The untimely death of the governor of America’s westernmost territory has called attention to inroads being made there by our mortal enemy, the Chinese Communist Party.

China’s visa-free access to the islands of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, its gambling operations there awash with billions of dollars and its nationals’ illegal access to nearby Guam are among the reasons the late Gov. Arnold Palacios pleaded for investigations, audits and other help from a largely indifferent Washington, thousands of miles away.

Unfortunately, as the Daily Signal recently reported, a man who facilitated such ominous Chinese activities in CNMI is now the top official in DC responsible for the territory and federal funds flowing there.

Interior Department Deputy Assistant Secretary Angel Demapan should be under investigation, not in a position to help the CCP further penetrate – and endanger – our Western frontier.

This is Frank Gaffney.