As tensions between the United States and China rise, reports of Chinese influence operations within local U.S. politics are becoming more prevalent. Recent investigations have revealed that Beijing is shifting its focus from high-stakes national-level espionage to cultivating relationships with city and state officials. While traditional espionage activities like cyberattacks and the theft of intellectual property remain a hallmark of Chinese strategies, intelligence agencies are sounding alarms about the growing emphasis on manipulating local governance.
This shift toward local politics is evidenced by the indictment of a former aide to New York’s governor for acting as an agent of the Chinese government. Such actions reveal a surprising degree of interest from Beijing in U.S. state-level decision-making processes. Intelligence officials indicate that Chinese diplomats are adopting a new approach by luring local officials with various incentives, ranging from exchanges such as travel perks to cultural gifts like pandas for zoos.
As access to federal lawmakers becomes constrained, largely due to increasing hostility towards China, local leaders offer a more approachable alternative. Congressional visits to China, which were once common, have waned significantly. Concerns over political backlash have made many representatives wary of engaging with Beijing's representatives. For instance, California Representative Eric Swalwell faced an ethics investigation for alleged ties to a suspected Chinese spy, reflecting the minefield that Washington's relations with China have turned into.
Beijing's interest in local political dynamics has intensified, as highlighted in a 2019 study by a Chinese research organization that emphasizes the importance of state attitudes towards China over national sentiments. As Washington's position against China turns firmer, local relations could become pivotal for Beijing in executing its policies and maintaining its influence in the U.S.
