Prosecutors in a high-profile corruption trial have unveiled damning communications in which a former New York state official described current Governor Kathy Hochul as being significantly "more obedient" to Chinese interests than her predecessor.

According to a report by Fox News, Linda Sun, who is accused of acting as an undisclosed agent for the Chinese government, allegedly boasted to consular officials about her ability to manipulate state leadership.

The evidence presented to the jury centers on a specific incident where Sun successfully maneuvered to have Hochul, who served as Cuomo’s lieutenant governor at the time, record a supportive Lunar New Year video for the Chinese consulate after former Governor Andrew Cuomo proved difficult to persuade.

Text Messages Expose Alleged Influence

In a message sent on January 25, 2021, to Chinese consular official Lihua Li, Sun explicitly stated that Hochul was "much more obedient than the governor," referring to Cuomo's resistance to their requests.

Minutes after messaging Li, Sun reportedly texted Huang Ping, the head of the consulate office at the time, to brag that the "deputy governor listens to me more than the governor does," asserting her internal influence over the administration.

While Chinese officials had originally requested a video appearance from Governor Cuomo, Sun assured them that she could likely secure participation from the lieutenant governor instead, eventually delivering a two-minute clip where Hochul praised the consulate and the Chinese American community.

Financial Gains And Serious Charges

Sun was terminated from her state position in 2023 following the discovery of "evidence of misconduct," and she now faces federal charges, including visa fraud, alien smuggling, and conspiring to violate the Foreign Agents Registration Act.

Prosecutors allege that Sun leveraged her political position to perform favors for Chinese officials in exchange for millions of dollars in business opportunities funneled to her husband, Chris Hu, who conducted commercial activities in China.

The couple is accused of utilizing these illicit funds to purchase extravagant luxury assets, including a 2024 Ferrari Roma sports car and multiple real estate properties located in Honolulu and on Long Island that are valued collectively at over $6 million.

Political Fallout And Human Rights

The trial has also highlighted Sun's alleged efforts to suppress criticism of China's human rights abuses, specifically regarding her attempts to stop Cuomo from publicly mentioning the plight of the Uyghur Muslim ethnic group.

Sun messaged Ping that she was going to "collapse" after arguing with a speechwriter who "insisted" on mentioning the Uyghurs, promising the official that she would "definitely not let the governor bring it up" in his remarks.

Reacting to these revelations, Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., issued a statement condemning Hochul as "fully compromised" by the Chinese Communist Party and declaring that there will be no spies in state government if Republicans win the governorship.

Lessons to Learn

1. Know the risks of influence operations
Government officials and the public should be aware that foreign influence operations can target seemingly routine engagements. Invitations to participate in cultural events should receive proper vetting to ensure transparency and prevent manipulation.

2. Understand the importance of FARA compliance
The Foreign Agents Registration Act exists to ensure that all individuals acting on behalf of foreign nations are disclosed. Failing to comply not only undermines national security it can also lead to serious legal consequences and loss of public trust.

3. Be transparent in public office
Public servants must maintain transparency in all foreign and domestic affairs. Regular audits, reviews, and reporting of communications can help prevent manipulations. Still, it's important to emphasize that even the most cautious individuals can become victims, and blame should never rest on them alone.

Why This Story Matters

This case raises urgent concerns about foreign interference in American politics, particularly at the state level. It reveals how influence may be exerted not only on federal policymakers but also within gubernatorial administrations. The allegations outlined in the trial shine a light on vulnerabilities in oversight of state government interactions with foreign entities. As international diplomacy often intersects with local governance, transparency and accountability are vital. Ultimately, the public deserves clarity about how political decisions are made and whether foreign governments hold undue sway over elected leaders or their staff.

Linda Sun, once a trusted government aide, now stands accused of betraying that trust through covert affiliations with China’s government while serving under two New York governors. Prosecutors allege that she influenced political messaging, helped advance diplomatic favors, suppressed human rights references, and profited through financial channels tied to Beijing’s interests. With millions in alleged gains and serious federal charges ranging from foreign agent violations to money laundering, Sun’s case is a stark warning about the breadth of modern influence operations and the importance of transparency at all levels of government.