Convicted Chinese Spy Tied to Southern California Mayor

Yaoning "Mike" Sun, 64, worked on Arcadia Mayor Eileen Wang's campaign before being sentenced to 4 years in prison.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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A Southern California mayor is facing scrutiny after her former fiancé and campaign staffer, Yaoning "Mike" Sun, was sentenced to four years in federal prison for "acting as an illegal agent of the People's Republic of China." Mayor Eileen Wang has not been accused of any wrongdoing, but has refused to comment on the case.

Why it matters

The case raises concerns about foreign interference in local US politics and the potential vulnerability of elected officials to manipulation by foreign agents. It also highlights the need for greater transparency and oversight around campaign staffing and funding, especially for municipal-level races.

The details

Sun pleaded guilty in October 2025 to one count of acting as an illegal agent of a foreign government from at least 2022 to January 2024. He worked with an unnamed individual to operate a "purported news website for the local Chinese American community," while receiving and executing directives from the Chinese government to "post pro-PRC content." Sun also worked as a campaign advisor for the unnamed individual, who was running for a city council seat and was elected in November 2022.

  • In 2020 through 2023, Sun worked with "Individual 1" on the purported news website and as a campaign advisor.
  • In October 2025, Sun pleaded guilty to one count of acting as an illegal agent of a foreign government.
  • In December 2022, Mayor Eileen Wang commented on her relationship with Sun, calling him her "fiancé" and a "real leader."
  • In September 2025, after Sun was charged, Wang tried to distance herself from him, saying "No. 1, he's not my fiancé. Whoever wants to say he's my former fiancé, please prove it."

The players

Yaoning "Mike" Sun

A 64-year-old man who pleaded guilty to acting as an illegal agent of the People's Republic of China, working with an unnamed individual to operate a purported news website and serve as a campaign advisor.

Eileen Wang

The mayor of Arcadia, California, who had a relationship with Sun and employed him as a campaign staffer, though she has denied he was her fiancé.

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What they’re saying

“To my fiancé, Mike Sun, who walked streets with me every single day, who is a real leader of me.”

— Eileen Wang, Mayor of Arcadia (cbsnews.com)

“No. 1, he's not my fiancé. Whoever wants to say he's my former fiancé, please prove it.”

— Eileen Wang, Mayor of Arcadia (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

The case is ongoing, and it remains to be seen whether any further charges or investigations will be brought against Mayor Eileen Wang or other individuals involved.

The takeaway

This case highlights the growing threat of foreign interference in US politics, even at the local level. It underscores the need for greater transparency and oversight around campaign staffing and funding, as well as the importance of elected officials maintaining clear boundaries with individuals who may have ties to foreign governments.