A Joint investigation by the Breitbart News Foundation (BNF) & the Government Accountability Institute (GAI)
by Seamus Bruner & Jedd McFatter
Location of Interest: Eustis Street Operation
On North Eustis Street in St. Paul, Minnesota, a nondescript brick building houses a Chinese Communist Party (CCP) front operation, just ten minutes from the Governor’s Mansion. This facility is linked to multiple organizations working under the CCP’s “united front” strategy, a campaign aimed at influencing foreign societies and advancing Beijing’s agenda. These groups, including the Overseas Chinese Service Center of Minnesota (OCSC), curry favor with local politicians, provide services to pro-Beijing Chinese Americans, and host events with CCP dignitaries.
The CCP’s United Front Work Strategy
The United Front Work Department (UFWD) is central to CCP influence operations globally. It works alongside the Ministry of Public Security (MPS) and Ministry of State Security (MSS), described as China’s FBI and CIA, respectively. United front work focuses on technology transfer, diaspora surveillance, propaganda dissemination, and neutralizing CCP critics.
Links to Minnesota Politics
CCP Dignitaries and Governor Walz:
In September 2022, the Minnesota OCSC hosted Chinese Ambassador Qin Gang. The organization has also been a sponsor of events featuring CCP diplomats such as Chicago Consul General Liu Jun and Deputy Consul General Yu Peng.
During his 2018 gubernatorial campaign, Tim Walz appeared on stage with Deputy Consul General Yu Peng and propaganda chief Deng Qing. After his election, Walz invited Consul General Liu Jun to his inauguration.
Walz has been photographed multiple times with Dr. Bingwen Yan, head of the Minnesota OCSC, and other key figures in CCP-affiliated groups.
Political Donations by Dr. Yan:Dr. Yan has contributed to prominent figures across the political spectrum, including Governor Walz, Senator Amy Klobuchar, and others.
Dr. Bingwen Yan: The Key Operative
Dr. Bingwen Yan, head of the Minnesota OCSC and a former professor at the University of Minnesota, has played a leading role in uniting front operations.
Government Ties:
In 2017, Dr. Yan was appointed Consular Protection Liaison Officer, deputizing him to provide "security services" for the local Chinese community.
In 2018, he attended a CCP training event hosted by the Ministry of Public Security.
COVID-19 Efforts:
During the pandemic, Dr. Yan organized the collection of Minnesota’s medical supplies to send to Wuhan, China, at a time when shortages plagued the U.S.
Financial Operations and Grants
The Minnesota OCSC and affiliated entities have received substantial U.S. taxpayer funding:
SarTec: A company where Dr. Yan served as Chief Scientist, received a $438,000 grant in 2008.
Sunset Care LLC and Kang Le LLC, both linked to Dr. Yan’s deputy Huan Gao, received over $225,000 in combined grants from Minnesota’s Home and Community-Based Service (HCBS) program.
Global Context: Overseas Police Stations
The Minnesota OCSC is part of a network of Overseas Chinese Service Centers (OCSCs) listed on CCP-affiliated websites. Similar operations, such as a secret police station in New York, have been busted by the FBI. These stations are used for surveillance, harassment of Chinese dissidents, and propaganda dissemination.
Concerning Influence Activities
Propaganda: Documents reveal that the Minnesota OCSC has a "propaganda chief," Deng Qing, who works to promote pro-CCP narratives in the U.S.
Community Engagement:Dr. Yan has moderated town halls with Minnesota politicians, including Governor Walz, to address issues like Asian hate crimes. These events, broadcast by Chinese state media, served as platforms for CCP-aligned advocacy.
Implications and Developing Story
The CCP’s united front efforts in Minnesota highlight a troubling infiltration into U.S. political, cultural, and economic systems. This ongoing investigation by the Breitbart News Foundation (BNF) and the Government Accountability Institute (GAI) will continue to expose these operations and their implications for U.S. sovereignty.