In a stunning turn of events, Consul General Huang Ping, a prominent Chinese consular official who was implicated in shocking spy accusations against former Empire State governor's aide Linda Sun, will no longer be with the New York diplomatic mission, according to Governor Kathy Hochul. The departure of Huang Ping under murky circumstances coincided with suspicions surrounding Sun after she bestowed a state honor on him without authority, while posing for an incriminating photograph.

Sources have revealed that the subsequent probe's findings, unveiled in a sprawling federal indictment on Tuesday, left officials from both Hochul's and former Governor Andrew Cuomo's administrations shocked at the extent of Sun's alleged dealings as an agent of China. In response, Governor Hochul conveyed her desire to have the Consul General expelled, a request which she states has been granted by the US State Department.

However, the US State Department spokesman, Matthew Miller, contradicted the Governor's statement, stating that there was no expulsion action taken against Huang Ping. According to Miller, Huang's departure from his position was already scheduled in a regular rotation since August.

Meanwhile, the Chinese consulate in Manhattan stated that Consul General Huang Ping is carrying out his duties as usual and urged the media to refrain from sensationalizing false information.

Governor Hochul's call for the Consul General's expulsion echoed the sentiment of The Post's editorial board, who argued that strong federal action should be taken against China for allegedly placing an agent within New York's government.

These developments occur just a day after federal prosecutors brought forth a bombshell 64-page indictment against Linda Sun and her husband, Christopher Hu, accusing Sun of acting as a foreign agent for China. Prosecutors allege that Sun received millions in kickbacks from the Chinese Communist Party for using her position in the New York governor's office to promote China's interests, particularly in relation to Taiwan.

In the indictment, Consul General Huang Ping appears to be referred to as "PRC Official-1," a high-ranking consulate official who praised Sun's pro-China actions and presented her family with gifts. Notably, Sun obtained a framed gubernatorial proclamation for Huang outside normal channels, which was later included as evidence in the indictment.

The investigation into Sun's actions was initiated after state officials discovered a forged proclamation, leading to her termination in March 2023. Governor Hochul suggested that this misconduct prompted a Department of Justice investigation.

The revelations surrounding Sun's alleged involvement with China have shocked officials, given her longstanding service in New York's government. She was initially hired by Governor Cuomo's administration in 2012 and later hired by Governor Hochul as a deputy chief of staff in 2021.

While the investigation continues, authorities have not been able to reach either Linda Sun or her husband, Christopher Hu. Employees at Hu's liquor store in Queens declined to comment on the matter, and Sun's parents have also chosen not to provide any statements.

As the case unfolds, it highlights the potential infiltration of foreign agents within the highest echelons of government and raises questions about the measures in place to safeguard national security.