A Chino Hills resident, Yaoning "Mike" Sun, 64, has been apprehended under suspicion of operating as an unregistered agent of the People's Republic of China. Simultaneously, he managed the successful 2022 city council campaign of an unnamed Southern California politician, referred to as "Individual 1" in legal documents. The arrest follows the November sentencing of Chen Jun, who was convicted of bribery and acting as an illegal agent of the Chinese government. Sun is accused of conspiring with Chen during Individual 1's campaign.
Chen allegedly communicated with Chinese officials about influencing American local politicians, particularly regarding Taiwan. After Individual 1's election victory, Chen reportedly instructed Sun to create a report for Chinese authorities, who responded favorably. Chen also organized a "core member lunch" with Sun and others, describing the attendees to a PRC official as a dedicated team, although Individual 1's presence at the lunch remains unconfirmed. Chen further informed the official about plans to establish a "US-China Friendship Promotional Association."
In early 2023, Sun allegedly drafted another report for Chinese officials detailing their efforts in supporting Individual 1's political success. Around the same time, Sun proposed a plan to counter "anti-China forces" through participation in a Washington, D.C. Independence Day parade. He also reportedly requested an $80,000 budget from the PRC.
The complaint details discussions between Chen and Sun regarding a trip to China for meetings with "leadership." Sun was also allegedly instructed to arrange a meeting with the Chinese consul general in Los Angeles. Sun and Individual 1 reportedly traveled to China in August 2023. If convicted, Sun faces a potential sentence of up to 10 years for acting as an illegal foreign agent and an additional five years for conspiring against the U.S.
