Hochul Under Scrutiny as Former Top Aide Accused of Acting as Chinese Agent

New York Governor Kathy Hochul is facing renewed political pressure after her former deputy chief of staff, Linda Sun, was charged with secretly operating as an agent of the Chinese government while serving in senior roles under both Hochul and former Governor Andrew Cuomo.

Sun and her husband, Chris Hu, are now at the center of a federal case where prosecutors say both operated to aid the Communist Party of China.

According to federal filings, Sun is accused of using her access to New York’s highest offices to advance Beijing’s interests. Prosecutors say she promoted China's agenda inside New York State government, steering officials away from Taiwan.

The indictment states that Sun wrote, “I very much value my relationship with the consulate and have done many things to make the relationship between the state and the consulate flourish during my tenure with (Politician-1).” The reference to “Politician-1” is believed to be Andrew Cuomo.

Sun also allegedly messaged a Chinese official saying, “You are the most important hub connecting us with (Politician-1) and his team.”

Prosecutors claim Sun received gifts such as Nanjing-style salted ducks, Carnegie Hall tickets, and ballets at Lincoln Center. She also helped Chinese officials shape state-level political messaging.

The indictment accuses her of removing references to Uyghur persecution from an official Lunar New Year message and interfering with interactions between Taiwanese diplomats and New York representatives.

Federal authorities say the couple laundered millions of dollars and spent money on luxury cars and real estate. Hu is also charged with accepting multimillion-dollar kickbacks from a COVID-19 PPE vendor.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office stated that “Sun is alleged to have acted on behalf of the government of the People’s Republic of China and the Chinese Communist Party.”

Both Sun and Hu have pleaded not guilty.

While the trial will unfold in Brooklyn federal court, the political consequences are already spreading in Albany as Sun worked closely with Hochul before rising to Cuomo’s inner circle.

Hochul has not commented publicly on the case.

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Hochul Under Scrutiny as Former Top Aide Accused of Acting as Chinese Agent