In a startling revelation, an American citizen has admitted to operating what federal prosecutors describe as a covert police outpost for China in Manhattan’s Chinatown.
This unprecedented case sheds light on China’s alleged attempts to monitor and suppress dissent among Chinese nationals abroad while operating under the guise of administrative services.
The Discovery of the Secret Chinese Police Station
The discovery of this station, discreetly operating above a ramen shop in Chinatown, marks the first-known instance of a Chinese police outpost in the United States. Prosecutors identified Chen Jinping and his co-defendant, Lu Jianwang, as the individuals responsible for establishing and managing the station in early 2022.
According to federal authorities, the station provided legitimate administrative services, such as renewing driver licenses for Chinese citizens. However, it also served a far more insidious purpose: helping the Chinese government monitor and identify pro-democracy activists and critics of the Communist Party residing in the United States.
The station’s activities were linked to China’s Ministry of Public Security (MPS), a government body accused of using similar outposts worldwide to exert influence over Chinese nationals. Human rights organizations have reported the existence of at least 100 such stations across 53 countries, alleging that these outposts are part of a broader campaign to silence dissent.
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China, however, has consistently denied these allegations, maintaining that the stations are merely “service stations” intended to assist overseas nationals with bureaucratic processes.
Chen’s Guilty Plea and the Legal Ramifications
The FBI’s investigation into the Chinatown station began in 2022, leading to its closure later that year. During the probe, Chen and Lu allegedly attempted to destroy evidence, including text messages exchanged with an MPS official.
On December 13, 2024, Chen, aged 60, pleaded guilty to conspiring to act as an agent of the Chinese government without notifying U.S. authorities. This plea marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to counter foreign interference within American borders.
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Chen now faces up to five years in prison, with sentencing scheduled for the upcoming year. His guilty plea serves as a stark warning about the Chinese government’s alleged attempts to extend its influence into foreign territories.
Assistant Attorney General Matthew Olsen called the operation of such undeclared overseas police stations “a clear affront to American sovereignty and a danger to our community.” Federal authorities have vowed to continue pursuing individuals involved in similar activities to safeguard U.S. interests.
Co-defendant Lu Jianwang, 59, has pleaded not guilty and is awaiting trial. Prosecutors have accused him of furthering the Communist Party’s agenda by locating pro-democracy activists and pressuring fugitives to return to China.
Global Implications and Broader Context
The existence of secret Chinese police stations is not limited to the United States. Reports from rights organizations and intelligence agencies suggest a widespread network of such outposts, operating in numerous countries under various guises.
These stations are alleged to serve dual purposes: providing routine services for Chinese nationals and functioning as tools for surveillance and intimidation.
In 2023, 34 MPS officers were charged with creating fake social media accounts to harass Chinese dissidents in the United States and disseminate government propaganda. These cases highlight China’s alleged use of digital platforms and physical outposts to extend its repressive reach beyond its borders.
In addition to Chen and Lu, other individuals have been implicated in similar cases. In September, Linda Sun, a former aide to the New York governor, was charged with leveraging her position to further Chinese government interests in exchange for personal benefits. These incidents underscore the multifaceted approach China allegedly employs to maintain control over its diaspora.
While China continues to deny any wrongdoing, the international community has expressed growing concern over these allegations. The covert nature of these operations and their potential to undermine sovereignty and human rights have sparked debates about how governments should respond.
The guilty plea of Chen Jinping for running a covert Secret Chinese Police Station in New York highlights the growing concerns about foreign interference and the Chinese government’s alleged attempts to control dissent abroad.
The revelations have prompted U.S. authorities to intensify efforts to uncover and dismantle such operations, safeguarding national sovereignty and protecting communities from intimidation.
As investigations continue, this case serves as a critical reminder of the challenges posed by transnational repression. It also calls for a unified global response to address the implications of these covert activities and uphold democratic values.
let’s enjoy few years on earth with peace and happiness….✍🏼🙏