Philadelphia Urged to Cancel Official Flag-Raising of People’s Republic of China
Submitted by The Bureau’s Sam Cooper,
The chairman of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party is demanding that Philadelphia cancel an official flag-raising of the People’s Republic of China scheduled for next Tuesday, citing Beijing’s repression of diaspora communities and its role in fentanyl trafficking that has “killed or harmed millions of Americans.”
Rep. John Moolenaar of Michigan warns Philadelphia not to be “exploited as a tool for CCP propaganda,” emphasizing that raising the Five-Star Red Flag in the birthplace of American independence sends the wrong message. He highlights Beijing’s persecution of minorities, the genocide of Uyghur Muslims, and involvement in fentanyl trafficking as reasons for canceling the ceremony.
Moolenaar expressed concern about Philadelphia’s partnership with organizations with ties to the CCP, such as the Pennsylvania United Chinese Coalition and Greater Philadelphia Fujian Hometown Association, which are linked to Beijing’s United Front system.
Similar issues have arisen in Canada, as investigations have revealed connections between Chinese community organizations and foreign interference activities. Events like flag-raisings have sparked controversies in Vancouver, Toronto, and Markham, involving ties to the CCP and concerns about influence operations.
There have been instances of CCP involvement in Canadian politics, with suspicions of election interference and espionage. Links between Chinese associations and criminal activities, including fentanyl trafficking, have been documented.
Concerns about CCP influence extend to the United States, with investigations uncovering infiltration operations targeting American cities like New York, Boston, Los Angeles, and Philadelphia. The intensity of these operations mirrors those seen in Canada, where United Front bodies have surrounded political leaders and candidates.
As Philadelphia faces the decision of whether to proceed with the flag-raising event, the scrutiny from the Congressional Select Committee on the CCP looms large.