In New York City, social clubs backed by China undermined a congressional candidate who once challenged the regime on Chinese television.

       They helped unseat a state senator for attending a banquet with the president of Taiwan.

       And they condemned a City Council candidate on social media for supporting Hong Kong democracy.

       In the past few years, these organizations have quietly foiled the careers of politicians who opposed China’s authoritarian government while backing others who supported policies of the country’s ruling Communist Party. The groups, many of them tax-exempt nonprofits, have allowed America’s most formidable adversary to influence elections in the country’s largest city, The New York Times found.

       The groups are mostly “hometown associations” of people hailing from the same town or province in China. Some have been around for more than a century, while dozens of others have sprung up over the past decade. Like other heritage clubs in a city of immigrants, they welcome newcomers, organize parades and foster social connections.

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       But many hometown associations have become useful tools of China’s consulate in Midtown Manhattan, according to dozens of group members, politicians and former prosecutors. Some group leaders have family or business in China and fear the consequences of bucking its authority. Consulate officials have enlisted them to intimidate politicians who support Taiwan or cross Beijing’s other red lines. In one case, a Chinese intelligence agent and several hometown leaders targeted the same candidate.

       This meddling may seem modest, involving politicians who are unlikely to affect international policy. But China is determined to quash dissent in its diaspora before it spreads back home, said Audrye Wong, a fellow at the American Enterprise Institute who studies Chinese influence.

       American Fujian Houyu Association’s 40th Anniversary

       Flushing, Queens, April 28, 2024

       Entrance

       Passing the seal

       Yin Minjun

       Xing Yulin

       Yin MinjunPromote peaceful reunification.

       others including Xing YulinPromote peaceful reunification.

       Yin MinjunAdvance China-U.S. relations.

       others including Xing YulinAdvance China-U.S. relations.

       Yin MinjunFor the great rejuvenation of the motherland.

       others including Xing YulinFor the great rejuvenation of the motherland.

       Yin MinjunContribute our greatest strength.

       others including Xing YulinContribute our greatest strength.

       Taking pledges

       My heart feels the same affection

       Even if born in a foreign land, it cannot change

       My Chinese heart

       “My Chinese Heart”

       Good evening

       I’m Congresswoman Grace Meng,

       and it’s such an honor

       to be here with all of you

       Representative Grace Meng

       Honorees and dignitaries entered the hall to the tune of a live marching band, carrying American and Chinese flags.

       Representatives of the Chinese consulate, Yin Minjun and Xing Yulin, presided over a ceremony in which the association’s old president passed the official seal to the new one.

       Reading from pink pieces of paper, group leaders pledged to uphold core Chinese policies, including “reunification” with Taiwan.

       Holding a Chinese flag, the group sang “My Chinese Heart,” a popular patriotic ballad in China.

       Later, Representative Grace Meng, a congresswoman from New York, made a short and unremarkable speech after remarks by a consulate official and an association leader. Local politicians often make appearances at these events to reach constituents.

       How China Influences Elections in America’s Biggest City - The New York Times

       American Jin Feng Federation

       HostFor Sino-U.S. friendship.

       Oath takerFor Sino-U.S. friendship.

       HostMotherland’s reunification.

       HostMake positive contributions.

       Oath takerMotherland’s reunification.

       Oath takerMake positive contributions.

       Fujian Foundation in USA

       Oath takerTo safeguard motherland’s

       Oath takerdevelopment interests.

       HostTo promote motherland’s

       Hostpeaceful reunification.

       Oath takerTo promote motherland’s

       Oath takerpeaceful reunification.

       Wenshang Association

       Oath takerTo safeguard motherland’s

       Oath takerdevelopment interests.

       Chinese Consul Xing YulinTo support motherland’s

       Chinese Consul Xing Yulinpeaceful reunification.

       Oath takerTo support motherland’s

       Oath takerpeaceful reunification.

       American Lianjiang Association

       HostTo enhance

       Hostcommunity development.

       Oath takerTo enhance

       Oath takercommunity development.

       HostTo promote

       Hostpeaceful reunification.

       Oath takerTo promote

       Oath takerpeaceful reunification.

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