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The Chinese Consulate in New York refuted claims that its top diplomat was no longer in their position, disputing earlier remarks by New York Governor Kathy Hochul.

Let’s bring you up to speed: On Tuesday, the Department of Justice unsealed an indictment against  Linda Sun, former deputy chief of staff to New York Governor Kathy Hochul. Sun is accused of acting as an undisclosed agent for the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) while holding various state government positions from 2012 to 2023. She had close ties to China’s New York Consulate and its top official running the facility.

What’s going on now: The Chinese Consulate in New York has dismissed claims that Consul General Huang Ping was removed, contradicting earlier remarks by New York Governor Kathy Hochul. A consulate spokesperson confirmed Wednesday that Huang Ping remains in his role and urged the media to avoid spreading false information.

What Governor Hochul previously said: In a press conference on Wednesday, Governor Hochul confirmed that she’d like to see the consulate head (Huang Ping) removed from the US. She added that he was no longer in charge of the consulate.

Charges against Sun: Sun has been charged with violating the Foreign Agents Registration Act, visa fraud, alien smuggling, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Her husband, Chris Hu, was also charged.