Conrad Black: Recognizing Beijing as a Threat to the West

The recent arrest of Linda Sun, a former chief of staff to New York Governor Kathy Hochul, and her husband Chris Hu, has highlighted serious concerns regarding Chinese espionage in the West. Sun is accused of acting as an undisclosed agent for the Chinese government, attempting to obstruct Taiwanese officials from meeting with the governor and promoting Chinese interests in the U.S. This incident follows previous revelations of Chinese influence within American political circles, including a long-serving staff member for Senator Dianne Feinstein and Congressman Eric Swalwell's connection with a Chinese agent. In Canada, investigations into Chinese interference in local elections have raised alarms about the extent of foreign influence. The rise of Huawei is also linked to industrial espionage against Canadian telecommunications firm Nortel, which ultimately led to its downfall. The Chinese strategy often involves targeting individuals of Chinese descent in the West, leveraging familial ties in China to exert pressure and influence. Despite the serious nature of these allegations, investigations are complicated by the fact that many involved have returned to China, making accountability difficult. Historical parallels are drawn to the unjust treatment of Japanese Americans during World War II, emphasizing the need for careful consideration of the rights of individuals while addressing national security concerns. The article argues for a reevaluation of Western policies towards China, suggesting that the previous approach of engagement has failed. It calls for protective measures for individuals of Chinese ancestry against coercion and a more assertive stance against Chinese interference to safeguard Western civilization.