Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, a vocal critic of President Donald Trump’s immigration policies, received hundreds of thousands of dollars from Gary Yu, a man linked to the Chinese Communist Party’s influence operations.
The Daily Caller reported that Yu, who helped raise over $300,000 for Wu’s 2021 mayoral campaign, is an official with the United Front Work Department, a Chinese agency known for its intelligence and influence activities.
The funds were gathered through a Chinese civic association that Yu leads. The Daily Caller News Foundation uncovered these connections, sparking concerns about the Chinese government’s reach into U.S. elections.
Yu, also known as Yu Guoliang, founded Boston International Media Consulting and serves as chairman of the North American Hangzhou Association.
He has been actively involved in recruiting U.S. talent for Chinese regional governments, including Hangzhou and Guangzhou. His efforts align with China’s broader strategy to bolster its technological and military capabilities.
In November 2018, Yu met with the Hangzhou All-China Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese, a United Front agency, and pledged to support Hangzhou’s development.
He vowed to unite and lead overseas Chinese communities, according to Chinese social media posts. These meetings highlight Yu’s role as a key figure in China’s overseas influence operations.
Yu’s activities extended to establishing an Overseas Talent Recruitment Work Station in North America in November 2019. This initiative, announced by the Chinese Communist Party, aimed to recruit talent for China’s scientific and military advancements. Yu specifically agreed to target expertise in artificial intelligence, a critical area for China’s global ambitions.
By March 2023, Yu was participating in webinars with Zhejiang’s All-China Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese to build overseas coalitions. His recruitment efforts also included headhunting for Chengdu’s High-Tech Zone, home to U.S.-sanctioned Chinese military companies. These actions underscore Yu’s deep entanglement with Chinese government priorities.
Wu, who rose to national prominence as a leader in the Democratic resistance to Trump, has been outspoken against federal immigration policies.
On March 19, 2025, during her State of the City address, she criticized presidents who act like kings and defended Boston’s non-cooperation with immigration officials. Her stance drew sharp rebuke from the White House.
On March 20, 2025, a White House press release branded Wu a radical mayor prioritizing violent criminal illegal aliens. This public clash amplified concerns about her associations with Yu and potential foreign influence. Wu’s office did not respond to requests for comment on these allegations.
Yu’s financial influence in Massachusetts politics is extensive, with personal donations totaling $45,515 to Democratic candidates since 2018. He contributed $3,200 to Wu and $2,175 to Gov. Maura Healey, according to state records. His role as co-chair of the New England Chinese American Alliance further amplified his political reach.
The New England Chinese American Alliance, under Yu’s leadership, claims to have raised over $300,000 for Wu’s campaign from the Chinese American community. The organization expanded its fundraising efforts to over 30 states by September 2021. Yu also advertised fundraising events for Wu on Twitter in 2020 and 2021.
Yu’s influence extended to Massachusetts State Auditor Diana DiZoglio, to whom he donated $3,000. After her 2021 election, DiZoglio included Yu on her policies and priorities transition team. In January 2024, she appointed him as vice chair of the state’s Asian American and Pacific Islanders Commission.
The Asian American and Pacific Islanders Commission is the state’s only permanent body dedicated to addressing the needs of the AAPI community. Yu’s appointment to this role raises further questions about his access to influential networks. The commission’s chairman, Saatvik Ahluwalia, stated they had no prior knowledge of Yu’s ties to Chinese government-affiliated organizations.
Gordon Chang, a China expert, warned that the United Front Work Department relentlessly targets ethnic Chinese officials in America. He called for law enforcement to investigate Yu’s ties to the Chinese Communist Party and his connections to Wu. Chang questioned whether Wu’s far-left positions reflect Chinese recruitment efforts.
Michael Lucci, CEO of State Armor, described China’s strategy as using civil society organizations to influence U.S. policymakers. He emphasized the need for public officials to vet individuals with Chinese government ties and collaborate with law enforcement. Lucci noted that China seeks to place agents within U.S. governance systems to advance its agenda.
Yu’s extensive ties to Chinese intelligence and his significant role in Wu’s campaign demand scrutiny. His fundraising and recruitment activities suggest a coordinated effort to extend China’s influence into American politics. As concerns about foreign interference grow, the public deserves answers about these troubling connections.