National news outlet Axios released an expose story this week after a yearlong investigation into the actions of a Chinese national accused of being a covert spy targeting young American politicians between 2011 and 2015, including Tri-Valley Congressman Eric Swalwell.
The news article lays out allegations against Fang Fang, also known as Christine Fang, who is accused of secretly working on behalf of China's Ministry of State Security, the country's main civilian spy agency, as part of a "long game" strategy to cozy up to up-and-coming politicians before she abruptly left the U.S. in mid-2015.
Axios reporting, which included information from intelligence officials and political operatives speaking anonymously, alleged Fang connected with a number of unsuspecting politicians or campaigns while rising in local political circles, including Swalwell's camp.
The allegations included that Fang raised funds on behalf of Swalwell's 2014 re-election campaign as well as recommended at least one potential intern who ultimately gained a position in Swalwell's D.C. office, according to Axios.
Axios, citing official sources, said there has been no evidence of illegal contributions as a result of these activities nor is there any evidence Fang ever received classified information. Swalwell, who has not been accused of any wrongdoing in this case, immediately cut off ties to Fang in 2015 after federal counterintelligence investigators alerted him to their concerns about Fang, according to Axios.
Swalwell's office referred the Weekly to its statement in the Axios article: "Rep. Swalwell, long ago, provided information about this person -- whom he met more than eight years ago, and whom he hasn't seen in nearly six years -- to the FBI. To protect information that might be classified, he will not participate in your story."
The Axios story also alleges a range of other activities by Fang involving other politicians. To read the full article, visit the Axios website.
Comments
Registered user
Del Prado
on Dec 8, 2020 at 8:49 pm
Registered user
on Dec 8, 2020 at 8:49 pm
Swalwell is an idiot. What an embarrassment. He needs to go.
Registered user
Alisal Elementary School
on Dec 9, 2020 at 12:04 am
Registered user
on Dec 9, 2020 at 12:04 am
You may not like Swalwell but let’s not forget the real story. A spy working on behalf of the Chinese government was ingratiating herself to influence an American politician. Presumably along with others. Chinese have also been caught stealing intellectual property and buying businesses and real estate in California. Let’s wake up.
Registered user
Val Vista
on Dec 9, 2020 at 8:10 am
Registered user
on Dec 9, 2020 at 8:10 am
And he somehow finds a way to imply that Trump was behind it. Simply amazing!
Registered user
Birdland
on Dec 9, 2020 at 8:46 am
Registered user
on Dec 9, 2020 at 8:46 am
The ‘real story’ is still unfolding. It is a ‘real story’ about a very disingenuous person who continued to push the Russia hoax knowing that Clinton, the DNC, the FBI, the CIA, and the DOJ where all in on the fabrication. It is a ‘real story’ of National Security implications for he is on the Intelligence Committee, and pushed a false narrative as the political hack that he is. And now he is attempting to blame Trump for his own undoing. We should start a Recall as soon as possible, because he is a threat to this country.
Next, I am waiting for the hammer to fall on Adam Schiff. It will happen.
Registered user
Bridle Creek
on Dec 9, 2020 at 8:46 am
Registered user
on Dec 9, 2020 at 8:46 am
Why is it always DEMOCRATS that cozy up to spies?
I could rattle off a bunch of names, but it wouldn't change any minds.
Good grief how much cognitive dissonance can a person have to accept this from their party.
Dan
Registered user
Bridle Creek
on Dec 9, 2020 at 8:49 am
Registered user
on Dec 9, 2020 at 8:49 am
Declassify ALL of it!
Let sunlight hit on all those who have been under the workings/pay of another government.
The info is there, just get it done.
Registered user
Val Vista
on Dec 9, 2020 at 9:19 am
Registered user
on Dec 9, 2020 at 9:19 am
Try finding any mention on this on CNN's web page. If they don't report then it's not a lie.
