During a recent interview, New York City Mayor Eric Adams addressed the ongoing controversies surrounding his administration as he participated in the 80th Columbus Day Parade in Manhattan, despite facing federal charges and numerous scandals. When asked about the recent resignation of his trusted Asian advisor, Zheng Qirong, and her alleged connections with Chinese authorities, Adams firmly stated that he has no ties to Chinese politics, emphasizing the significance of the rapidly growing Asian American community in New York. “I respect the diversity of this city,” he said.
The Columbus Day Parade, one of New York’s grandest cultural events, featured appearances from notable figures, including Governor Kathy Hochul and State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, who led the parade alongside Congressman Tom Suozzi.
Even amidst legal challenges and controversy within his administration, Adams made an appearance with the police force at the parade. According to reports from the New York Post, when questioned about Zheng’s connections to the Chinese government, he reiterated that New York City is home to a large Chinese population, which naturally brings a range of beliefs and understandings on various issues. He acknowledged the city’s diversity, affirming, “I am not involved in their (referring to China) politics, but I respect the diversity of this city.”
Zheng, who had been working with Adams since 2014, resigned earlier this month. Several media outlets have reported that she maintains close ties with the Chinese Communist Party and has influenced Adams’ administration on several issues, including efforts to limit interactions with Taiwanese diplomatic offices and various trips to China. Sources cited by the New York Post indicate that the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York is investigating her foreign connections during her time in the city government. In February, her residence was reportedly searched by the FBI. Additionally, the Eastern District Prosecutor’s Office recently charged a former senior Chinese advisor to the state governor, Sun Wen, for allegedly acting as an agent of China.
When discussing his legal troubles, Adams noted that crime rates are declining and new construction projects are progressing, pointing out that he is focused on his responsibilities as mayor. He stressed that he and his team have not been distracted by the federal investigation, maintaining that despite the resignation of multiple core team members, his ability to manage the city remains intact.
