As Democratic Socialists Grow in US, a Renewed Focus on Trips to China

Such activities raise several important questions, said Scott McGregor, a former Canadian intelligence official.

These include who paid for these trips, who arranged the meetings, what was discussed, and whether Chinese officials had any say in the messages shared afterward, he said.

McGregor's comments were general.

He did not say he had information that Anlin Wang, Dee Knight, Ahmed Hussein, or any other person mentioned in this article acted on behalf of the Chinese regime.

The records reviewed do not show that any of these individuals acted on behalf of the Chinese regime.

Speaking generally about how China can build influence over time, McGregor told The Epoch Times, "Beijing doesn't need to recruit spies or control politicians.

Building relationships with people who may eventually help shape American policy can be just as valuable," he said.

Discussing the issue generally, he said that while there's nothing wrong with having different political beliefs, there's a big difference between supporting socialism and advocating for the agenda of a foreign government.

McGregor also spoke generally about how political activists may affect public opinion.

When American political activists praise China's system while overlooking issues like human rights abuses, Taiwan, Hong Kong, or the treatment of minorities, they may be helping Beijing shape public opinion, he said.

This can be especially effective because the message comes from Americans rather than Chinese government officials.

Such activities raise several important questions, said Scott McGregor, a former Canadian intelligence official.

These include who paid for these trips, who arranged the meetings, what was discussed, and whether Chinese officials had any say in the messages shared afterward, he said.

McGregor's comments were general.

He did not say he had information that Anlin Wang, Dee Knight, Ahmed Hussein, or any other person mentioned in this article acted on behalf of the Chinese regime.

The records reviewed do not show that any of these individuals acted on behalf of the Chinese regime.

Speaking generally about how China can build influence over time, McGregor told The Epoch Times, "Beijing doesn't need to recruit spies or control politicians.

Building relationships with people who may eventually help shape American policy can be just as valuable," he said.

Discussing the issue generally, he said that while there's nothing wrong with having different political beliefs, there's a big difference between supporting socialism and advocating for the agenda of a foreign government.

McGregor also spoke generally about how political activists may affect public opinion.

When American political activists praise China's system while overlooking issues like human rights abuses, Taiwan, Hong Kong, or the treatment of minorities, they may be helping Beijing shape public opinion, he said.

This can be especially effective because the message comes from Americans rather than Chinese government officials.