FBI Arrests Former Aide to NY Governor on Chinese Spying Charges

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    Above: New York Gov. Kathy Hochul speaks to reporters after a meeting with US President Joe Biden at the White House on July 3, 2024, in Washington, DC. Image copyright: Anna Moneymaker/Staff/Getty Images News via Getty Images

    The Facts

    • Linda Sun, the former deputy chief of staff to New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, was arrested by the FBI on Tuesday for allegedly spying for China, and faces charges including violating the Foreign Agents Registration Act, visa fraud, alien smuggling, and money laundering.

    • The indictment claims that Sun "received substantial economic and other benefits from representatives" of the Chinese government (PRC), including "millions of dollars in transactions for the PRC-based business activities of [her] husband...Chris Hu."

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    The Spin

    Republican narrative

    This is only the latest Democrat to have been close to an alleged Chinese spy. Before this, former Sen. Diane Feinstein's driver turned out to be a spy; then Congressman Eric Swalwell was allegedly linked to a Chinese spy; and vice presidential candidate Tim Walz has spoken at Chinese Communist Party-linked events. There seems to be a trend in the Democratic Party.

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    Democratic narrative

    Any attempts to link Democratic politicians to Chinese spies are ridiculous, a prime example being this indictment. Kathy Hochul's office was the one who discovered Sun's alleged misconduct, immediately fired her from her job, and reported its concerns to law enforcement. The only thing the governor's office is responsible for is doing its due diligence.

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