The Chinese government invited then-astronaut Mark Kelly, now an Arizona Democratic Senate candidate, to an all-expenses-paid retreat at a countryside resort in 2003.
Kelly attended the annual Young Leaders Forum, a five-day junket cohosted by the Chinese People's Institute of Foreign Affairs, which is "Under the leadership of the Communist Party of China." The conference allowed Kelly an opportunity to mingle with high-profile Communist Party officials and rising stars in Chinese society.
China analyst Gordon G. Chang said that party connections-such as those Kelly fostered-are "Absolutely essential" for securing Chinese business deals.
Kelly has also had extensive ties with China since becoming a civilian.
A Kelly campaign spokesman said that the former aviator's participation was "Coordinated by NASA," but did not answer questions about whether the Democrat used any of the contacts he met on the YLF trip for his business ventures.
Kelly gave a one-hour speech about his space experience, while Giffords participated in a panel discussion with Chinese politicos.
Kelly's campaign has been trying to deflect concerns about the candidate's business ties by emphasizing his military service and calling China a "Threat to American interests." Nevertheless, they have remained contentious in the race, with Republicans spending millions on ads accusing him of dependence on China.
Monday, September 28, 2020
For Mark Kelly, Attending Forum Hosted by CCP Was the Beginning of Lucrative Relationship with China
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