The U.S. Department of Justice recently charged Linda Sun, a former aide to New York Governor Kathy Hochul and former Governor Andrew Cuomo, with acting as an agent of the Chinese government. This comes after convictions of Chinese dissidents Wang Shujun and charges against Tang Yuanjun for spying on the Chinese pro-democracy community.
These cases are part of the U.S. government’s response to CCP influence operations undermining human rights and democracy. While necessary, maintaining a targeted and proportionate approach will require thoughtful policies and careful execution.
Sun’s indictment includes allegations of fraud, including the removal of mention of Beijing’s human rights abuses against the Uyghur population in a speech. The CCP’s campaign to influence global narratives involves suppressing information on rights violations.
Federal prosecutors have been enforcing the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) more strictly against Chinese entities, but enforcement gaps remain. FARA, criticized for its outdated provisions, needs urgent reform.
Arrests like Sun’s have raised concerns in the Chinese diaspora community, fearing a generalized suspicion that may impact views. Government responses should involve outreach to build trust with diaspora communities targeted by the CCP.
Engagement should focus on protecting victims of CCP interference and building trust with the Chinese diaspora, shifting from a national security to a community-oriented approach. This approach could weaken the CCP’s global influence campaign.