Arcadia, known for its top-tier schools and quiet ambiance, has long been attractive to wealthy Chinese families seeking to settle in the U.S. The San Gabriel Valley suburb’s prosperity, dubbed the ‘Chinese Beverly Hills,’ is bolstered by roughly 59% Asian population among 54,000 residents, based on the latest census data. ‘In the San Gabriel Valley, successful cities often owe their prosperity to Asian immigration,’ stated Arcadia Mayor Paul Cheng.
Recent scandals, however, including a former council member accused of being an illegal agent for China, have prompted city leaders to reevaluate foreign interactions and implement safeguards. The incident raised surprise among residents about the alleged extent of foreign influence in local politics, coupled with anger toward such corruption claims.
‘The situation saddens us,’ Cheng expressed during a study session. ‘Yet, we shouldn’t let it halt our progress.’ In response, Arcadia officials launched efforts to shield local municipalities from foreign governmental influence, coinciding with federal probes into Southern California’s local governance.
The city is devising guidelines for council consideration by September. Proposed measures involve stringent checks on foreign requests and ceremonies, training officials to detect influence attempts, and setting policies on foreign engagements.
‘Council members have no playbook,’ Cheng stated. ‘We aim to convert adversity into a learning experience and set a precedent for safeguarding similar municipalities.’
Some residents advocate for stricter residency norms and candidate background checks, although legal constraints limit measures to age, residency, and voter registration requirements. Currently, Arcadia City Council candidates must fulfill basic age, residency, and voter registration criteria.
Without background vetting, Councilmember Sharon Kwan suggests candidate questionnaires on foreign government ties. ‘Voters deserve transparency,’ she remarked.
It’s uncertain if prior preventive tactics might have flagged Eileen Wang’s case, accused of conspiracy with the Chinese government. Wang resigned in May, pleading guilty to charges of being an illegal foreign agent. Arcadia maintains no city resources were implicated.
From late 2020 to 2022, Wang collaborated with ex-fiance Yaoning ‘Mike’ Sun, establishing a news site catering to Chinese Americans. Prosecutors allege the couple executed directives from Chinese officials, tracking article views without revealing their governmental origin.
Charging Sun and other Chinese officials with cultivating Wang for political influence, former Rep. Mike Garcia articulated this as China’s strategic infiltration. ‘Their success with minor officials suggests potential compromise at federal levels,’ Garcia explained.
‘Elected representatives require training against foreign manipulation,” Garcia added. ‘This pervasive concern extends beyond politics, intruding into multiple societal facets.’
Sun accepted a plea and four-year prison sentence; Wang awaits her October sentencing, potentially facing ten years in prison.
Following Wang’s guilty plea, federal investigations into corruption claims broadened throughout Southern California, enveloping diverse political figures. Although searches ensued, federal bodies refrain from detailing the inquiry status.
Arcadia residents now call for comprehensive examinations into potential municipal compromises, urging robust preventive actions. MJ Finstrom, a local, emphasized the looming threat: ‘Foreign manipulation impacts everyone, transcending political or local divisions.’
Furthermore, immigrants within Arcadia experience heightened scrutiny. Cheng counsels the community by distinguishing individual actions from cultural evaluations. ‘The episode pertains to an American who is Chinese, not a condemnation of Chinese Americans,’ he reassured. ‘Foreign influence is indiscriminately prevalent.’