Chinese Communist Party Quietly Operates a Shadow Justice System in American Cities

The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has been quietly operating a shadow justice system in American cities through a network of U.S.-based nonprofits linked to a CCP intelligence agency. These nonprofits, located in California, Washington, D.C., Hawaii, and New York, share information with Chinese law enforcement and host unsanctioned courtrooms. U.S. lawmakers and intelligence analysts warn that these underground courts could be used to punish dissidents and expand communist influence abroad.

Liu Pengyu, a Chinese Embassy spokesperson, claimed that Chinese law enforcement agencies conduct foreign law enforcement cooperation strictly in accordance with international law. However, the investigation found that all identified nonprofits are led by individuals working with a Chinese intelligence service called the United Front Work Department (UFWD). Some of their leaders have also explicitly discussed forced repatriation operations with Ministry of Public Security (MPS) officials in China.

Several individuals appointed to operate overseas Chinese courts in the U.S. also belong to the nonprofit that ran a Chinese police station in New York. The Department of Justice (DOJ) found that this police station sought to forcibly repatriate individuals back to China. Michigan Republican Rep. John Moolenaar stated that the Chinese government's attempt to impose its repressive legal system on U.S. soil is an unacceptable assault on U.S. sovereignty and the rule of law.

Chinese law enforcement agencies have tapped at least eight U.S. nonprofit leaders to serve as "overseas mediators" and "hearing officers" for underground courts on American soil. These mediators and hearing officers remotely notarize and serve legal documents, provide a physical space to host video calls for mediation and litigation, and advocate on behalf of overseas compatriots. The DCNF has not been able to determine if these entities have adjudicated criminal cases.

Under Chinese law, most dissident speech is a criminal matter. Zhejiang and Fujian provincial law enforcement have also established U.S. hubs. The Wenzhou Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce was appointed as the first California "Overseas Liaison Mediation Station" in 2016. The Changle Procuratorate in Fuzhou, Fujian, unveiled an "Overseas Chinese Protection Observation Station" in 2023.

"Overseas mediators" and "hearing officers" pose a national security threat, according to Chinese intelligence experts. These civic organizations are exclusively pro-CCP "United Front"-led groups under the supervision of Chinese consulates. They could be strong-armed into spying and other illegal activities on U.S. soil.

The DCNF also identified two U.S. nonprofit leaders working for the MPS. One individual serves as a mediator for the Wenzhou People's Court and as a Zhejiang MPS supervisor. Another individual, connected to the MPS, previously served as an officer in a CCP paramilitary organization called the People's Armed Police (PAP).

Leaders of at least six U.S. nonprofits have met with MPS officials to share information and discuss strengthening cooperation between Chinese police and overseas Chinese. Many of these meetings are described as "tea parties". The secretary general of the Elmhurst, New York-based American Fuqing Association attended three tea parties with MPS and the All-China Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese (ACFROC).

The Communist Party believes it has the Mandate of Heaven to rule "tianxia," or "All Under Heaven". This means that every point of contact the regime maintains with the U.S. constitutes a threat to national security. There are no innocent contacts.

In conclusion, the CCP's shadow justice system in American cities represents a significant threat to U.S. sovereignty and national security. U.S. lawmakers and law enforcement must remain vigilant and hold those involved accountable. The CCP's illicit United Front activities within the United States must be addressed to protect the safety and freedoms of Chinese Americans and uphold the principles of justice that define the nation.