New York State Assemblyman Ron Kim has alleged a plot by Chinese-linked groups to sway a Democratic Party primary against him.

Kim's allegation comes closely on the heels of the arrest of Linda Sun, a former aide to New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, both Biden allies, further intensifying concerns about foreign influence in local elections, as the New York Post reports.

Representing the 40th District in Queens, New York, Kim pointed to what he says is a concerted effort by groups with ties to the CCP aiming to unseat him during the recent primary.

He specifically cited activities in Flushing, a neighborhood with a significant Asian population, as the focal point of these alleged manipulations.

Allegations Of CCP Influence In Queens Primary

The arrest of Sun, along with her husband Christopher Hu, on charges of acting as unregistered agents for the CCP has underscored Kim's allegations.

Authorities claim that Sun and Hu engaged in financial misconduct, including receiving kickbacks and purchasing luxury items with the acquired funds, which they allege links back to the CCP’s influence operations.

Kim narrowly secured his position in the primary by a margin of just 443 votes. His main challenger, Yi Andy Chen, received backing from the American Chinese Commerce Association, which Kim and others have associated with the Chinese government's influence efforts.

Ron Kim's Ongoing Struggle with Foreign Interference

This is not Kim’s first encounter with pressures from foreign powers. The assemblyman has previously faced opposition from the Chinese government concerning his resolutions supporting Taiwan, indicating a pattern of geopolitical tension spilling into local politics.

Kim expressed deep concern about the subtle yet extensive network of CCP-linked organizations infiltrating New York politics.

"There were clear patterns of foreign influence trying to dictate the outcome of the election — groups with ties to mainland China and the CCP. They were trying to steal the Flushing seat," Kim stated, describing the situation as a "very layered operation" and "dangerous territory."

Community Fears and Congressional Silence

According to Kim, the growing influence of the CCP is not only a political concern but also a community issue. Many in New York's Asian communities feel pressured to remain silent due to fears of retaliation.

This atmosphere of intimidation, Kim argues, complicates efforts to resist such foreign influence.

During the primary, notable absences in endorsements for Kim came from higher political figures, including Congresswoman Grace Meng, which some speculate may be tied to the broader geopolitical sensitivities involving China.

Further complicating the narrative, John Chan, chairman of the American Chinese Commerce Association, has reportedly been involved in suppressing anti-Chinese government dissent beyond New York, notably in San Francisco, and has facilitated meetings between New York Assembly Republicans and CCP leaders in China.

Concerns Over CCP's Long Reach into Local Politics

Ron Kim remains vocal about the challenges posed by the CCP's tactics, emphasizing the need for vigilance and proactive measures to safeguard American democratic processes.

"It’s a scary thing," he remarked, concerned about the enduring impact of such foreign influences on local elections.

"The majority of Asian groups are loyal to American business and American capital," Kim noted, contrasting them with the new wave of organizations he perceives as threats to American values and political autonomy.

In closing, while Kim refrained from commenting directly on Linda Sun's ongoing criminal case, he stressed the broader implications of her arrest as indicative of a significant and troubling trend of foreign interference in American politics.