Beijing Recruits New York Chinatowns for Influence Campaign Involving Grace Meng

Oct 22, 2024, 08:00 AM

Beijing has reportedly found partners in New York’s Chinatowns to influence U.S. political discourse through local hometown associations. A congresswoman’s links to a Chinese influence strategy were highlighted, with Grace Meng, U.S. Representative for New York’s 6th Congressional District, being a former Honorary Chairwoman of the Henan Association of Eastern America. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has been using organizations like these, which are typically known for cultural activities, to further its influence operations. The CCP’s United Front Work Department is also involved in surveilling and harassing Chinese activists in the U.S. and promoting Xi Jinping’s rule. Andrew Yang, during his 2021 campaign for Mayor of New York, may have been unknowingly involved in these operations.