On 22 December 2023, National Review reported that a group of New York State Republican legislators embarked on a ten-day visit to China as part of a “friendship delegation.” This group included New York assembly minority leader William Barclay and state lawmakers Lester Chang, Sam Pirozzolo, and Michael Novakhov. They were reportedly accompanied by the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, an organization the U.S. intelligence community has warned is involved in Beijing’s influence operations. The trip was funded by the American Chinese Commerce Association (Hong Kong) and its pro-Beijing leader, John Chan. The delegation met with several Chinese officials and subsidiaries of the United Front Work Department, known for advancing Beijing’s global agenda. The visit, which included cultural and sightseeing activities, is part of a broader trend of increased exchanges between U.S. and Chinese officials following a recent meeting between President Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping. This visit, however, has raised concerns due to the involved organizations’ alleged roles in influence and espionage activities within the U.S.
ChinaDecember 25 2023, 5:02 am
New York GOP Lawmakers’ Controversial Visit to China Raises Concerns
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