Flick International New York City skyline at dusk with illuminated landmarks and cultural artifacts representing Chinese educational ties

Chinese Educator Linked to CCP Cultivates Relationships with Influential New York Democrats

FIRST ON FOX: In recent years, a female educator and pageant winner from China has fostered connections with prominent Democratic figures in New York. A detailed investigation by Fox News Digital uncovered multiple ties between Wang Zaozao, also known as Linda, and the Chinese Communist Party. Over the past four to five years, Wang has engaged with several key politicians, raising concerns about foreign influence within U.S. political spheres.

Wang, who hails from Anqing, China, pursued her education in “Chinese-English interpretation” for three years before relocating to the United States. She advanced her studies at Columbia University, which facilitated her founding the Zao Learning Center in 2018. This center focuses on training aspiring child models and actors with bilingual capabilities, boasting multiple locations in New York and Taiwan.

In her role as an educator, Wang has taught numerous children of Chinese ancestry in New York. Additionally, she has served as a bilingual emcee and TV host at major cultural events, notably featuring New York City Mayor Eric Adams and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer. Wang’s Zao Center promotes a supportive learning environment and professional training aimed at success in the entertainment industry.

Wang publicizes her qualifications on her website, showcasing certifications from China’s Ministry of Education. This ministry plays a vital role in shaping educational practices within China and oversees international educational initiatives. The agency has also been implicated in promoting the Chinese Communist Party’s ideological agenda through educational materials.

For instance, the Ministry of Education has directed the revision of textbooks to highlight “socialist core values,” reinforcing the revolutionary legacy of the CCP. This historical emphasis includes significant figures such as Mao Zedong and Xi Jinping, aligning educational content with the party’s political narratives.

On social media, Wang maintains an extensive collection of over 2,000 photos documenting her participation in pageants, cultural gatherings, and encounters with politicians. In a recent image posted this month, she is seen with Mayor Adams and Chen Li, the consul general of the People’s Republic of China, during the AAPI Heritage Month parade in Manhattan. Expressing her joy at reconnecting with familiar faces, Wang stated her gratitude for the opportunity to engage with significant figures.

Wang’s involvement extends beyond educational domains; she has hosted various events, including the 2025 East Coast Chinese Alumni Associations’ Summer picnic and Cultural Festival, alongside Congressman Josh Gottheimer and local officials. A spokesperson for Gottheimer emphasized that he was invited by a Chinese American community association and subsequently shared the stage with Wang and others. He remains committed to combating the Chinese Communist Party’s influence, despite any misinterpretations regarding associations.

In a notable incident from February, Wang was featured in a video hosting a festival event alongside CCP diplomat Li, who has drawn criticism for his vocal support of the CCP. At this event, Wang not only hosted but also provided translations for Schumer’s address, a connection that has raised questions about overlapping interests between local politicians and Chinese representatives.

Schumer faced backlash earlier this year for appearing in photographs with Li at various parades, igniting a renewed scrutiny of his ties with individuals linked to the CCP. In other interactions, Wang shared images with Rep. Dan Goldman at cultural events, although Goldman’s office expressed ignorance regarding Wang’s identity when questioned by Fox News Digital.

Reflecting on her experiences, Wang expressed her enthusiasm for hosting the AAPI cultural heritage month parade in New York City, underscoring her connections with Mayor Adams. Additionally, she holds a consulting role with the Association for the Promotion of China’s Peaceful Reunification in New York, an organization closely linked to CCP initiatives.

This association has been associated with activities that support the CCP’s influence overseas, a system that aims to stabilize the party’s control over global Chinese communities. Past documentation describes this organization as integral to the CCP’s efforts in promoting party interests beyond its borders.

Wang’s affiliation extends to the Fujian Daily Southeast Network, another outlet with deep CCP connections. This ties back to individuals who have previously faced legal scrutiny related to political fundraising activities in New York. Despite the controversies surrounding her associates, Wang continues to engage actively in local cultural events.

Throughout 2022 and 2023, Wang’s social media posts revealed numerous interactions with Schumer and Adams, particularly during significant cultural celebrations. Her comments often expressed appreciation for their support in promoting Chinese community events.

One notable incident linked Wang to a fundraiser for Adams, occurring just after his inauguration as mayor, during which she referred to him as an “old friend” and highlighted their shared commitment to the community. Alongside her appearances with Schumer, Wang has also posed with Governor Hochul, who has faced criticism for engaging with CCP-affiliated staffers.

Wang’s ongoing connections with influential political figures have drawn attention from experts like Arran Hope, editor of China Brief at the Jamestown Foundation. He cautioned against her apparent involvement with organizations sharing deep ties to the CCP’s united front system, urging vigilance about the potential implications of her relationships.

Additionally, Wang’s activities include relationships with key figures like Huang Ping, a prominent figure in the CCP, further showcasing her extensive networking within both Chinese and American political circles. On her social media platforms, she has celebrated various cultural events and championed the strengthening of ties between the U.S. and China. Wang’s presence at these events raises ongoing questions about the influence of foreign interests on local governance and community representation.

As concerns regarding foreign interference persist, stakeholders in both political arenas and community organizations must remain vigilant about associations that may compromise democratic values and principles. The nuanced relationship between local figures and international entities calls for a deeper examination of the motivations behind shared engagements.

As scrutiny continues to mount over Wang’s connections, observers must navigate the complex landscape where education, culture, and politics intertwine, emphasizing the importance of transparency in fostering community relations.