FBI warned Kushner about Murdoch’s ex-wife

– US counterintelligence officials warned President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner in early 2017 that Chinese-American businessperson Wendi Deng Murdoch might be using their friendship to benefit Chinese government interests,

reported. Citing unidentified sources familiar with the matter, the Journal

said US officials were also concerned that the ex-wife of media

New York

magnate Rupert Murdoch – who owns the newspaper – was lobbying to push a major Chinese-funded construction project in Washington.

The bid concerns a planned $100 million (about R1.225 billion) Chinese garden at the National Arboretum, located just steps from Congress and near the White House.

The Journal said intelligence officials consider it a national security risk because it features a 21m tower that could be used for surveillance.

Kushner received the warnings as part of regular briefings he receives due to his role as a senior advisor to Trump, who took office a year ago.

A spokesperson said Wendi Deng Murdoch “has no knowledge of any FBI concerns or other intelligence agency concerns relating to her or her associations”, and denied she was aware of the garden project.

A Chinese-born citizen, she in 1999 married the Australian businessperson, who filed for divorce in 2013. But she still uses her married name.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lu Lang said: “We really hope relevant people can put the pragmatic cooperation between US and China in all areas in perspective.” – AFP