Elaine Chao linked to CCP influence efforts via Shanghai kindergarten

Reports indicate that Elaine Chao has utilized a Shanghai-based kindergarten, named in honor of her grandfather, as a venue to meet with officials from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and the United Front Work Department (UFWD). The UFWD is described by the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission as an arm used by Beijing to steer foreign policy and gain access to advanced technology.

Since 2008, Chao has reportedly held at least four positions related to Chinese government entities, including a municipal advisory post in Wuhan and roles within the China Overseas Friendship Association (COFA) and the All-China Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese (ACFROC). Both COFA and ACFROC are identified as arms of the UFWD. These roles partially overlapped with her service as U.S. Secretary of Labor under George W. Bush and Secretary of Transportation under Donald Trump.

A spokesperson for Chao, Patrick O’Connor, denied that she held a position with a foreign government and stated they were unaware of meetings with UFWD entities, asserting that such suggestions disregard her service to the United States.