Blakeman hits Hochul for dealing with Chinese Communist officials after Linda Sun scandal
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman has called for an investigation into Governor Kathy Hochul’s administration following the discovery of records that show her aides maintained friendly ties with Chinese government officials, even after the firing of Linda Sun, who was accused of being a Beijing agent.
Sun, a former top aide to both Hochul and former Governor Andrew Cuomo, faced federal charges for allegedly aiding China’s agenda in Albany. Despite a mistrial in her case, federal prosecutors have promised to retry her. Blakeman criticized Hochul for continuing to engage with Chinese officials from Henan Province, the same region linked to Sun’s criminal case.
After Sun’s dismissal in 2023, Hochul’s office discussed hosting a delegation from Henan Province at the State Capitol. Blakeman emphasized the need for increased security measures and transparency following the exposure of a suspected Chinese Communist Party operative within the administration.
Records revealed ongoing communication between Hochul’s office and Henan officials, including discussions about a potential visit to strengthen relations between the province and New York State in various areas. Despite Sun’s firing, the administration continued to correspond with Chinese representatives.
Elaine Fan, who replaced Sun as director of Asian affairs in the governor’s office, played a key role in these discussions. Fan, also known as Fan Xiaojiang, has family ties to the CCP, raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest.
Blakeman called for an investigation into the administration’s interactions with Chinese entities and its handling of internal security risks. He highlighted the CCP’s efforts to target state and local governments for espionage and influence operations, emphasizing the need to keep hostile governments away from New York’s government.
In response, a spokesperson for Hochul dismissed the claims as unfounded, stating that no meeting took place with the Governor. Fan, who previously worked on Scott Stringer’s mayoral campaign, expressed frustration over what she perceived as a smear campaign damaging her reputation.
Sun, who faced allegations of acting as an illegal Chinese agent for financial gain, maintained her innocence. The case underscored the challenges of navigating complex relationships with foreign governments while ensuring the integrity and security of state administrations.
