Commentary
Media focusing on the ethnicity of Chinese spies is a mistake. The most dangerous individuals compromised by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) are those caught by “elite capture,” often non-Chinese leaders in business and politics.
Linda Sun is accused of influencing the New York Governor’s office on behalf of China’s regime for millions of dollars in benefits. Despite being a member of the Chinese diaspora in the United States, her ethnicity likely matters less to her than the benefits received, including a $4.1 million New York pad, a $2.1 million condo in Honolulu, and a Ferrari allegedly bought with laundered CCP money.
Some media claim Beijing heavily recruits among the Chinese diaspora for espionage and influence operations. The New York Times reports on four incidents involving individuals of Chinese descent accused of spying or engaging in influence operations in various countries.
While some Chinese Americans may be selectively recruited by Chinese intelligence agents, there are numerous cases of non-Chinese individuals involved in similar activities for China. Some engage in technology theft for market access in China, while others work as “consultants” promoting CCP interests without registering as foreign agents.
Non-Chinese agents of the CCP operating within the law may pose a greater threat to the U.S. and democracy. Beijing’s own racism in selecting low-level spies should not overshadow the higher-level threat posed by various individuals working for CCP interests.
The CCP’s strategy of “elite capture” aims to control leaders outside China through various means like financial incentives, ideological appeal, and blackmail. While ethnicity may be one recruitment method, the CCP prioritizes individuals who benefit the regime regardless of race.
Views expressed in this article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.
