Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., has faced scrutiny over the extensive ties of a longtime ally and former senior advisor on foreign trade and economic development to Chinese Communist Party (CCP) officials. Henry Yin, a California businessman and political operative whom Khanna has praised, has played a significant role in fostering business relationships between China and California for decades.
Yin, who was born in China and raised in Taiwan before moving to the U.S., served as Khanna's Senior Advisor on Foreign Trade and Economic Development starting in September 2019. In a Facebook post at the time, Khanna stated they discussed the importance of improving U.S.-China relations on issues like climate change and medical research, while also protecting intellectual property and opening markets. Khanna also noted a birthday celebration for him hosted by Yin and his associates.
In subsequent posts, Khanna referred to Yin as one of his "good friends" and thanked him for his "leadership." In December 2019, Yin invited Khanna to be a guest of honor at an event hosted by his consulting firm, USA-China-Link, focusing on U.S.-China trade, technology, and business asset management. Khanna was scheduled to discuss intellectual property.
According to a 2011 profile, Yin "made his fortune selling used computer equipment to China" and had "done business in China for more than a quarter-century." The profile indicated Yin had "good connections and a sense of [China's] business climate" and had led city trade delegations to China, facilitating the establishment of Chinese firms in California and vice versa.
China expert Jackie Deal, president of Long Term Strategy Group, has stated that Yin allegedly attended at least 10 events hosted by United Front groups, including the All-China Federation of Returned Overseas Chinese (ACFROC). The CCP's United Front Work Department is known for efforts to co-opt and neutralize sources of opposition and influence the diaspora.
On his LinkedIn profile, Yin lists his role as senior advisor to Khanna and details his work with USA-China-Link, which reportedly specialized in high-tech and green tech. His profile includes mentions of being an "Official Commerce Rep in US for the Province of Fujian, China," and a photo from a 2009 China National Day Banquet at the Great Hall of the People, where he self-identified as a "VIP." The banquet included senior CCP officials, such as then-President Hu Jintao and Xi Jinping.
A spokesperson for Khanna previously told Fox News Digital that Yin had "never been employed by Rep. Khanna" and "doesn’t serve in any role in his office or campaign." Despite this denial, Khanna and Yin were photographed sitting together at a political action committee meeting in February 2026. Khanna stated at the time he was "honored to be back in the district, hearing directly from Chinese American community leaders."
In recent years, Yin has participated in several delegations to China. In July 2026, he led a delegation to Guangzhou to meet with Zhu Xiaojun, deputy director of the Department of Commerce of Guangdong Province, a CCP-controlled entity, to discuss trade collaboration. Two months prior, Yin attended the 2026 China-California Economic and Trade Forum, hosted by the Chinese Consulate in Los Angeles and attended by CCP officials. He also accompanied California Gov. Gavin Newsom in late 2023 as an advisor on a delegation that met with CCP leaders, including President Xi Jinping.
Further investigation revealed a 2013 photo appearing to show Yin alongside Christine Fang, a Chinese operative linked to a scandal involving former Rep. Eric Swalwell. The photo, taken at a public gathering, also included Gao Zhansheng, the then-Chinese Consul General to San Francisco, and leaders from the Asian Pacific Islander American Public Affairs Association (APAPA), where Yin is a board member. A declassified FBI report on Swalwell's ties to Fang indicated that a "prominent businessman in the Bay Area" associated with APAPA introduced Swalwell to Fang. Axios previously quoted Yin stating that Fang was "very active" with the APAPA Bay Area chapter.
An APAPA spokesperson confirmed Yin's board membership but stated that the organization has no records confirming his role as senior advisor to Khanna, and that individual attendance at events does not reflect organizational positions. They added that APAPA is reviewing and removing outdated or inaccurate content from its legacy platforms.
Yin did not respond to requests for comment from Fox News Digital.