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EXCLUSIVE REPORT: Ties between a key ally of California Governor Gavin Newsom and a former Chinese Communist Party official have come to light, raising eyebrows among political observers.
Ying He, who served as the Chinese consul general in San Francisco from 2012 to 2016, praised Darlene Chiu-Bryant in a LinkedIn post discovered by Fox News Digital. He referred to Chiu-Bryant, a former aide to Newsom, as a “Super lady,” highlighting her influence and capabilities.
In her recommendation, He stated, “Darlene is the right person when you need to develop business in either California or Beijing. She is an excellent PR professional and able to fulfill the most challenging tasks. She helped me a lot when I was consul in San Francisco, promoting US-Sino investment and trade. In all, she is a friend in need and a Super Lady indeed.” This endorsement underscores the significant connections between California’s political landscape and China’s diplomatic operations.
He’s LinkedIn profile indicates her extensive experience at the Ministry of Commerce, where she held positions for over a decade. She emphasized her deep connections with both the Chinese and U.S. governments, claiming over 15 years of service within a central government agency and four years as a diplomat.
As of 2017, Chiu-Bryant was the executive director of ChinaSF, which is under scrutiny for its affiliation with the CCP. A recently published book reveals her organization recruited more than 100 Chinese companies to San Francisco, prompting investigations into the nature of these partnerships and the potential implications for local governance. The book also highlights a chapter focusing on how Newsom facilitated the creation of this nonprofit in 2008.
Among the firms discussed in the publication is Suntech, a solar energy company linked to the CCP and personally brought into the U.S. by Newsom. His consistent praise for the company’s CEO, Dr. Zhengrong Shi, further complicates the narrative surrounding China’s influence in California. In an impressive show of support, Newsom even appointed Shi to an advisory board for ChinaSF.
The relationship between ChinaSF and various sectors in California extends beyond renewable energy. The book indicates that real estate enterprises were also part of this intricate web. It alleges that Newsom accepted over $23,000 in anonymous contributions from Z&L Properties, a Chinese real estate firm tied to a billionaire who was criminally sentenced for bribing a San Francisco official. In 2017, ChinaSF posted a photo of Bryant alongside Newsom in front of a wall that prominently displayed Z&L Properties’ branding.
“ChinaSF was initiated by Lt. Governor Gavin Newsom during his time as Mayor of San Francisco in 2008,” the caption emphasized. “We are proud to work with our partners and companies recruited to the San Francisco Bay Area.” This organization’s inception coincides with Newsom’s commitments to fostering stronger ties with China.
According to reports from China Daily, a state-run news agency, the establishment of this partnership occurred during Newsom’s visit to Shanghai. He expressed objectives relating to energy independence and strengthening relations with China.
In 2005, Bryant traveled with Newsom to China when she served in a communications role. Eventually, she took the helm at ChinaSF, where her influence in this politically charged environment became apparent. A newly released book titled “Fool’s Gold: The Radicals, Con Artists, and Traitors Who Killed the California Dream and Now Threaten Us All” devotes significant attention to Bryant’s role, identifying her as a local figure dubbed “the Fixer” for Chinese enterprises looking to gain a foothold in San Francisco.
Authors of the book, Susan Crabtree and Jedd McFatter, argue that ChinaSF has been exploited by CCP officials and operatives. They provide evidence, including Bryant’s personal Facebook profile, which displays numerous posts highlighting her involvement with ChinaSF. Additionally, the profile features various images of her and Newsom alongside other state politicians.
In 2019, GlobalSF posted photographs of Bryant and Newsom at a public event, with a caption calling Newsom a “visionary leader.” It praised his role in founding ChinaSF to facilitate investment from China, indicating a close working relationship that has been ongoing for years.
Another photograph showcases Bryant attending Newsom’s inauguration in early 2019, demonstrating her continued presence in his political journey.
Fox News Digital has previously reported on the controversial actions of Huang Ping, a Chinese consul general in New York who advanced CCP narratives while denying human rights abuses. Concerns regarding influence peddling from foreign officials loom large, particularly with representatives from authoritarian regimes like China.
Commentators, including Michael Sobolik, an expert on China policy, express the importance of vigilance against potential Chinese infiltration in American society. Sobolik recently stated that the CCP aims to exert influence across various levels in the U.S., warning against complacency in addressing these threats.
“The Chinese Communist Party is playing for keeps at the nuclear level and every layer below that,” Sobolik remarked. He emphasized the necessity of proactive measures in response to infiltration strategies.
In light of the article, Fox News Digital sought comments from both Newsom’s office and Bryant; however, they did not receive responses by the time of publication.
As awareness grows surrounding these connections, the implications for California’s political landscape and U.S.-China relations remain pressing issues that warrant further investigation and discussion.