Registered user
Ruby Hill
on Dec 9, 2020 at 9:56 am
Registered user
on Dec 9, 2020 at 9:56 am
This explains why Swalwell hands out fortune cookies at all of his political fundraising events! As suggested above Swalwell must be recalled!! And we can hand out fortune cookies at the recall petition tables that should be set up immediately all over his/our district....I came to the Pleasanton area just after World War II....Yes that is a long time ago. Swalwell is the worst representative ever elected to our district.
Registered user
Ironwood
on Dec 9, 2020 at 10:14 am
Registered user
on Dec 9, 2020 at 10:14 am
For four years Swalwell said that Trump was a Russian agent and guilty of treason while Swalwell was figuratively and perhaps literally in bed with a Chinese agent.
Registered user
Golden Eagle
on Dec 9, 2020 at 10:25 am
Registered user
on Dec 9, 2020 at 10:25 am
Swilwell, is just that. What he’s been claiming, since he was trying to unseat Starks, he’s been in, literally “up to his ears” !!
And California voters elected him over and over, just as they did Stark. A representative that openly has moved out of his own district, cheated on his family, lied to his constituents, and falsely accused the President of The United States.
I predict this ‘disclosure’ will not slow him a bit. He should be booted, but he won’t.
Registered user
Jensen Tract
on Dec 9, 2020 at 10:36 am
Registered user
on Dec 9, 2020 at 10:36 am
Why are the people in our district STILL VOTING for this guy? Oh, right: He has a D after is name. Wake up, folks, ad recall him, regardless of you party affiliation. He is a disgrace to the Democratic party,and to all of us here.
Registered user
Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Dec 9, 2020 at 11:21 am
Registered user
on Dec 9, 2020 at 11:21 am
Swalwell is lashing out in the media saying, "Not my fault." "Trump did it." He even said he did not have the available "resources to do a background check" on people with whom he closely works. Really? Fang was a Chinese citizen bundling funding from a number of as yet undisclosed entities to help a U.S. Congressman get elected. The situation was so bad that FBI had to get involved. Let's do a FOIA request to see what is in the FBI investigation. We have better leaders, and certainly more intelligent candidates in our district (independent of their party) whom we deserve to have representing us @USCongress_CA15. Let's put our community's vast expertise and distinguished leadership in action to get an honorable representative of whom we can all be proud. If you are interested in running to replace Swalwell, reach out to your local party officials now! Do not wait until 2022.
Registered user
Mission Park
on Dec 9, 2020 at 3:26 pm
Registered user
on Dec 9, 2020 at 3:26 pm
People -- this happened years ago, he was cleared by the FBI as the article states. The spy-woman was raising money for other candidates too you know. I don't understand the vitriol unleashed by the mis-informed who are predisposed to dislike their representative. Is it because he was surfacing the truth about tRump? Is it because he may be a yuppie? Is it because your lives suck and you are delusional? Are you wearing a mask when out in public and near others? Hmmmm thought so....
Registered user
Ironwood
on Dec 9, 2020 at 4:08 pm
Registered user
on Dec 9, 2020 at 4:08 pm
"Vic-tah" brings up a very important point. Swalwell was not the only Democrat targeted by this Chinese spy. The article also mentions Judy Chu, Ro Khanna, Tulsi Gabbard, and Mike Honda. I am just not sure that is a good way to defend Swalwell.
And "Vic-tah" lies when he/she says "he (Swalwell) was cleared by the FBI as the article states." No, the article doesn't make that statement.
Hat tip to the Pleasanton Weekly for running this story. You won't find this news in the East Bay Times.
Registered user
Amador Valley High School
on Dec 9, 2020 at 5:23 pm
Registered user
on Dec 9, 2020 at 5:23 pm
This is not about Trump or Swalwell.
This is about a real problem that no one wants to face for the fear of being called a racist. Who is the one country that has benefited from COVID-19? China.
Maybe it's time for our leaders to step up from both parties.
