CCP LINKED FIGURE BUYS $8.4 MILLION BUILDING JUST 650 FEET FROM WHITE HOUSE, RAISING NATIONAL SECURITY CONCERNS
A foundation controlled by a businessman with extensive ties to Chinese Communist Party organizations has purchased a historic Washington building located approximately 650 feet from the White House grounds, raising serious concerns among former U.S. intelligence officials and national security experts.
The Philip Qiu and Family Foundation purchased the Securities Building on 15th Street for $8.4 million on July 21, according to property filings cited in a Daily Caller News Foundation investigation.
Philip Qiu, also known by his Chinese name Qiu Feili, previously worked as a detective with the Criminal Investigation Team in Shanghai, part of the city’s Public Security Bureau. He has also held multiple positions in organizations connected to the CCP’s United Front Work Department, whose activities have been described by the House Select Committee on the CCP as combining influence operations with intelligence related activities.
Qiu currently serves as chairman of the Shanghai Overseas Chinese Foundation, which operates within Shanghai’s United Front system. According to translated Chinese government announcements cited in the investigation, Qiu has referred to the CCP as “our party” and pledged that his organization would carry out Chinese leader Xi Jinping’s directives concerning overseas Chinese affairs.
In another striking statement attributed to Qiu in 2021, he reportedly said, “The CCP is like a kind, but firm parent,” praising the party for leading China toward what he called “great national rejuvenation.”
The investigation also details Qiu’s connections to China’s security apparatus. A University of New Haven post states that he began his career as a Shanghai detective, while Chinese records cited by the Caller describe him participating in combat style training and later helping organize programs introducing students to Shanghai SWAT teams.
The location of his newly purchased property is what has particularly alarmed national security experts.
Former CIA operations officer Bryan Dean Wright warned that a property so close to sensitive government facilities could potentially be exploited for intelligence collection, including electronic surveillance of communications. Wright also raised more extreme potential security scenarios involving drones or other concealed equipment.
There is no evidence presented that Qiu has actually used the property for any such activity. The warnings concern what experts say could theoretically be done from a property in such a sensitive location.
Qiu also co founded the Chinese American Museum in Washington, D.C. The museum says it is not funded, controlled, or influenced by any foreign government. However, the investigation found that Chinese government entities have co sponsored at least eight museum programs, including several involving organizations overseen by the United Front system.
National security advocates are now calling for federal authorities to investigate the purchase.
Michael Lucci, CEO of State Armor, called the security concerns “screamingly obvious” and argued that the federal government should force the sale of the property and prevent individuals connected to hostile foreign intelligence organizations from acquiring similarly sensitive real estate.
Qiu did not respond to requests for comment cited in the reports.
