Linda Sun, a former high-ranking aide to two New York governors, has been charged with espionage for the Chinese government, sparking serious concerns about foreign influence at the highest levels of state administration in the United States. Sun, who served as Deputy Chief of Staff to Governor Kathy Hochul and Deputy Diversity Officer for former Governor Andrew Cuomo, was arrested along with her husband, Chris Hu, from their 4 million dollar Long Island residence.
Allegations of Espionage and Subtle Influence
Prosecutors allege that Sun leveraged her positions in the state government to subtly advance Chinese interests. This reportedly included barring Taiwanese representatives from accessing the New York Governor’s office and aligning New York’s official messaging with the Chinese government’s agenda. In exchange, Sun and her husband allegedly received substantial financial benefits. Hu’s business ventures in China were reportedly supported by the Chinese government, enabling the couple to accumulate luxurious properties and vehicles.
The indictment details Sun’s alleged efforts to omit references to China’s human rights abuses against Uyghurs from official communications, such as a Lunar New Year video requested by Chinese officials in 2021. Both Sun and Hu have pleaded not guilty and are currently out on bail. Sun, originally from China but now a U.S. citizen, was dismissed from Hochul’s administration following the accusations. A spokesperson for Cuomo attempted to minimise her influence in the office.
A Wake-Up Call for India: Lessons from the New York Espionage Case
The espionage case in New York underscores the need for a broader federal crackdown on suspected Chinese spying in the U.S. and serves as a warning for countries like India to closely scrutinize potential Chinese influence in their government, economy, and administration. The recent case involving NewsClick, where Chinese funds were allegedly used to propagate anti-India narratives, exemplifies the urgency of such vigilance.
The NewsClick Chinese Funding Case
In August 2023, a New York Times investigation revealed links between American businessman Neville Roy Singham and the Chinese government. The investigation found that Singham had been funding global media outlets, including India’s NewsClick, to promote Chinese government narratives. Singham’s network reportedly disguised Chinese propaganda as progressive advocacy across countries such as India, Brazil, South Africa, and the U.S.
Further revelations from a Delhi Police chargesheet indicated that NewsClick employees were paid to incite violence during the anti-CAA protests. Witnesses testified that Chinese funds were used to distribute cash to protesters, purchase firearms, and fuel unrest in Kashmir. The chargesheet also named activist Teesta Setalvad as a recipient of Singham’s funds, which were allegedly used to revive her portal, ‘Sabrang India.’
The document described an “interoperable triumvirate” involving Singham, Setalvad, and Prabir Purkayastha, NewsClick’s founder, and suggested a coordinated effort to propagate a left-wing extremist agenda. Police raids in 2023 at multiple locations linked to the accused resulted in the arrest of Purkayastha and NewsClick’s HR head under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act. Purkayastha was, however, later released on bail due to a technicality. The investigation remains ongoing.
Chinese Funding to the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation
In October 2022, the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation (RGF), a non-governmental organisation linked to the Gandhi family, had its Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) license revoked by the Indian government for alleged violations of foreign funding laws. The Rajiv Gandhi Charitable Trust (RGCT) also had its license cancelled, barring both organisations from receiving foreign funds.
The decision followed an investigation by an inter-ministerial committee constituted by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in July 2020. A notice regarding the termination of the license was sent to the office-bearers of the foundation.
Reports in 2020 revealed that the Chinese government had donated funds to the RGF in 2006 and subsequent years. Sonia Gandhi, Chairperson of the Rajiv Gandhi Foundation, and trustees Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra have been associated with the foundation since 2005. The 2008 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Congress Party and the Communist Party of China (CPC) further raised concerns, as it included agreements for exchanging high-level information and cooperation.
Indian Journalist Arrested for Spying for China
In another alarming case, Indian journalist Rajeev Sharma was arrested by a special cell of the Delhi Police on September 14 under the Official Secrets Act for spying for China. Sharma, who had worked with various media outlets, was accused of passing sensitive information to Chinese intelligence in exchange for large sums of money routed through shell companies. His arrest also led to the apprehension of a Chinese woman and her Nepalese associate, accused of paying Sharma.
Sitaram Yechury and the Left’s Ties to China
CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury has been vocal in his support for the Chinese government and its Premier, Xi Jinping. In 2017, he praised the Chinese Communist Party’s Congress, stating, “The Chinese Communist Party Congress’ decisions will be important for strengthening multilateralism in international relations as opposed to unilateralism and imperialism.” Yechury also defended China’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, praising the “exemplary manner” in which it was managed, and claimed it demonstrated the “superiority of socialism as a system over capitalism.”
Global Concerns Over Chinese Influence
The recurring cases of Chinese influence in political, media, and civil spheres across various countries, including India, raise serious global concerns. The cases of Linda Sun in the U.S. and Neville Roy Singham in India illustrate how Chinese entities have infiltrated and manipulated foreign systems under the guise of financial assistance and progressive advocacy.
From high-ranking government officials to influential media platforms, these entities have influenced or attempted to influence every possible sector. For India, the implications are particularly stark. As evidenced by the NewsClick and Rajiv Gandhi Foundation controversies, there is a critical need for vigilance and scrutiny at every step to safeguard national sovereignty and prevent foreign interference.