Among members of the Group of 20, the global club of leading economies, only China rebounded from a Covid-19 contraction as early as the second quarter of 2020, and its growth shows no signs of abating. In the U.S. and Europe, by contrast, where the virus arrived later, recoveries were slower and now face stiff headwinds.
Web Link
How China stands to profit from the coronavirus pandemic
Beijing is closing the economic gap as the US economy shrinks
Web Link
Registered user
Ironwood
on Dec 9, 2020 at 7:48 pm
Registered user
on Dec 9, 2020 at 7:48 pm
“Disappointed” wants to change the subject. Chinese espionage is a huge problem for the US and unrelated to COVID. The Chinese were trying to compromise Swalwell and other politicians in order to influence our foreign policy. The article states that Swalwell became a target while he was still a Dublin City Council member in 2012 or earlier. China plays the long game.
It seems likely that the Biden family was also compromised by the Chinese. But we elected Joe Biden anyway.
COVID is another but separate problem that still needs to be addressed with China.
Registered user
Alisal Elementary School
on Dec 9, 2020 at 11:11 pm
Registered user
on Dec 9, 2020 at 11:11 pm
It is about the Chinese Government! They are building huge infrastructure projects (such as all over Africa) and only hiring Chinese workers in order to expand domination on resources. In the USA, it’s intellectual and real property plus shipping. No wonder young politicians are duped under the guise of global cooperation. Immigration reforms have been centered on Mexico when the real threat is across the ocean and local coverts.
Registered user
Golden Eagle
on Dec 10, 2020 at 6:23 am
Registered user
on Dec 10, 2020 at 6:23 am
While it IS about the Chinese COMMUNIST Government, the fact remains that Swalwell, Ro Khanna, Chu, Gabbarb, and others (mayors) were infiltrated/compromised by this Chinese Spy. All need to be investigated, perhaps removed from office, or perhaps indicted for treason. But, to allow Swalwell to stand up, virtually admit fault, but blame it on the President of the United States is absurd.
Why California Voters continue to ignore a problem staring them in the face is beyond comprehension. California Voters need to stand up and take action also.
Registered user
Alisal Elementary School
on Dec 10, 2020 at 9:22 am
Registered user
on Dec 10, 2020 at 9:22 am
Trump IS complicit with China and Russia. Too many branding opportunities in those countries for him to not leverage now. I’m afraid what secrets Trump sells after he leaves office.
Registered user
Golden Eagle
on Dec 10, 2020 at 9:46 am
Registered user
on Dec 10, 2020 at 9:46 am
Mica. I think that ‘train left the station’. For almost three years a Congress, a Special Council, and A Congressional Committee (I purposefully left out the word “Intelligence”, when naming the congressional committee) investigated President Trump, only to find ‘NOTHING’! It’s NOT Trump! It’s Swillwell. It’s Ro Kahanna. it’s Chu. It’s Gabbord.
Registered user
Mission Park
on Dec 11, 2020 at 3:59 pm
Registered user
on Dec 11, 2020 at 3:59 pm
dknute you conveniently forgot to mention that tRump was impeached and that the Republican Mueller doing the investigation pointedly responded in a hearing that he was NOT innocent of various treasonous actions. An inconvenient truth?
Registered user
Golden Eagle
on Dec 11, 2020 at 5:34 pm
Registered user
on Dec 11, 2020 at 5:34 pm
Vic-Tah. Mueller, not a political figure, proved Trump was innocent of the Charges brought against him with yhe use of a totally fraudulent document. And furthermore, Mueller knew trump was innocent in the first 60 days of his almost three year investigation. Calling Mueller a Republican is just another attempt by the Left, and now you, to legitimize a fraudulent investigation. You know it , the Dems knew it, and now the world knows it.
The Swillwell case is real, and should be the end of his political career. RoKahanna, Chu, and Gabbard should go too.
Next up! pelosi, Shifty schiff, and probably Schumer.
Registered user
Mission Park
on Dec 11, 2020 at 7:07 pm
Registered user
on Dec 11, 2020 at 7:07 pm
Dknute Well, we know where your thinking is at. Thanks for sharing.
