New York Governor Kathy Hochul called for the expulsion of Consul General Huang Ping from the Chinese consulate in New York the day after Linda Sun, former chief of staff to the governor, was accused of illegally acting as a “Chinese agent.” It was confirmed that Huang Ping had left the consulate the same day. Upon hearing this news, the Taiwanese community and democratic activists from mainland China expressed joy and advocated for the closure of the New York consulate.
CNN reported yesterday that the U.S. had expelled Huang Ping, but State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller clarified later that day that there had been no expulsion, and Huang Ping was undergoing a “routine rotation.”
Regarding whether Huang Ping was “expelled” or undergoing a “routine rotation,” Chen Chuangchuang, executive director of the Chinese Democratic Party, stated that despite the State Department’s claim of a routine rotation, given the recent accusations against Linda Sun and Governor Hochul’s request for Huang Ping’s expulsion, it was clear that Huang’s sudden departure was related to the Sun incident.
Chen Chuangchuang questioned the timing of Huang Ping’s departure, stating that if it was a routine one, when did the State Department know about it? Was it planned in advance or a sudden decision? He suggested that the Chinese government may have intended to recall Huang Ping and informed the U.S. in advance, but due to the Sun incident, Governor Hochul demanded his early departure. However, the lack of a farewell reception for Huang Ping indicated that his departure was not routine, as such events are customary for diplomats.
Chen Chuangchuang remarked that Huang Ping’s departure highlighted the U.S.’s frustration with Chinese consulates’ infiltration and influence on American officials. He criticized the U.S. for responding weakly to Chinese infiltration and suggested that the New York consulate should be shut down due to its significant threat to national security.
A mainland China media veteran, Hai Feng, emphasized that despite the State Department’s claim of a routine rotation, Governor Hochul publicly declared that she requested Huang Ping’s expulsion, leading to his departure within hours of her request. He noted that such a humiliating action reflected poorly not only on Huang Ping but also on the Chinese government as a whole.
Hai Feng suggested that Huang Ping’s departure would serve as a deterrent to pro-China groups, warning those who blindly support China amid escalating tensions between the U.S. and China to reassess their loyalties.
According to the charges in the indictment against Linda Sun, she maintained close dealings with Huang Ping and deliberately concealed her actions taken based on directions, requests, or instructions from the Chinese government and its representatives.
Deputy Chairman of the New York Taiwanese Community Federation, Xu Bocheng, expressed satisfaction with Huang Ping’s expulsion, suggesting that if the consulate posed a threat to U.S. national security, it should be closed. He called for sanctions if the consulate violated U.S. laws.
Xu Bocheng raised the possibility of improved relations between Governor Hochul and Taiwan following the Sun incident, hoping for potential interactions with Taiwan’s new director or attendance at Taiwanese events. He stressed the need for stronger measures against Chinese infiltration and highlighted the risks posed by individuals serving Chinese interests within the U.S.
Vice Chairman of the China Democracy and Human Rights Alliance, Bai Jiemin, who was threatened by pro-China individuals outside the consulate, emphasized the detrimental influence of the consulate on Chinese expatriates. He urged for a stronger stance against Chinese interference and the potential closure of the consulate to safeguard U.S. national security.
Wang Yonghong, a pro-democracy activist injured by consulate security, underscored the Communist Party’s aggressive tactics against dissidents and their families. He recounted being attacked multiple times by individuals affiliated with the consulate, emphasizing the importance of eliminating the Communist Party to safeguard both the U.S. and global security.