House CCP Committee Chair Demands Philadelphia Cancel China Flag-Raising Over Repression,Fentanyl Concerns

Rep. John Moolenaar, chairman of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, has called on Philadelphia's mayor to cancel an official flag-raising ceremony for the People's Republic of China, citing concerns over Beijing's repression of minorities, the Uyghur genocide, and its role in fentanyl trafficking that has harmed millions of Americans. Moolenaar warned the city against being used as a tool for CCP propaganda, especially given partnerships with local organizations linked to Beijing's United Front influence operations, such as the Pennsylvania United Chinese Coalition and the Greater Philadelphia Fujian Hometown Association. This request follows similar controversies in Canadian cities where CCP-linked groups held flag-raising events, raising security and propaganda concerns. The event, scheduled for September 30 at Philadelphia City Hall to mark the CCP's National Day, has also raised alarm due to Philadelphia's sister city relationship with Tianjin and prior CCP-influenced flag-raisings in U.S. cities like San Francisco, Boston, and New York. The mayor's office has not publicly responded to these demands. The situation highlights ongoing tensions regarding foreign influence, symbolic representations, and community concerns within American cities.