A 64-year-old California resident has been arrested and accused of spying for the People’s Republic of China. Yaoning “Mike” Sun was taken into custody in Chino Hills, just outside Los Angeles, and faces charges related to acting as an unregistered agent for Beijing.
The Department of Justice claims Sun conspired with John Chen, a 71-year-old Chinese national recently convicted of similar crimes. Chen was sentenced to nearly two years in prison after admitting to working as an unregistered Chinese agent and bribing an IRS official.
According to authorities, Sun and Chen worked to advance Chinese interests in the U.S. by promoting local politicians they believed would support Beijing’s agenda. The DOJ states their efforts focused heavily on Taiwan-related issues.
The criminal complaint identifies Sun as the campaign manager for a 2022 city council candidate referred to as “Individual 1.” Prosecutors allege Sun provided updates about the candidate’s progress to Chen, who shared the information with Chinese officials.
A photograph included in the case shows Chen shaking hands with Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2021. Officials claim the photo underscores Chen’s ties to influential figures within the Chinese Communist Party.
Sun’s connection to Eileen Wang, an Arcadia City Council member, has also drawn scrutiny. Wang, who has not been accused of any wrongdoing, is reportedly linked to Sun through U.S. News Center, a media outlet in California.
