details of the indictment:
- Sun allegedly helped Chinese officials by blocking Taiwanese diplomats from meeting New York state representatives and by shaping messaging around issues that would benefit the CCP, such as downplaying Taiwan’s political importance.
- She is also accused of using her position to secure unauthorized invitation letters, allowing Chinese officials to enter the U.S. under pretenses.
- The charges also detail Sun and Hu’s luxurious lifestyle, which was funded by millions of dollars from Chinese officials. This includes purchasing a $4 million home in Long Island, a $2.1 million condominium in Hawaii, and a Ferrari.
The defense’s stance: Sun and Hu have both pleaded not guilty. Sun’s lawyer called the charges “inflammatory,” expressing confidence in their ability to challenge the government’s case.
What’s next: Sun is out on $1.5 million bail, and her next court appearance is scheduled for September 25, 2024. The trial will likely spotlight foreign influence operations within U.S. politics and raise questions about security protocols in state governments.
The bottom line: The charges against Linda Sun are the latest in a series of high-profile cases targeting covert Chinese government efforts to infiltrate U.S. institutions. The case could have significant implications for future policy on foreign agents and influence operations.