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FIRST ON FOX: A comprehensive investigation has revealed that Anthony “Tony” Malkin, the brother-in-law of prominent Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal from Connecticut, has been actively hosting diplomats linked to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in his office for many years. Malkin has also collaborated with various Chinese businesses to facilitate office leases within his family’s expansive real estate company.
Malkin, an alumnus of Harvard and the chairman and CEO of Empire State Realty Trust, Inc., oversees a portfolio that includes almost 600 tenants and 732 residential units. His engagements with consular officials from the People’s Republic of China in New York have been ongoing for over 15 years, during which he has reportedly traveled to China to attract potential tenants for office space in New York City.
In 2011, the Chinese state media outlet China Daily featured Malkin in an article highlighting Chinese companies’ roles in increasing office space rentals in the U.S. The piece mentioned his recent trip to China aimed at securing tenants due to the influx of Chinese investors interested in commercial properties.
This article accentuated the leasing agreements Malkin established with various Chinese enterprises, notably including state-owned Air China and the Hong Kong-based telecommunications firm PCCW-HKT DataCom Services Ltd. It also cited People’s Daily Online, which is associated with the CCP’s Central Committee, thus raising questions concerning the affiliations of the businesses occupying his properties.
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The ongoing relationship between Malkin and the Chinese diplomats has not gone unnoticed, as the China Media Project explained that People’s Daily Online functions as the news outlet for the CCP, underscoring the implications of such partnerships.
Commenting on Malkin’s ventures, an Empire State Realty Trust spokesperson acknowledged their lease with Air China but maintained that it occupies a relatively small area within a much larger office space portfolio.
Additionally, Li & Fung Ltd., a Hong Kong-based multinational company with a noteworthy board that possesses CCP affiliations, has emerged as one of Malkin’s significant tenants. Correspondence from Malkin’s operations indicated that Li & Fung occupies a substantial portion of the Empire State Realty Trust’s space, with lease agreements extending until late 2028.
Malkin’s growing relationship with Chinese businesses underscores a broader trend where U.S. industries, particularly real estate, are integrating with Chinese firms, despite potential ethical and geopolitical implications.
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Further illustrating these connections, Blumenthal’s office clarified that the senator is uninvolved in these dealings, emphasizing that his wife is just one of countless shareholders in a publicly traded real estate firm. The senator has also voiced his support for banning stock holdings among Congress members, advocating for measures to reduce conflicts of interest.
Throughout Malkin’s tenure, he has also fostered relationships with numerous Chinese diplomatic figures. For instance, a recent meeting with the newly appointed Chinese Consul General Chen Li was publicly shared, where intentions to enhance cultural exchanges and foster people-to-people connections were highlighted.
Despite the apparent business opportunities, experts such as Michael Sobolik from the Hudson Institute have cautioned about the ongoing efforts of the CCP to infiltrate American businesses. The implications of such partnerships could present challenges, particularly regarding national security and transparency.
The recent indictment of former officials in conjunction with Harris’s administration allegations has spotlighted the complexities of these multinational relationships and the potential ramifications thereof.
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Responses from various parties have emphasized the importance of close scrutiny regarding the influence of foreign parties within American businesses. Questions remain as to how deeply these connections may affect U.S. policies and public perception, particularly as the political landscape evolves.
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