Yaoning Sun, also known as “Mike” Sun, has been sentenced to 48 months in federal prison after being convicted of acting as an unregistered agent of the People’s Republic of China (PRC). Federal prosecutors said Sun operated in the United States on behalf of PRC officials without providing the required notification to the U.S. Attorney General under federal law.
According to court filings, Sun engaged in activities intended to promote PRC interests between 2020 and 2023. Legal documents reference a local elected official identified as “Individual 1,” reported by various outlets to be Eileen Wang. Sun previously served as a campaign consultant and treasurer during Wang’s 2022 Arcadia City Council campaign. Authorities have not accused Wang of wrongdoing in connection with the case.
Prosecutors also stated that Sun communicated with PRC officials about funding requests and organized public activities aligned with PRC interests. Court records further allege that he shared information during a 2023 visit to Southern California by then–Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen. In addition, Sun worked with John Chen, who was previously sentenced in a separate federal case involving similar charges.
Federal officials emphasized that the case centers on enforcement of laws governing foreign agents operating in the United States. Wang, who was sworn in as mayor of Arcadia in February 2026, has declined public comment. Authorities have stated that the investigation focused specifically on Sun’s conduct and compliance with federal registration requirements.