Following New York Governor Kathy Hochul’s remarks that the Chinese consul general in New York was removed after her former aide was charged with being an agent for China, the US State Department clarified there was no expulsion action. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller stated on Wednesday that the diplomat completed their regular rotation and left at the end of August.
However, a spokesperson for the Chinese Consulate General in New York said that Huang Ping is “performing his duties as usual,” which contradicts Hochul’s and the State Department’s statements.
During a news conference, Hochul mentioned she spoke with a senior State Department official, Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell, about Huang Ping’s status. Hochul said she expressed her desire to have the consul general expelled and was informed that the consul general was no longer at the New York Mission.
𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆: A former aid for New York Governor Kathy Hochul was arrested and charged Tuesday with acting as an undisclosed agent of the Chinese government, a federal indictment reveals.
Linda Sun at the request of Chinese officials, blocked representatives of the… pic.twitter.com/utOjVxL1pz
— RedWave Press (@RedWave_Press) September 3, 2024
When asked for clarification, Hochul said she knew the consul general was no longer in their position but did not confirm an expulsion.
Miller reiterated there was no expulsion: “The consul general was not expelled. They completed a scheduled rotation in August.”
Miller also noted the serious nature of foreign interference, referencing the Department of Justice’s recent actions against unregistered foreign agents.
Hochul criticised the Chinese government’s involvement with Linda Sun, her former aide, stating such behaviour is unacceptable. Sun, who previously served as a deputy chief of staff to Hochul and an aide to then-Governor Andrew Cuomo, was charged with violating the Foreign Agents Registration Act, visa fraud, alien smuggling, and money laundering conspiracy.
Sun’s husband, Chris Hu, was also charged with money laundering conspiracy and bank fraud conspiracy, alongside misusing means of identification. Both pleaded not guilty in federal court on Tuesday. Sun’s bond was set at $1.5 million, while Hu’s was set at $500,000.
Hochul confirmed her cooperation with the Department of Justice and criticised Sun’s actions as a betrayal, even forging Hochul’s signature on documents. She described Sun as a mid-level aide with minimal contact and no significant role in her policies and rotation.
The governor emphasised confidence in the current vetting process and background checks but could not provide detailed information due to the ongoing investigation.
Prosecutors alleged Sun acted as an undisclosed agent for China, influencing state officials’ messaging, blocking Taiwanese representatives, and obtaining state proclamations for Chinese representatives without authorisation. Hu allegedly facilitated the transfer of kickbacks.
The arrests come amid strained US-China relations over issues in the South China Sea, Taiwan, and US trade controls.
Sun’s attorney, Jarrod Schaeffer, called the charges inflammatory and criticised the government’s investigation. He stated his client is eager to defend against the accusations in court. Hu’s attorney, Seth DuCharme, expressed confidence in their case and criticised the indictment’s allegations.
China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs claimed no knowledge of the accused aide and opposed malicious associations and slander against China.
This story has been updated with additional information.
What Other Media Are Saying
- Radio Free Asia reports that confusion arose after New York Governor Kathy Hochul suggested Chinese Consul General Huang Ping was removed, but the State Department clarified that his term had ended.(read more)
- CBS News reports China’s consul general in New York has left the U.S. following a scandal involving a former aide to two governors, Linda Sun, who was charged with acting as an illegal agent of the Chinese government.(read more)
- The Guardian reports that the US denies any expulsion of China’s consul general in New York amid a dispute involving a former aide to Governor Kathy Hochul, who faces allegations of working as a Chinese agent.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Was the Chinese consul general in New York expelled?
No, the US State Department stated there was no expulsion action.
Why did the Chinese consul general leave New York?
The State Department said the consul general left due to the end of a regularly scheduled rotation in August.
What charges are Linda Sun facing?
Linda Sun faces charges of violating the Foreign Agents Registration Act, visa fraud, alien smuggling, and money laundering conspiracy.
What did Hochul say about Sun’s actions?
Hochul called Sun’s actions an ‘absolute betrayal’ and said Sun even forged her signature on documents.
Are Sun and her husband pleading guilty?
No, both Sun and her husband, Chris Hu, pleaded not guilty to all charges.