Blue state governor touts meeting with CCP official cozying up to Dems

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey recently made headlines when she enthusiastically posted photos on social media with a Chinese Communist Party diplomat, Chen Li. In her post, Governor Healey expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to meet with Ambassador Chen Li, the consul general of the People’s Republic of China in New York. The photos, which also included now-former Massachusetts Secretary of Economic Development Yvonne Hao, showcased the meeting between the governor and the Chinese diplomat.

Governor Healey emphasized the importance of building relationships with foreign officials, citing Massachusetts’ strong economic and cultural ties with China. She highlighted the state’s significant trading partnership with China, which amounted to over $7.2 billion worth of goods exchanged in 2024. The governor’s office also underscored the mutual commitment to collaboration for the benefit of both economies and people.

Ambassador Chen Li responded to Governor Healey’s post by expressing his honor at having a pleasant conversation with her and focusing on the cooperation between China and Massachusetts. However, Chen Li’s previous statements praising the Chinese Communist Party and denying allegations of Uyghur genocide have raised concerns about his influence in the United States. Experts have warned against allowing the CCP to penetrate U.S. businesses and civil society, urging caution in dealings with Chinese diplomats.

Chen Li’s predecessor, Huang Ping, was implicated in a scandal involving former Governor Kathy Hochul’s deputy chief of staff, Linda Sun, who was charged with violating the Foreign Agents Registration Act, visa fraud, alien smuggling, and money laundering conspiracy. The indictment revealed Sun’s efforts to influence Governor Hochul’s policies on China, including suppressing mention of the Uyghur situation in a Lunar New Year message.

The meeting between Governor Healey and Ambassador Chen Li has sparked debate about the extent of Chinese influence in U.S. politics and business. Critics have raised questions about the CCP’s motives and the potential risks of cozying up to Chinese diplomats. As the U.S. navigates complex international relations, it remains crucial to maintain transparency and vigilance in dealings with foreign officials.