‘Malign influence’: Top Biden official faces backlash ahead of address at forum with deep ties to CCP

The Biden administration is facing criticism after it was revealed that U.S. Ambassador to China Nicholas Burns would be participating in a two-day forum hosted by a group with deep ties to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The 5th US-China Hong Kong Forum, organized by the China-United States Exchange Foundation (CUSEF), is set to begin on Friday, with Burns scheduled as a keynote speaker.

The decision of Ambassador Burns to speak at this forum has sparked backlash from China experts, who believe that he is unwittingly legitimizing Beijing’s malign influence. Michael Sobolik, a Senior Fellow in Indo-Pacific Studies at the American Foreign Policy Council, stated that by attending the conference, Burns is essentially allowing the CCP to advance its interests in America through American voices.

The timing of Burns’ participation in the forum has also raised eyebrows, as it comes on the heels of the scheduled sentencing of Hong Kong pro-democracy activists known as the Hong Kong 47. Jonathan Stivers, U.S. Director of the Committee for Freedom in Hong Kong, criticized the State Department for not taking a stronger stance against Hong Kong officials and instead choosing to participate in their conference.

CUSEF, the organization hosting the forum, has been under scrutiny for its ties to the CCP and its president, James Chau. Chau, who became president of CUSEF in 2023, was previously working with the group’s founder, The Hon. Tung Chee-hwa, who has close connections to the Chinese government.

One report revealed that CUSEF paid over $1 million to a Black public relations consultant to learn about Black Americans and gain influence with historically black colleges and universities and Black leaders. This revelation sheds light on the organization’s efforts to further the CCP’s agenda through strategic partnerships and initiatives.

CUSEF’s most recent annual report highlights its close ties to the CCP, with key partners including the People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries and the China Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The organization also counts top Chinese and American universities among its partners, as well as elite private schools like Sidwell Friends School, attended by former President Obama’s daughters and President Biden’s grandchildren.

In addition to Ambassador Burns, former U.S. officials like Max Baucus and Rick Waters are also scheduled to participate in the forum. Baucus, a longtime friend of Biden, has extensive ties to China through his institute, which receives funding from a Chinese company with deep CCP connections. His institute’s China study-abroad program is largely funded by CUSEF, further highlighting the organization’s influence.

Several donors to CUSEF, including Chinese billionaires, have ties to the CCP, raising concerns about the organization’s independence and motives. Members of CUSEF’s governing board also have connections to the CCP, further underscoring the organization’s close relationship with the Chinese government.

The White House, State Department, and CUSEF have yet to respond to the criticism and inquiries regarding Ambassador Burns’ participation in the forum. The controversy surrounding the event highlights the challenges the Biden administration faces in navigating its relationship with China and ensuring transparency and accountability in its interactions with organizations with ties to the CCP.