I think you are right

sometimes they need a "face" or interface for sr management, especially if you are an Asian woman. The good part is that your project apparently becomes important and they need this interface now. Bad part is it will interfere with your career development. It depends on what you want to do. This may not a be a bad thing. If you don't like politics and just focus on project, this person can help you deal with the unnecessary interference. If you want to lead yourself, then you have to give sr management enough confidence that you have leadership and can lead your project.