Yaoning ‘Mike’ Sun: Chinese National Arrested for Alleged Beijing Interference in California Elections
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Wang Gang/VCG via Getty Images
Yaoning “Mike” Sun, a 64-year-old Chinese national and resident of Chino Hills, California, was arrested on Thursday, December 21, for allegedly acting as an illegal agent of the Chinese government. The arrest underscores growing concerns over Beijing’s efforts to interfere in U.S. elections and local governance. Sun is accused of working to promote Chinese interests by managing the campaign of a Southern California city council member elected in 2022.
Allegations Against Yaoning Sun
Sun’s arrest stems from a broader investigation into Chinese influence operations in the United States. Prosecutors allege that Sun conspired with Chen Jun, another Chinese national who was sentenced to 20 months in prison for similar charges. Chen had pleaded guilty in July to using Chinese funds to bribe federal agents and undermine anti-Beijing groups like Falun Gong.
According to the complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, Sun acted under instructions from Chen to aid in the election of a city council member described as a “new political star” by Chinese officials. He also allegedly authored a report in 2023 recounting their efforts to help this politician win, requesting $80,000 to fund additional pro-Beijing activities in the U.S.
Court documents reveal that Sun collaborated with Chen on multiple occasions, including organizing the politician’s travel to China, listing U.S. politicians the council member had connections with, and even discussing strategies to protest a congressperson’s proposed visit to Taiwan.
Dec 19: 🇨🇳 national Yaoning “Mike” Sun (孙耀宁) was arrested on charges of acting as an illegal agent for Beijing when serving as the campaign manager for an unnamed politician elected to a city council in Southern California in 2022 — most likely Arcadia City Councilmember… < a href="https://t.co/eOnkTVSPhf">pic.twitter.com/eOnkTVSPhf
— Byron Wan (@Byron_Wan) December 20, 2024Advertisement
Links to Arcadia City Council
Public records show that Sun was listed as a campaign treasurer for Arcadia city council candidate Eileen Wang in early 2022, though his name later disappeared from campaign filings. Wang, a local entrepreneur and community figure, won the election but has not been named as a suspect in the case. She has not publicly commented on the allegations.
Sun and Wang reportedly co-ran a media outlet called the U.S. News Center, where Sun served as director and Wang was listed as the owner.
This case is part of a disturbing trend where Chinese operatives allegedly infiltrate U.S. political systems to advance Beijing’s agenda. U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada emphasized that these actions aim to influence domestic and foreign policy, often by supporting candidates perceived as favorable to Chinese interests.
Sun’s arrest follows similar cases, including Linda Sun, a former aide to two New York governors, who was charged earlier this year with using her position to promote Beijing’s goals.
Rising Concerns Over Foreign Interference
China’s foreign ministry denied any involvement, asserting that it does not interfere in other countries’ internal affairs. However, U.S. prosecutors argue that Sun’s background, including previous service in the Chinese military, and his communications with Chen point to ideological and operational ties to Beijing.
Sun’s case highlights the growing challenges the U.S. faces in safeguarding its political processes from foreign interference, particularly at the local level, where scrutiny may be less intense.
Shivam Kumar
Hi, I'm Shivam Kumar. I'm pursuing Journalism honors from the IP University. I love the skill of writing and looking forward to learn more of it. Also I love traveling and experiencing new things every day....
