Healey Welcomes Chinese Communist Party Official to Massachusetts

Gov. Maura Healey welcomed a Chinese Communist Party official to the Massachusetts State House last week to discuss "our shared economic and cultural ties."

In a statement, Healey said she and Ambassador H.E. Chen Li, Consul General of the People's Republic of China in New York, met for talks on "our commitment to continuing to work together for the benefit of our people and our economy."

Fox News reported that Healey posted on X that she was "grateful for the opportunity" to meet with Li.

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"Li, who has repeatedly praised the CCP and echoed the party's talking points about Uyghur genocide allegations being 'fabricated,' responded to Healey's post by quoting it and saying he was 'honored to have a very pleasant conversation' with Healey," according to Fox News.

Healey's website stated, "China is Massachusetts' third-largest trading partner with over $7.2 billion worth of goods exchanged in 2024. In 2024, Massachusetts imported $3.4 billion in goods from China, including toys, games, sports equipment, apparel and accessories."

"Massachusetts exported $3.8 billion in goods to China in 2024, including industrial machinery, medical devices, and plastics," according to the statement.

Healey continues to shore up her international credentials as the 2028 presidential primaries inch closer. You may disagree, but I am convinced Healey is plotting a run for the Democratic presidential nomination.

To be taken seriously, Healey must win reelection next year.

Healey recently announced "a convening" in Boston of the governors of the six New England states and New York and the premiers of six Eastern Canadian provinces to discuss expanding trade and other matters.

READ MORE: Healey Courting Canada for New Trade Deals for Massachusetts

Healey has also welcomed Britain's Prince William and Princess Catherine, Consul General of Japan, Seiichiro Takahashi, and King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein of Jordan, among others, and has traveled abroad to Ireland, England, and the Vatican.

Of Li's visit to Massachusetts, Hudson Institute senior fellow and U.S.-China relations expert Michael Sobolik told Fox News that the CCP is "always looking for ways to penetrate U.S. businesses and civil society."

"We shouldn't make their job easier for them," Sobolik told Fox News.