Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has been photographed multiple times this month with Chinese Consul General in New York Chen Li, who has denied China’s alleged genocide against the Uyghur population. Chen has posted photos on social media of himself with Schumer at various events, including Chinese parades. He has publicly denied the genocide, questioning the credibility of the accusations and claiming that the allegations were based on fabricated reports. The Chinese Communist Party has also claimed that its “re-education camps” are voluntary, despite evidence to the contrary.
An expert on U.S.-China relations, Hudson Institute Senior Fellow Michael Sobolik, has criticized elected officials for fraternizing with CCP officials, stating that they should be working to defeat Beijing rather than sharing the stage with them. Schumer has faced previous criticism for associating with Chen’s predecessor at the consulate, Huang Ping, who also denied the Uyghur genocide and promoted CCP propaganda. Huang was named dozens of times in a criminal indictment against former Democratic New York Gov. Kathy Hochul’s now-former deputy chief of staff, Linda Sun. The indictment highlighted the pervasive and perverse influence of the Chinese Communist Party in the United States.
The Chinese Consul General in New York, Chen Li, has posted on social media about attending Chinese cultural events with Schumer, emphasizing celebration and friendship. Despite protests from many on the world stage, including the United Nations, Chen continues to deny the alleged genocide against the Uyghur population, questioning the sources of the accusations. The leaked documents and photos from Xinjiang have revealed the involuntary nature of the camps, contradicting the CCP’s claims of voluntariness. Elected officials associating with CCP officials sends mixed signals and undermines efforts to counter Beijing’s influence in America.
The Chinese Communist Party’s efforts to exploit America’s openness and freedom through “united front” actors have been highlighted by experts in U.S.-China relations. Chen’s denial of the Uyghur genocide and promotion of CCP propaganda reflect the party’s hostile agenda. Governments at all levels are urged to root out the CCP’s ongoing efforts to influence American voices. Schumer’s history of associating with CCP officials, including Chen’s predecessor who was linked to a criminal indictment, raises concerns about the extent of the party’s influence in American politics. Calls for transparency and accountability in dealings with CCP officials have been made by experts and commentators.
Schumer and other elected officials have a responsibility to prioritize the interests of the United States and its citizens over maintaining relationships with CCP officials. The Chinese Consul General in New York’s public denials of the Uyghur genocide and promotion of CCP propaganda are cause for concern, particularly given the evidence that contradicts these claims. Experts emphasize the need for elected officials to be vigilant against the CCP’s attempts to weaken America from within and work actively to counter Beijing’s influence. The ongoing controversy surrounding Schumer’s association with CCP officials highlights the complexities of navigating relations with a powerful and often opaque foreign government.
