Arcadia, California Mayor Eileen Wang resigned Monday after federal prosecutors announced charges accusing her of acting as an illegal agent for the Chinese government.
The U.S. Department of Justice said Wang has agreed to plead guilty to a felony offense connected to efforts to promote the interests of the People’s Republic of China through coordinated propaganda activities.
According to prosecutors, Wang and an associate allegedly worked with Chinese officials to distribute messaging favorable to the Chinese government through media platforms aimed at Chinese American communities in Southern California.
Charges
Federal prosecutors identified Wang, 58, as part of a broader investigation involving alleged influence operations directed by Chinese government officials.
The Department of Justice said Wang agreed to plead guilty to one felony count that carries a statutory minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison.
Authorities allege Wang worked alongside Yaoning “Mike” Sun, 65, to carry out activities on behalf of the Chinese government without properly disclosing those actions to the United States government.
According to court documents, prosecutors say the pair used platforms including the U.S. News Center, described as a news source serving Southern California’s Chinese American community.
Federal law requires individuals acting under the direction or control of foreign governments in political or public influence operations to register with the U.S. government.
Allegations
Prosecutors detailed several examples in court filings involving alleged coordination with Chinese officials through encrypted WeChat group messages.
According to the Department of Justice, Chinese officials sent Wang prewritten articles in June 2021 for publication and online distribution.
One article reportedly denied allegations involving forced labor and human rights abuses in China’s Xinjiang region.
The essay, later published in the Los Angeles Times according to prosecutors, stated:
“There is no genocide in Xinjiang; there is no such thing as ‘forced labor’ in any production activity, including cotton production.”
Federal prosecutors said Wang quickly reposted the article to her own website and shared links back with Chinese officials through the encrypted messaging group.
Court documents state that officials in the chat thanked participants after the article was distributed online.
Authorities also alleged that Wang and others later coordinated additional online postings connected to similar messaging campaigns in August 2021.
Investigation
The federal case also involves other individuals previously charged in related investigations.
Prosecutors referenced John Chen of Chino, California, who pleaded guilty to acting as an illegal foreign agent and conspiracy to bribe a public official. Chen was sentenced to 20 months in prison.
According to prosecutors, Wang allegedly coordinated propaganda efforts with Chen in 2021. Court documents described Chen as a high-level figure connected to Chinese intelligence operations who maintained communication channels linked to senior officials in China.
Meanwhile, co-defendant Yaoning “Mike” Sun previously pleaded guilty in October 2025 to acting as an illegal agent of a foreign government and received a four-year federal prison sentence.
Federal investigators have increasingly focused on allegations involving foreign influence operations targeting local and national political systems within the United States.
Resignation
Wang resigned from her role as mayor on Monday following the announcement of the charges.
She had served on the Arcadia City Council since being elected in November 2022. Arcadia selects its mayor through a rotating system among council members.
As of Monday afternoon, Wang’s biography page remained active on the city’s website. The page described her as the daughter of immigrants who came to California seeking the American dream.
Before entering elected office, Wang was involved in local community organizations, including the Parent Teacher Association at Camino Grove Elementary School and the American Southwest Chamber of Commerce USA.
Statements
Assistant Attorney General for National Security John Eisenberg criticized the alleged conduct in a statement released alongside the charges.
“Individuals elected to public office in the United States should act only for the people of the United States that they represent,” Eisenberg said.
He added that it was concerning for someone accused of following directives from a foreign government to hold a position of public trust without disclosing those relationships.
The City of Arcadia also issued a public statement addressing the allegations.
“The allegations at the center of this case, that a foreign government sought to exert influence over a local elected official, are deeply troubling,” the city said.
City officials stated that an internal review found no evidence that city finances, staff, or official decision-making processes were directly involved in the alleged conduct.
Next Steps
Federal court proceedings are expected to continue as Wang makes her initial court appearance.
Arcadia officials said the City Council is expected to discuss how to fill Wang’s District 3 council seat until the next election in November 2026.
The case adds to a growing number of federal investigations examining alleged foreign influence efforts involving political figures, media outreach, and public messaging campaigns within the United States.
FAQs
Who resigned as mayor in California?
Arcadia Mayor Eileen Wang resigned.
What charges does Wang face?
She is charged with acting as a foreign agent.
What country is involved in the case?
The allegations involve the Chinese government.
Did Wang agree to plead guilty?
Yes, according to the Department of Justice.
What sentence could Wang face?
The charge carries a minimum 10-year sentence.
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