The network quoted New York Governor Kathy Hochul as saying: “I have expressed my desire to expel the consul general,” noting that “Huang Ping is no longer present at the Chinese diplomatic mission in New York.”
Asked about the consul general’s involvement, Hochul said: “I think the Chinese government, by doing this and working with Linda Sun, is unacceptable – it’s a statement on our part that we don’t tolerate this. Anyone representing that government needs to go their own way, and that’s what we’ve made clear.”
On Tuesday, US authorities charged a former aide to two New York state governors with working for the Chinese government. Authorities said she used her positions in the state to covertly promote Beijing’s agenda in exchange for millions of dollars in financial benefits.
Linda Sun was arrested Tuesday morning with her husband, Chris Ho, at their Long Island home, according to the Associated Press. She is a Chinese-American who has worked in New York state government for nearly 15 years, holding a number of positions, including deputy chief of staff to Gov. Kathy Hochul and deputy diversity officer to former Gov. Andrew Cuomo.
Federal prosecutors said Sun, at the request of Chinese officials, blocked Taiwanese government representatives from communicating with the New York governor’s office and tailored state government messaging to align with Chinese government priorities, among other things.
In return, her husband received assistance for his business activities in China, a payment that prosecutors said allowed the couple to buy their multimillion-dollar Long Island estate, a $1.9 million Hawaiian condo and luxury cars, including a 2024 Ferrari.
Sun also received smaller gifts, according to the indictment, including tickets to performances by Chinese orchestras and ballet groups, and “Chinese-style duck” cooked by a Chinese government official’s personal chef, delivered to Sun’s parents’ home in New York.
Source: Agencies
#CNN #Chinese #Consul #General #Expelled #York
2024-09-05 22:21:09
New York Governor Kathy Hochul Calls for the Expulsion of Chinese Consul General Amid Allegations of Espionage
Table of Contents
In a significant diplomatic incident, New York Governor Kathy Hochul has expressed her intention to expel the Chinese Consul General, Huang Ping, from the United States. This decision follows alarming revelations regarding a former aide’s alleged collusion with the Chinese government, raising serious concerns about foreign influence in domestic politics.
Kathy Hochul’s Stance Against Foreign Interference
Governor Hochul was quoted stating, “I have expressed my desire to expel the consul general,” and confirmed that ”Huang Ping is no longer present at the Chinese diplomatic mission in New York.” Her commitment to safeguarding New York’s political integrity reflects broader national concerns regarding foreign interference and espionage.
During a recent press conference, Hochul elaborated on the unacceptable nature of the Chinese government’s involvement with local officials, particularly targeting Linda Sun, a former aide in her administration. “Anyone representing that government needs to go their own way, and that’s what we’ve made clear,” said the governor, underlining the state’s zero-tolerance policy towards foreign manipulation.
The Arrest of Linda Sun
In a surprising development on Tuesday, federal authorities arrested Linda Sun, along with her husband Chris Ho, at their Long Island residence. Sun, a Chinese-American who has held various influential positions within the New York state government for nearly 15 years—including deputy chief of staff to Hochul—faces serious charges of espionage.
Federal prosecutors allege that Sun acted at the behest of Chinese officials to thwart Taiwanese representatives from communicating with New York’s governor’s office. Furthermore, she is accused of tailoring messaging from the state government to align with Beijing’s objectives in exchange for significant financial compensation. These allegations have raised serious flags about the integrity of state governance and the influence of foreign powers on American politics.
Implications for U.S.-China Relations
The unfolding events are likely to strain U.S.-China relations further, particularly as they come amid an increasingly tense geopolitical climate. Governor Hochul’s firm stance against the Chinese government’s alleged activities is seen as a call to action for other states to remain vigilant against foreign influence.
Experts argue that this incident highlights the growing concern regarding espionage and foreign political influence in America, an issue that has consistently been a focal point for both federal and state law enforcement agencies. As authorities ramp up their scrutiny of foreign operatives within state governments, it becomes increasingly vital for public officials to ensure transparency and integrity in their operations.
Conclusion
The situation surrounding Governor Kathy Hochul’s desire to expel the Chinese Consul General and the arrest of Linda Sun signifies a critical turning point in the battle against foreign influence in U.S. politics. As tensions between the U.S. and China continue to escalate, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the complexities involved in safeguarding national sovereignty. With heightened scrutiny and a renewed commitment to transparency, officials aim to protect the democratic processes that are foundational to American governance.
As the story continues to develop, it will be important for citizens and policymakers alike to stay informed about the implications of these actions and the broader societal impacts of foreign relationships.
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