Axios reports that a suspected Chinese intelligence operative developed personal relationships with local and national politicians, including U.S. congressman Eric Swalwell who ran for president this year.
“Swalwell did express confidence that he will maintain his seat on the House Intelligence Commitee.” // #Swalwell on the “Intelligence” Committee has got to be the oxymoron of the century. https://t.co/quN6tL2I3A
— James Woods (@RealJamesWoods) December 9, 2020
According to Axios’ year long investigation, U.S. officials believe the political intelligence operation was run by China’s main civilian spy agency between 2011 and 2015.
Chinese national named Fang Fang or Christine Fang, targeted up-and-coming local politicians in the Bay Area and across the country who had the potential to make it big on the national stage including Swawell who was a City Councilmember at the time.
Congressman Swalwell now says he has not had contact with Fang in six years. He now has a seat on the House Intelligence committee and is privy to top secret, classified information.
Axios:
“While this suspected operative’s activities appear to have ended during the Obama administration, concerns about Beijing’s influence operations have spanned President Trump’s time in office and will continue to be a core focus for U.S. counterintelligence during the Biden administration.”
Read more here.