Written by Daniel Thompson.

New revelations have surfaced about a Democrat running for Congress in California’s Silicon Valley, shedding light on financial dealings that raise eyebrows. Evan Low, a current California assemblyman eyeing a seat in the 16th Congressional District, made payments that are now under scrutiny. According to Federal Election Commission (FEC) filings, in February 2024, Low paid around $5,000 to Sing Tao Newspapers, a move that has sparked controversy given the newspaper’s ties to foreign influence.

The payment was for print advertisements, a common expenditure in political campaigns. However, the nature of the recipient complicates matters. Sing Tao U.S. was directed by the Department of Justice in 2021 to register under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) due to its affiliations with the Chinese government. This registration is a red flag, signaling potential foreign influence which is especially concerning in a political context.

Sing Tao’s coverage in China has often mirrored the views of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), even supporting drastic measures during political unrest. An editorial from the period of the 2014 anti-government protests in Hong Kong called for police to use “gunpowder keg” tactics, reflecting a hardline stance aligned with CCP policies. Such editorial policies further complicate Low’s choice of platform for campaign advertisements.

Sing Tao’s Deep Connections to the CCP

The background of Sing Tao raises further questions about its suitability as a medium for political advertising. Investigations have revealed that the newspaper is not just another foreign-owned entity but is deeply embedded within the political framework of China. Radio Free Asia, along with other sources, has reported ties between Sing Tao and the Chinese Communist Party, noting that several of the company’s directors hold or have held positions in influential Chinese political organizations.

Notably, two directors were found to be members of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, an advisory body to China’s National People’s Congress. Furthermore, a significant portion of the board is involved with the CCP’s “united front” network, which aims to advance Chinese governmental interests abroad. These connections suggest that Sing Tao operates as a conduit for Chinese political influence, far beyond mere commercial interests.

Despite these links, Sing Tao U.S. CEO, Robin Mui, has attempted to downplay the newspaper’s status as a foreign agent, attributing it to business involvements of an investor. Yet, such explanations do little to assuage concerns about the underlying political entanglements that pose a conflict of interest for anyone engaging with the newspaper, especially for political campaigns in the U.S.

Our Take

The case of Evan Low’s financial ties to Sing Tao Newspapers is emblematic of a broader issue of foreign influence in American politics. When a candidate for public office engages financially with entities linked to foreign governments, particularly those with aggressive political agendas like the CCP, it calls into question the independence of their decision-making should they be elected. Such relationships can undermine public trust in elected officials, who are expected to act in the best interests of their constituents and the country.

It is crucial for the integrity of our electoral process that candidates maintain clear boundaries from foreign influences. Transparency in campaign finances and strict adherence to regulations governing foreign interactions are not just legal necessities but fundamental to preserving the democratic values of our nation. As voters, it is our responsibility to hold candidates accountable for their associations and ensure that our representatives can genuinely represent American interests without undue foreign influence.

While the global connectivity of today’s political landscape offers numerous opportunities for cross-cultural collaboration, it also requires heightened vigilance against the risks of foreign interference. The electorate must demand high standards of transparency and accountability from those seeking to represent them.