TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — A recent New York Times article, “How China Influences Elections in America’s Biggest City,” drew attention to the risks pro-Taiwan politicians face when running in local US elections.
China is alleged to use social clubs and "hometown associations" in New York as a campaign tool to advance a policy platform set by the Chinese consulate in New York. These groups are often mobilized to undermine politicians who oppose China's authoritarian government, such as those who support Taiwan's sovereignty.
For example, Taiwanese-born State Senator John C. Liu (劉醇逸) met then-Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) at a banquet for overseas Taiwanese in New York in 2019. Soon afterwards, intermediaries from the Chinese consulate contacted his office, deeming his actions “inappropriate.” Later, Liu learned that invitations extended to him by hometown associations were rescinded.
Two years later, a senior FBI agent warned state lawmakers such as Liu that Chinese consulate officials could use threats and or inducements to influence politicians, including those who support Taiwan.
The National Review also reported that the Chinese consulate warned New York Mayor Eric Adams to avoid any form of official contact with Tsai during her transit stop in New York in 2023. Adams did not appear at a banquet for Tsai, organized by overseas Taiwanese.
Then-State Senator Chu Iwen (曲怡文) did attend Tsai's banquet and would pay the price in an election the following year. Soon afterwards, Chu was contacted by the Chinese consulate, inviting her to talk with the consulate deputy to discuss "cooperation between New York and China."
In April 2023, Chu met with a deputy consul general at a cafe in Brooklyn. After exchanging pleasantries, the diplomat said her attendance at the banquet had upset some people, describing the situation as "explosive."
Chu said she was pressured by the diplomat, though she explained her work was focused on New York and not international affairs. Her comments did not dissuade the Chinese diplomat.
A year later, Beijing's top power broker in New York, John Chan (陳善莊), began vetting Republican candidates to run against her. He settled on Steve Chan (陳學理), a native of Hong Kong and former Marine and police sergeant.
Chan was soon questioned about his views on Hong Kong and Taiwan. He replied that he supported democracy in Hong Kong and that China should not interfere in Taiwan. When asked if he wanted to revise his answer, Chan softened, suggesting maintaining the status quo.
However, when contacted by the New York Times, Chan denied changing his position on Hong Kong and China. Despite his denial, Chan's comments won over Beijing's power broker as he soon appeared at hometown association events, winning over community leaders who had previously supported Chu.
In November, the pro-Beijing candidate, Chan, easily defeated Chu in the state senate election.
