By: Arthur Popowitz

Queens Assemblyman Ron Kim has accused groups tied to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) of attempting to unseat him during the June Democratic primary. In an exclusive interview with the New York Post, Kim claimed these foreign-linked groups targeted his seat in Flushing, a predominantly Asian community.

“There were clear patterns of foreign influence trying to dictate the outcome of the election—groups with ties to mainland China and the CCP,” Kim told the Post. “They were trying to steal the Flushing seat. It’s a very layered operation. We’re entering dangerous territory. I don’t know how we can stop it.”

Kim’s comments follow the arrest of Linda Sun, a former aide to Governors Kathy Hochul and Andrew Cuomo. Sun and her husband, Christopher Hu, were charged with being unregistered CCP agents. Authorities say the couple laundered millions in kickbacks from the Chinese government, which were used to buy a $4.1 million mansion in Long Island, a $2 million condo in Honolulu, and luxury cars, including a 2024 Ferrari Roma.

In the 40th District Democratic primary, Kim’s opponent, Yi Andy Chen, was endorsed by the American Chinese Commerce Association (ACCA), a group linked to the CCP. John Chan, the chairman of the ACCA, has close ties to the Chinese government and its New York Consulate General. Despite the CCP-backed support for Chen, Kim managed to win the primary by just 443 votes.

Rumors of CCP influence within New York’s Asian communities have been circulating for years, but few have been willing to speak out. Sources told the Post that many fear retribution from the Chinese government, known for tracking its critics abroad.

“It’s a scary thing,” Kim said of standing up to the CCP. Despite this, he pointed out that most Chinese immigrants come to the U.S. to escape authoritarianism. “The overwhelming majority of Chinese and other Asians move here to flee communism for a better life. They are patriotic Americans, loyal to American business and American capital.”

However, Kim warned of a growing number of CCP-affiliated organizations infiltrating these communities. “There is a new wave of organizations tied to the CCP that are not loyal to our way of life,” he said.

Kim also recalled an unsettling incident when he was contacted by someone in then-Governor Cuomo’s office. He frequently passed resolutions celebrating U.S.-Taiwan relations, but China still claims Taiwan as its territory. Kim was told the “Chinese consul general was upset” about one such resolution. Though Kim couldn’t confirm whether Linda Sun delivered the message, he was shocked by the interference.

Kim said he knows Sun personally but declined to discuss her criminal case. Sun had also worked for Congresswoman Grace Meng when she served in the State Assembly. Meng notably did not endorse Kim in the primary.

John Chan, who backed Kim’s opponent, has been at the center of controversy for his pro-CCP activities. In November, Chan led efforts to drown out protesters in San Francisco awaiting Chinese President Xi Jinping’s arrival. Some of the demonstrators had family members who were victims of the Chinese government. According to The Washington Post, pro-CCP supporters attacked the protesters with flagpoles and chemical sprays.

Chan also sponsored a trip to China for several New York Assembly Republicans in December, which raised eyebrows in political circles. The trip was organized by Brooklyn Assemblyman Lester Chang.