California Man Pleads Guilty to Acting as Undisclosed Agent for Beijing in U.S. Local Politics

In a striking case that underscores the ongoing threat of foreign interference in American democracy, Yaoning “Mike” Sun, a California resident and campaign advisor, has agreed to plead guilty to acting as an illegal agent for the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Without notifying U.S. authorities as required by law, Sun promoted pro-Beijing content and supported candidates favorable to China's interests in Southern California elections. This prosecution sheds light on how the CCP aggressively exploits local political ecosystems across the United States—far beyond Washington's watchful gaze—to install operatives sympathetic to its agenda. While Washington debates policies and diplomatic postures, these insidious...