Chinese Consul General in NY No Longer in Position Following Charges Against Former Hochul Aide
According to New York Governor Kathy Hochul, Chinese consul general Huang Ping is no longer in his position. This follows Hochul's request to the U.S. State Department for his removal. However, the State Department clarified that the diplomat's departure was due to the end of his regularly scheduled rotation.
Former Hochul Aide Charged with Espionage
Linda Sun, a former top-level aide to Hochul, was charged with spying for the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) on September 3. In response to the arrest and indictment, Hochul requested the immediate removal of the Chinese consul general from his position. She reached out to the White House and U.S. Secretary of State to facilitate this.
Matthew Miller, a U.S. State Department spokesperson, confirmed that Hochul spoke to Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell on September 4. He reiterated that the consul general was not expelled but had reached the end of a regularly scheduled rotation.
Hochul's Statement
Hochul expressed her desire to have the counsel general from the People’s Republic of China and the New York mission expelled. She stated at a press conference that her request was intended to send a clear message.
She criticized the Chinese government for their involvement with Linda Sun, stating that such behavior was unacceptable. She emphasized that anyone representing that government needs to move on.
Charges Against Sun
Sun was charged with acting on behalf of the CCP, visa fraud, alien smuggling, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Her husband and co-defendant, Christopher Hu, was charged with conspiracy to commit money laundering, bank fraud, and misuse of means of identification.
Sun was dismissed from Hochul’s office in March 2023 due to alleged misconduct, and the governor’s office is cooperating with the investigation.
Sun's Role and Actions
Sun held state government roles from 2012 to 2023. She is accused of forging Hochul’s signature on invitations that would allow Chinese officials to illegally enter the United States and meet with government officials. She also allegedly used her position to prevent Taiwanese representatives from meeting government officials and edited then-Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s statements to remove references to Taiwan as a country.
The indictment alleges that Sun received millions of dollars in return for her work for the CCP and never declared her role as a foreign agent or the benefits she received. Sun and Hu pleaded not guilty during their initial court appearance in Brooklyn on Sept. 3 and will be released on bond.
Hochul's Remarks on Sun's Actions
Hochul stated that Sun had no access to security or government documents, but used her position to promote CCP views in official proclamations while diminishing any involvement with Taiwan. She also mentioned that Sun had been able to use her position to obtain visas for CCP officials.
Hochul emphasized the need to address any infiltration by foreign agents or governments in organizations like the state of New York.
Bottom Line
This case raises significant questions about security and foreign influence in government organizations. It also highlights the importance of vigilance and transparency in public office. What are your thoughts on this issue? Do you think more measures should be taken to prevent such incidents in the future? Share this article with your friends and let us know your views. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, available every day at 6pm.
