Staff Reports
In a shocking turn of events, it has been revealed that California Gov. Gavin Newsom accepted an invitation to visit China from an organization with ties to the Chinese intelligence service. The invitation came from the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), which is known to be an “affiliate” of the United Front Work Department, a Chinese intelligence service responsible for coordinating “influence operations.” It seems that Newsom’s trip to China was not just about climate action and partnership between the two economies, as his office claimed.
A social media post by the CPAFFC showed Newsom meeting with the organization’s CCP party secretary and chairman, Yang Wanming, in Beijing. The post stated that Newsom had accepted the invitation and expressed gratitude for the warm reception he received in China. This raises concerns about the governor’s ties to the Chinese government and whether he is being influenced by their agenda.
Chinese Intel Service ‘Affiliate’ Takes Credit For Bringing Gavin Newsom To China https://t.co/ccWFRu1Ged
— Daily Caller (@DailyCaller) October 31, 2023
The State Department had previously designated the CPAFFC as an “affiliate” of the United Front Work Department, citing their malign influence. The department discontinued its participation in a memorandum of understanding related to the U.S.-China National Governors Forum because of the CPAFFC’s actions. It is clear that this organization has been actively seeking to influence state and local leaders in order to promote China’s global agenda.
During his trip to China, Newsom also met with Beijing’s municipal committee party secretary and signed a memorandum of understanding on environment and climate cooperation. Photos uploaded to the Office of the Governor of California’s Flickr account showed Newsom with Yang Wanming and participating in the Great Wall Climate Dialogue, an event hosted by the CPAFFC. Newsom even praised the importance of people-to-people exchanges, despite the warnings from the Director of National Intelligence about the deceptive nature of PRC influence operations.
It is alarming to see a state governor cozying up to a foreign power with known malign intentions. Newsom’s interactions with Chinese officials and his failure to discuss human rights issues with Xi Jinping raise serious questions about his judgment and loyalty. This trip to China seems to undermine US national interests and raises concerns about Newsom’s commitment to protecting American values. As details continue to emerge, it is clear that this is a story worth watching closely.
