A California mayor has resigned after admitting she secretly worked on behalf of the Chinese government, sparking fresh concerns in the United States over foreign influence in local politics. The 58-year-old Eileen Wang, who served as the mayor of Arcadia in southern California, pleaded guilty to acting as an illegal foreign agent for China following an investigation by the US Department of Justice (DOJ). She now faces up to 10 years in prison.
Details of the Case
According to the DOJ, Wang collaborated with 65-year-old Yaoning “Mike” Sun to promote pro-China messaging through a Chinese-language website called US News Center, which presented itself as a local news outlet for the Chinese American community. Wang carried out activities directed by officials from the People’s Republic of China before she entered public office. She was elected to the Arcadia city council in November 2022 and later became mayor.
Hours after the plea agreement became public on Monday, Wang announced her resignation. “Individuals in our country who covertly do the bidding of foreign governments undermine our democracy,” said Bill Essayli, an assistant US attorney.
Communication with Chinese Officials
Court documents reveal that Wang and others regularly communicated with Chinese officials through encrypted WeChat groups. In one example cited by prosecutors, a Chinese official shared pre-written articles in June 2021 defending Beijing’s position on Xinjiang and denying allegations of genocide and forced labor. Within minutes, Wang reposted the material on her website and sent the link back to the official, who replied: “So fast, thank you everyone.”
Wang also had contact with John Chen, described by the DOJ as a senior figure linked to Chinese intelligence operations and someone with direct access to Chinese President Xi Jinping. In November 2021, Wang allegedly asked Chen to circulate one of her website articles, writing: “This is what the ministry of foreign affairs wants to send.”
Other Individuals Involved
Chen, who lives in Chino, California, pleaded guilty in November 2024 to acting as an illegal agent of China and conspiracy to bribe a public official. He was later sentenced to 20 months in federal prison. Sun was arrested in December 2024 and pleaded guilty to acting as an illegal foreign agent, receiving a four-year prison sentence earlier this year.
Arcadia officials stated that Wang’s activities ended before she officially took office.
