An investigation is accusing a Congress member of having ties to Chinese intelligence, according to the Daily Caller.
U.S. Rep. Judy Chu (D-Calif.) joined a non-profit organization called “All America Chinese Youth Federation (AACYF)” in 2012. The group’s official website describes her as an “honorary president.”
The report says five members of AACYF’s leadership have been involved with certain Chinese organizations, which are believed to function as intelligence-gathering arms for Beijing.
All of them allegedly work for China’s United Front Work Department (UFWD), a state agency that is tasked with expanding the Chinese Communist Party’s influence overseas, often through media, propaganda, and other means. Experts say UFWD is involved in Chinese espionage efforts.
As for Chu’s ties to AACYF, her responsibilities as its “honorary president” are unknown, though she’s taken on leadership roles for events hosted by AACYF. The report says she took on the title of “chairman” during a 2013 tech summit in Silicon Valley.
On Capitol Hill, the congresswoman recently chose not to support the formation of a new House Select Committee. The initiative would focus on probing Beijing’s influence and infiltration on U.S. soil. Explaining her reasoning, Chu cited anti-Asian violence as a risk of creating the committee.
Chu did not respond to a press request for comment.