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Suspected Chinese Spy Infiltrated US Politics with Romantic Encounters, Report Claims

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

A reported Chinese spy, known as Christine Fang or Fang Fang, infiltrated US politics and formed romantic relationships with at least two unnamed US mayors, according to an Axios report. Fang also met and seemingly formed a close relationship with Democratic Representative Eric Swalwell, who has denied any wrongdoing. The report suggests that Fang was part of a years-long intelligence campaign to influence up-and-coming politicians, raising questions about the extent of her connections and the motivations behind her actions.

Key Takeaways:

  • A suspected Chinese spy, Christine Fang, infiltrated US politics and formed romantic relationships with at least two unnamed US mayors, as well as Democratic Representative Eric Swalwell.
  • Fang was introduced to Swalwell during his time as a City Council member in Dublin, California, and later helped fundraise for him and placed an intern in his Washington, DC office.
  • Swalwell immediately cut ties with Fang when he learned about her connections to China in 2015, and has not been accused of any wrongdoing.
  • Senior US intelligence officials started briefing Fang's targets in 2015, and Fang abruptly left the US for China mid-2015 during an FBI investigation into her.
  • Fang has not returned to the US since, and the Justice Department has not filed any charges against her.
  • US intelligence officials believe that Fang had a sexual relationship with Eric Swalwell, according to Fox News, but Axios denies making any such allegation.
  • Swalwell has married his wife, Brittany Watts, in October 2016, and has not returned messages from Insider requesting clarification on the allegations.
  • Swalwell questioned the source and timing of the Axios investigation, suggesting that someone was trying to harm him because he criticized President Donald Trump.

Statistics:

  • Fang was involved in Bay Area and national US politics from 2011 to 2015.
  • Fang connection to China was discovered by the FBI in 2015.
  • 2015: Fang abruptly left the US for China mid-2015 during an FBI investigation into her.
  • Fang has not returned to the US since 2015.
  • 2 unnamed US mayors are reportedly among the individuals who had romantic encounters with Fang.
  • 1 suspected Chinese spy (Christine Fang) is reported to be part of a years-long intelligence campaign to influence up-and-coming politicians.
  • 1 Democratic Representative Eric Swalwell is reportedly connected to Fang's years-long intelligence campaign.

Sources:

  • Axios: "China's alleged spy in California politics had romantic relationships with several politicians" (https://www.axios.com/china-spy-california-politicians-9d2dfb99-f839-4e00-8bd8-59dec0daf589.html)
  • Business Insider: "A suspected Chinese spy slept with at least 2 mayors and got close to Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell in a years-long intelligence campaign, report says" (https://www.businessinsider.com/china-suspected-spy-slept-with-mayors-yearslong-intelligence-campaign-axios-2020-12)
  • Fox News: "Tucker Carlson: US intelligence officials believe Swalwell had 'romantic relationship' with Chinese spy" (https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/tucker-carlson-eric-swalwell-chinese-spy-house-intelligence-committee)
  • CNN: "Rep. Eric Swalwell's office has not responded to requests for comment on allegations of a romantic relationship with Chinese spy" (https://edition.cnn.com/2020/12/09/politics/swalwell-targeted-china-spy/index.html)

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