Eileen Wang: A former California mayor is facing federal consequences after admitting she secretly worked on behalf of the Chinese government while helping run a website that presented itself as a news source for Chinese Americans.
Former Arcadia Mayor Eileen Wang Resigns After Federal Plea DealFormer Arcadia mayor Eileen Wang resigned after agreeing to a federal plea deal unsealed Monday. Prosecutors said Wang worked with officials tied to the People’s Republic of China between 2020 and 2022 to spread propaganda through a website called “U.S. News Center,” as per a report.
What Prosecutors Said About Eileen Wang and the U.S. News Center Website
According to court documents, the website appeared to operate as a community news platform, but prosecutors said Wang and her then ex-fiancé, Yaoning “Mike” Sun, were actually carrying out directives from Chinese officials, as per a New York Post report.
Authorities said Wang and Sun posted content designed to promote China’s messaging while also reporting back to their handlers with screenshots showing how many people viewed the articles.
In one example included in the plea agreement, Wang’s handler instructed her to publish pre-written content defending China against accusations involving Xinjiang. After the content was posted, the handler reportedly thanked Wang and the others involved for acting quickly.
In another exchange, prosecutors said Wang responded to praise from a Chinese official about article traffic by writing, “Thank you leader,” as per the New York Post report.
Wang was elected to the Arcadia City Council in November 2022. Arcadia is located in the San Gabriel Valley area of Los Angeles County. The mayoral role in Arcadia rotates among council members.
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Former Arcadia Mayor Pleads Guilty to Acting on Behalf of Chinese Officials
She pleaded guilty Monday during her arraignment in downtown Los Angeles to acting as an illegal foreign agent. The charge carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison, as per the New York Post report.
Arcadia California Case Highlights Growing US Concerns Over Chinese Influence Operations
Federal prosecutors said the case reflects broader concerns about China’s efforts to influence American politics and public discourse.
Bill Essayli, the top federal prosecutor in Los Angeles, pointed out that it is not the first time China has been caught trying to exert its influence in the US, saying, “Ms. Wang is just the latest to act as an agent for the PRC and it should terrify Americans that she was able to rise to the highest levels of local office in her city, as quoted by New York Post.
Eileen Wang and Yaoning “Mike” Sun Accused of Running Chinese Propaganda Website
Sun, who prosecutors said also worked closely with Chinese officials, was charged in 2024 with conspiracy and acting as an illegal foreign agent. He was sentenced in February to four years in federal prison.
Authorities said Sun received assignments from Chinese government officials, spread propaganda, and monitored groups in the United States viewed by China as threats.
Prosecutors also said Chinese officials hoped Wang would continue rising politically in California and eventually help advance China’s interests at higher levels of office.
Wang previously told the Los Angeles Times that she moved to Southern California from China about three decades ago. She said her mother practiced Chinese medicine and acupuncture and that her father worked as a physician in Sichuan province before later working at the University of Southern California.
FAQs
Who is Eileen Wang?Eileen Wang is the former mayor of Arcadia who pleaded guilty to acting as an illegal foreign agent.
Where is Arcadia located?
Arcadia is in the San Gabriel Valley in Los Angeles County.
