China’s Covert Influence Shapes Political Outcomes in New York City

In New York City, social clubs supported by China have actively worked to derail a congressional candidate who had previously challenged the Chinese government on television.

These groups also contributed to the defeat of a state senator who attended a banquet with Taiwan’s president.

On social media, they publicly criticized a City Council hopeful for endorsing democracy in Hong Kong.

Over recent years, these organizations have discreetly obstructed political careers of those opposing China’s authoritarian regime while promoting candidates who favor the Chinese Communist Party’s agenda. Many of these groups operate as tax-exempt nonprofits, enabling one of America’s most significant geopolitical rivals to exert influence over elections in the nation’s largest metropolis.

Primarily, these groups consist of “hometown associations” formed by individuals originating from the same Chinese town or province. Some have existed for over a century, while numerous others have emerged in the last decade. Similar to other immigrant heritage organizations, they support newcomers, organize cultural parades, and build social networks.

However, many of these hometown associations have become instruments of China’s consulate located in Midtown Manhattan, as reported by multiple members, elected officials, and former prosecutors. Leaders often maintain family or business ties to China, fostering reluctance to oppose Beijing’s directives. Consulate representatives have recruited these groups to intimidate politicians who express support for Taiwan or challenge other sensitive Chinese policies. In one instance, a Chinese intelligence operative collaborated with several hometown leaders to target the same political candidate.

While this interference may appear limited, targeting local politicians unlikely to influence international affairs, China is intent on suppressing dissent within its diaspora to prevent such opposition from reverberating back to the mainland, experts on Chinese influence have noted.