Queens State Assemblyman Ron Kim has alleged that groups with ties to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) tried to manipulate the outcome of his recent Democratic primary.
Kim, who represents a predominantly Asian district, suggested that these foreign-affiliated groups were seeking to usurp his position.
In an interview with The Post, Kim stated, “There were clear patterns of foreign influence trying to dictate the election outcome — groups with ties to mainland China and the CCP. They were trying to steal the Flushing seat.” Kim, a Korean-American, voiced concerns about the complexities and dangers of the situation, expressing uncertainty about how to counter such efforts.
The controversy comes after the arrest of Linda Sun, a former top aide to Governors Kathy Hochul and Andrew Cuomo.
Sun and her husband, Christopher Hu, face charges of being unregistered agents for the CCP. They are accused of receiving millions in kickbacks and laundering the money to acquire a $4.1 million mansion in Manhasset, a $2 million condo in Honolulu, and a fleet of luxury vehicles, including a 2024 Ferrari Roma.
Kim’s opponent in the June primary, Yi Andy Chen, received endorsement from the American Chinese Commerce Association, a group reportedly linked to the CCP. John Chan, the association’s chairman, is said to have close ties to the Chinese government and its Consulate General in New York.
Kim narrowly won his primary race by 443 votes. The CCP’s influence in New York’s Asian communities has been a topic of concern.
However, many have been reluctant to speak out due to fear of retaliation from the powerful foreign government. Kim acknowledged the risks, stating, “It’s a scary thing” to confront CCP influence publicly.
Kim expressed his belief that most Asian Americans are loyal to American values and business, contrasting this with the new wave of CCP-affiliated organisations that he claims do not share these values.
He recounted an incident from years ago when someone in Cuomo’s office informed him that the Chinese consul general was displeased with a resolution he had proposed in support of Taiwan, an island China claims as its territory.
Kim, who has a past professional connection with Linda Sun, chose not to discuss her criminal case publicly. Sun, who previously worked for Congresswoman Grace Meng when Meng was in the state Assembly, did not endorse Kim during the primary.
In November, John Chan led efforts to silence protesters in San Francisco demonstrating against Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Chan also sponsored a trip for New York Assembly Republicans to China, which included first-term GOP Assemblyman Lester Chang. The trip drew scrutiny due to its association with CCP leaders.
Chan, known for his close work with the Chinese Consulate General, was identified by China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs as a contributor to state-linked overseas institutions. Chan did not respond to requests for comment, and the Chinese Consulate in New York did not reply.
Kim’s allegations highlight concerns about foreign interference in U.S. elections and the complex dynamics within New York’s diverse political landscape.
