US monitors KMT's interactions with China-linked figures: Report

U.S. security agencies are reportedly monitoring individuals connected to Taiwan's Kuomintang (KMT) party and their interactions with Chen Heng, the head of the Fujian Hometown Association. Chen is described as a figure of concern due to alleged ties to Beijing and involvement in activities such as monitoring dissidents and conducting cross-border suppression operations.

The heightened U.S. attention reportedly stems from KMT Chairwoman Chu Li-wen's recent visit to the United States. During her trip, Chu was seen publicly interacting with individuals flagged by U.S. security systems, including Chen Heng. This association has drawn scrutiny, particularly given Chen's alleged role in orchestrating pro-China demonstrations against Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen during her transit through New York in March 2023.

Sources indicate that Chen Heng, along with other overseas Chinese community leaders like Lu Jianwang and Chen Jinping, has been under investigation by the FBI and the Department of Justice. These individuals are accused of operating "overseas police service stations" for China's Ministry of Public Security, engaging in surveillance of dissidents, and carrying out suppression activities. Lu Jianwang and Chen Jinping were convicted in May 2026 for acting as unregistered foreign agents and obstructing justice.

While Chen Heng himself was not indicted in the 2023 incident, his alleged long-standing coordination with convicted individuals under the direction of China's Ministry of Public Security has placed him on a U.S. national security watchlist. U.S. authorities are reportedly concerned about why Taiwanese political figures would openly engage with such controversial figures, questioning whether it stems from ignorance of Chen's background or other undisclosed reasons, and are investigating potential collaboration networks.