Beijing in America's Backyard: a SoCal Mayor & an Operative Targeting a U.S. Lawmaker’s Aide

The 47 Morning Update with Ben Ferguson · May 12, 2026 · 12m · transcript

1. Local Government Infiltration Case

A former Arcadia, California mayor (Wang) allegedly:

Admitted to acting as an undisclosed agent for the Chinese government.

Faces a felony charge with potential prison time.

Prosecutors claim she:

Worked with Chinese officials for years before and during her time in office.

Helped spread pro‑Beijing propaganda.

2. Use of Media for Influence

Wang allegedly operated a Chinese-language website (“US News Center”) that:

Posed as independent news.

Was actually used to publish content directed by Chinese officials.

The platform:

Targeted…