Key developments: A 2013 Facebook post from China’s San Francisco consulate shows then-freshman Rep. Eric Swalwell with senior diplomat Song Ru'an; the image was reportedly "liked" by Christine "Fang Fang" Fang, a woman U.S. officials say was linked to a suspected MSS influence effort. Song later served in a senior Hong Kong post and publicly opposed U.S. legislation on Hong Kong, while Fang has been accused of cultivating political access through fundraising and intern placements. Swalwell denies wrongdoing; a congressional ethics probe took no action, but the resurfaced image has renewed national-security and political concerns as he runs for governor.
Unearthed 2013 Photo of Eric Swalwell With Senior Chinese Diplomat Rekindles Security Questions
Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) speaks during a House Judiciary Committee hearing with FBI Director Kash Patel in the Rayburn House Office Building on Sept. 17, 2025.(Getty Images)
A previously unreported 2013 Facebook post from the Chinese Consulate in San Francisco has resurfaced showing then-freshman Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) standing beside Song Ru'an, a senior Chinese diplomat. The post quoted Swalwell praising U.S.-China economic ties and was reportedly "liked" by Christine "Fang Fang" Fang — a Chinese national U.S. officials have described as a suspected participant in an influence operation run by China's Ministry of State Security (MSS).
What the Photo Shows and Who Is Involved
The image, obtained by Fox News Digital, includes a caption in which Swalwell reportedly said, "The United States and China have a lot in common and the two economies are highly complementary. There are great potential for the two countries to cooperate," and that he looked forward to visiting China.
Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., was mocked on X this week after posting a video of himself lifting weights while trashing Republicans.
Song Ru'an served at the time as Deputy Consul General at China's Bay Area consulate in San Francisco. She later held a senior post in Hong Kong as Deputy Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Hong Kong through at least 2021.
Context: Song Ru'an's Activities
Reporting by the South China Morning Post and accounts from the Hong Kong Journalists Association describe Song as an active defender of Beijing's position on Hong Kong-related matters. She publicly criticized the 2019 U.S. Human Rights and Democracy Act addressing Hong Kong and urged foreign media to "inject positive energy" into coverage of China’s policies, according to those sources. While posted in San Francisco, Song and other consular staff reportedly attempted to oppose a mural in Oregon that highlighted alleged Chinese human-rights abuses against Tibetans.
The national flags of the United States and China flutter at the Fairmont Peace Hotel on April 25, 2024 in Shanghai, China.
Fang Fang, U.S. Briefings, and Swalwell's Response
Christine "Fang Fang" Fang has been identified in multiple U.S. media reports, including an Axios investigation, as someone who cultivated relationships with American political actors via fundraising, networking and placement of interns. U.S. intelligence officials reportedly briefed Swalwell and congressional leaders about Fang's activities in 2015; sources say Swalwell cut ties following a defensive briefing. Later reporting prompted renewed scrutiny and political debate.
Swalwell has denied wrongdoing. A multi-year congressional ethics review did not result in sanctions, though his association with Fang and related concerns contributed to pressure over his role on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. He was removed from the committee in 2023 after a Republican push when House control shifted.
Rep. Eric Swalwell's, D-Calif., China ties are under fresh scrutiny amid his bid to replace California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D).
Political Reaction and Significance
Republican figures and strategists reacted strongly to the resurfaced photo. Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy described the behavior as "very disturbing" and questioned Swalwell's fitness for roles with classified responsibilities, citing classified briefings. GOP strategist Colin Reed and former Fox host Steve Hilton, now a Republican gubernatorial candidate, also criticized Swalwell's past interactions with Chinese-linked figures.
Swalwell's campaign declined to comment for this report, and the Chinese Consulate in San Francisco did not respond to requests for comment. The photo and related disclosures have renewed public and political scrutiny as Swalwell campaigns for governor of California — a state central to U.S.-China trade and technology ties.
Bottom Line
While the photograph itself shows a routine diplomatic meeting, the association of the image with individuals who have been subjects of U.S. intelligence concern has revived questions about foreign influence, official vetting, and the political risks of past relationships. Swalwell maintains he did nothing wrong and has been cleared by congressional ethics review, but the matters remain politically sensitive.
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