"Last Word."
Registered user
Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Dec 11, 2020 at 9:34 pm
Registered user
on Dec 11, 2020 at 9:34 pm
Just a reminder. There is nothing illegal or unethical for a government employee to have a romantic relationship with foreign spy. James Bond does it all the time.
Registered user
Bridle Creek
on Dec 12, 2020 at 10:38 pm
Registered user
on Dec 12, 2020 at 10:38 pm
Vic-tah,
From the Mueller report:
"while this report DOES NOT CONCLUDE THAT THE PRESIDENT COMMITTED A CRIME, it also does not exonerate him."
Emphasis mine.
Did ya catch that? They could not conclude he committed a crime. It's literally right there in the report.
It isn't their job to exonerate him. That is for a judge and jury to decide.
Please educate yourself.
Dan
Registered user
Bridle Creek
on Dec 14, 2020 at 1:31 pm
Registered user
on Dec 14, 2020 at 1:31 pm
Mica,
"Trump IS complicit with China and Russia."
You literally have ZERO evidence to this accusation.
How do I know? Because if anyone did, they'd have used it against him over the last 4 years.
Dan
Registered user
Pleasanton Meadows
on Dec 16, 2020 at 8:02 am
Registered user
on Dec 16, 2020 at 8:02 am
The Washington Free Beacon in an article published May 20, 2019.
"Swlawell is a financial mess".
The article listed several disclosure documents stating:
"Swalwell has failed significantly to pay down his biggest debt - $50,000 to $100,00 worth of student loan debt he owed when he first ran for congress".
"Swalwell cashed out his $15,000 to $50,000 Alameda County Pension. His 2016 disclosure he has $10,000 - $50,000 credit card debt with American Express covering 2017 his debt to Chase Bank increased to between $15,000 to $50,000".
"Swalwell rents a four bedroom town house in DC, he owns no property, did not disclose any checking or savings accounts".
Members of the house are required to disclose checking and savings accounts that exceed $5,001.
Registered user
Bridle Creek
on Dec 16, 2020 at 4:00 pm
Registered user
on Dec 16, 2020 at 4:00 pm
Michael,
They ALL (politicians) have overseas bank accounts.
If Swallwell is in Congress longer than 10 years, he will be a multi-millionaire.
The trick is to explain how.
Dan
Registered user
Golden Eagle
on Dec 16, 2020 at 5:47 pm
Registered user
on Dec 16, 2020 at 5:47 pm
DKHSK There’s no trick and no explanation. Nobody asks. He’ll be free and clear. A forty year politician who does nothing.
Has done nothing so far except maybe divulge information to the Chinese communist party. But, who knows.? And who cares? Seems no one!
Registered user
Bridle Creek
on Dec 16, 2020 at 9:28 pm
Registered user
on Dec 16, 2020 at 9:28 pm
dknute,
American NATIONALISTS care. Republicans and Democrats, not so much.
Dan
Registered user
Val Vista
on Dec 16, 2020 at 11:05 pm
Registered user
on Dec 16, 2020 at 11:05 pm
Actually Swalwell is nothing but small potatoes now. The Chinese investment got them the White House through the Biden crime family.
Registered user
Mission Park
on Dec 17, 2020 at 12:01 am
Registered user
on Dec 17, 2020 at 12:01 am
Sorry, but I have to say it. You guys are nuts. You're not stating the truth, you have no fact base or reliable sources for what you're putting in this public forum, and you're hurting America as we try to move forward. I don't intend to proceed with you in your trolling. Good night and goodbye.
Registered user
Valencia
on Dec 21, 2020 at 8:11 am
Registered user
on Dec 21, 2020 at 8:11 am
Spying is a must-have thing during pre-war status in the world, I think that we will face the big war in next 30 years for sure.
But methods are changing - now people can spy on your smartphone without your knowing, you can read about it here Web Link , so people are launching a spy without knowing from a victim, this is a digital information war already