Rubio Fires Officer Over Hidden Relationship with Daughter of CCP Official
In a high-profile personnel decision with national security implications, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has fired a Foreign Service Officer who concealed a romantic relationship with the daughter of a Chinese Communist Party (CCP) official, U.S. government sources confirmed.
Allegations and Firing
The diplomat, identified in media reports as Daniel Choi, admitted on a hidden camera recording that he had a secret romantic relationship with a Chinese national whose father was a senior CCP official. The admission came in a video published by O’Keefe Media Group, in which Choi acknowledged that “she could have been a spy” and failed to report the relationship to State Department security officials as required by protocol.
According to the State Department, Choi concealed the relationship, violating strict security and disclosure rules governing U.S. personnel, particularly those involving foreign nationals with potential ties to foreign governments.
After reviewing the facts, Rubio recommended Choi’s termination to President Donald Trump, who approved the dismissal. A State Department spokesperson said the firing reflects a zero-tolerance policy for conduct that undermines national security and fails to adhere to U.S. foreign policy safeguards. ([X (formerly Twitter)][1])
Policy Background
The action marks one of the first known enforcement measures under increased security scrutiny of U.S.–China diplomatic and intelligence risks. In late 2024, the State Department instituted a policy banning certain U.S. government personnel — including diplomats, contractors with security clearances, and family members — from engaging in romantic or sexual relationships with Chinese citizens while serving in China, amid rising concerns about influence operations and espionage risks.
Hidden Camera and Public Disclosure
The controversy gained public attention largely because of the circulating undercover video. In that footage, Choi openly admitted to hiding the relationship and making statements about his partner’s family connections. The recording was published online by conservative media figure James O’Keefe and drew immediate scrutiny from security observers and policymakers.
In the video, Choi is quoted saying, “I defied my government for love,” and revealing that he knew the woman’s father was a CCP official. U.S. security regulations require diplomats and intelligence personnel to report such close personal contacts precisely because of the foreign influence risks they can pose. ([X (formerly Twitter)][1])
Washington and Beijing Reactions
The State Department’s statement emphasized that U.S. foreign policy officials must uphold strict ethical and security standards when interacting with foreign nationals, especially those connected to foreign governments. Rubio’s office described the termination as necessary to protect national interests.
In Beijing, Chinese officials have declined to comment directly on the personnel decision, characterizing it as a domestic U.S. issue and condemning what they called efforts to draw ideological lines or smear China’s image. A Foreign Ministry spokesperson told reporters that China opposes “drawing lines based on ideological difference and maliciously smearing China.”
Broader Security Implications
The firing underscores ongoing concerns in Washington about influence operations, counterintelligence risks, and the complexities of managing U.S.–China relations. As tensions persist over trade, technology, and strategic competition, U.S. officials are increasingly vigilant about potential foreign penetration into government ranks. Analysts say cases like this one could prompt a review of existing security measures and personnel protocols.
