In recent years, American intelligence agencies have identified a surge in Chinese influence operations targeting local U.S. politics, highlighting Beijing's strategic shift from national to state-level engagement. This trend follows a series of events that indicate a growing interest in city halls and statehouses across the country.
For instance, a notable case involved a former aide to New York's governor being charged with acting as an agent for China, signaling a concerning level of engagement from Beijing in local governance. While espionage and cyber activities at the national scale remain significant headlines, intelligence officials now warn that Chinese diplomats and their associates are increasingly offering incentives to sway local policy agendas. These incentives might range from travel perks to cultural gifts like pandas for zoos and even traditional delicacies, such as salted ducks.
The shift in focus comes as access to national leaders has drastically decreased. In recent years, members of Congress have limited their trips to China due to rising public discontent toward Beijing. Lawmakers who are perceived as engaging too closely with Chinese officials risk facing backlash from their constituents. A notable example, California Representative Eric Swalwell, found himself under scrutiny after being linked to a suspected Chinese spy from his fundraising efforts.
With access to Congress becoming more strained, local leaders present a practical alternative for Beijing. According to a study by a Chinese research institution and Tsinghua University, as Washington adopts a tougher stance towards China, understanding and influencing state attitudes becomes increasingly vital for Beijing. This emerging reality underscores how local governance has transformed into a new battleground for Chinese influence in the United States.
