Former New York Official on Trial for Alleged China Ties Called Hochul “More Obedient” Than Cuomo

Linda Sun, a former high-ranking New York state official currently on trial for allegedly acting as an agent of the Chinese government, once boasted that Governor Kathy Hochul was “much more obedient” than her predecessor Andrew Cuomo, according to evidence presented in a Brooklyn federal court.

The remarks came to light during Sun’s corruption trial, where prosecutors revealed text messages from January 2021 between Sun and Chinese consular official Lihua Li. After convincing then-Lieutenant Governor Hochul to record a Lunar New Year video promoting China’s New York consulate, Sun wrote to Li: “She is much more obedient than the governor.”

Minutes later, Sun texted Huang Ping, who headed the consulate at the time, stating: “The deputy governor listens to me more than the governor does.” The exchange occurred after Chinese officials had requested Cuomo to appear in the video, but Sun suggested Hochul as an alternative.

In the two-minute recording, Hochul wished viewers a happy Lunar New Year while discussing her “privilege” of working with the Chinese-American community and the Chinese consular office. Hochul’s office has not yet commented on these revelations.

Sun faces serious charges including violations of the Foreign Agents Registration Act, conspiracy, visa fraud, alien smuggling, and money laundering conspiracy. Brooklyn prosecutors allege she repeatedly acted on behalf of the Chinese government, including working to arrange a high-level state visit to China and preventing Taiwanese government representatives from meeting with American officials.

Sun was dismissed from her government position in 2023 after “evidence of misconduct” emerged. Prosecutors claim she performed favors for Chinese officials in exchange for millions of dollars in business directed to her husband, Chris Hu, who conducted business in China.

The couple allegedly used these funds to purchase more than $6 million in property in Long Island, New York, and Honolulu, as well as a 2024 Ferrari Roma sports car.

In another concerning exchange revealed at trial, Sun allegedly claimed she could prevent Governor Cuomo from mentioning the plight of the Uyghurs, the predominantly Muslim ethnic group that human rights advocates say has been subjected to mass incarceration and forced labor by the Chinese government.

According to court evidence, Sun told Ping she had an “argument” with Cuomo’s speechwriter who had “insisted” on mentioning the Uyghurs. Ping replied, “This person has never been to China, right? He knows very little about China.”

Sun confirmed the speechwriter had “never been there,” adding: “I’m going to collapse.” She then promised, “I will think of a solution tomorrow, but I will definitely not let the governor bring it up.”

The case highlights growing concerns about foreign influence operations in U.S. state governments. It comes amid increased scrutiny of Chinese government efforts to shape American policy and public opinion through both official and unofficial channels.

Sun’s defense team has maintained her innocence, arguing her relationships with Chinese officials were appropriate and legal for her role. “Linda Sun did what she was hired to do. She didn’t commit a crime by doing her job,” defense attorney Jarrod Schaeffer told jurors at the start of the trial.

The proceedings continue in Brooklyn federal court, where prosecutors are attempting to prove Sun acted as an unregistered foreign agent while serving in high-level positions in New York state government.