Former Hochul aide exposed as daughter of high-ranking Chinese Communist Party propagandist

A New York Democrat’s campaign has come under scrutiny following revelations about the ties of a former top aide to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Elaine Fan Xiaojiang, who currently serves as the chief of staff for Democrat Scott Stringer’s mayoral campaign, has been linked to a family with deep connections to the CCP’s propaganda apparatus.

Fan’s father, Fan Dongsheng, was a former Chinese journalist who held leadership roles at state-run media outlets and worked for the CCP’s Education Department of the News Bureau of the Central Propaganda Department. Fan’s late grandfather, Fan Changjiang, was also involved in state-owned media, serving as the editor-in-chief of the Xinhua News Agency and president of the People’s Daily News Agency.

Prior to her role in state government, Fan worked as a Chief Reporter for Ming Pao Daily News, a media outlet that was reportedly influenced by the Chinese government. The Jamestown Foundation, a think tank, raised concerns about the outlet’s ties to the CCP, noting that the Chinese Consulate in New York was their “true boss.”

Fan’s family history and ties to the CCP have raised alarm bells among experts. Arran Hope, the editor of China Brief at the Jamestown Foundation, expressed concerns about Fan’s involvement in the CCP’s United Front system, which seeks to promote the party’s interests both within and outside of China.

During her time in the Hochul administration, Fan attended events hosted by the Chinese Consulate in New York City and groups associated with China’s United Front. Critics have pointed to her participation in events celebrating Chinese culture and organizations with ties to the CCP as evidence of her alignment with the party’s interests.

The revelations about Fan’s familial connections to the CCP have sparked concerns about potential foreign influence in New York politics. Critics argue that her ties to the party raise questions about her loyalties and whether she is promoting the CCP’s agenda within the United States.

As the investigation into Fan’s background continues, questions remain about the extent of her ties to the CCP and the implications for her role in New York politics. Critics are calling for greater scrutiny of individuals with close connections to foreign governments and organizations, particularly those with a track record of promoting propaganda and disinformation.