Arcadia, California, City Council member Eileen Wang finds herself under increased scrutiny following federal accusations that her fiancé, Mike Sun, worked as an agent for the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Federal prosecutors allege that Sun, identified in court as Sun Yaoning, collaborated with Chinese operative Chen Jun to promote Beijing’s interests in the U.S.
Wang, elected to the Arcadia City Council in 2022, is reportedly “Individual 1” in the federal complaint. Her fiancé allegedly managed her campaign, calling it a victory over forces critical of U.S.-China relations. Sun, a former member of China’s military, has been charged with illegal agent activities and was arrested by the FBI on Dec. 19.
Arcadia, California.
Suspected Chinese Spy Is Fiancé of California Councilwoman https://t.co/8zGqLtMub8 via @TnkConservative
— Stephen (@01splcheck) December 31, 2024
The couple’s connections extend beyond the political realm. Wang and Sun co-manage business ventures, including the American Southwest Chamber of Commerce, which Wang founded in 2018 to foster ties between China and the American Southwest. They are also involved with U.S. News Center, a predominantly Chinese-language media outlet that highlighted Wang’s political achievements.
Texts in the Feds' criminal complaint against agents of Communist China who supported newly elected Arcadia councilwoman Eileen Wang echo the communication style of convicted Jose Huizar co-conspirator Deputy Mayor Ray Chan. Was he, too, a Chinese spy? https://t.co/YbUW8OrKYu
— Esotouric's Secret Los Angeles (@esotouric) December 22, 2024
Campaign finance records reveal Wang reimbursed Sun for campaign-related expenses. Despite these links, Arcadia City Manager Dominic Lazzaretto has stated that Sun had no role in city operations.
“Chinese government by working to elect an individual to the Arcadia City Council that the government thought would help them advance policies favorable to the People’s Republic of China in Southern California” Inside China's alleged spy operation in L.A. https://t.co/EiyOtWwNQk
— Amy Cook (@AmyCookOC) December 22, 2024
Federal court documents connect Wang’s residence to Sun’s last registered address. Although she has not been charged, Wang has engaged with federal investigators and expressed her willingness to cooperate.
The investigation raises concerns about foreign influence in local U.S. politics, particularly amid heightened tensions between Washington and Beijing. Sun’s alleged accomplice, Chen Jun, has already been convicted of bribery for promoting CCP objectives.
