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Many Washington, D.C.-based lobbying firms are working on behalf of Chinese companies with ties to the People’s Liberation Army and gross human-rights abusers while also representing American defense contractors. Lobbying for both the Chinese and American defense industrial base risks significant conflicts of interest. Lobbyists could use privileged information, even if unintentionally, to assist their Chinese clients to the detriment of America’s national security.

U.S. Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) introduced the CCP Lobbying Divestment Act which would require contractors receiving defense contracts to fire any lobbyists whose clients include verified Chinese military companies and human-rights abusers. If enacted, this bill would force lobbying firms to choose between accepting money from Communist China or representing American companies with Department of Defense (DoD) contracts. 

• “Too many lobbying firms are reaping the financial benefits of representing clients with DoD contracts while also working for those with ties to the Chinese Communist Party. My CCP Lobbying Divestment Act would end this clear conflict of interest. It mandates that companies make a definitive choice: either work with U.S. government contractors or support Chinese government entities, but you cannot do both.”  – Senator Rubio

Want more information? 

• September 2022: Rubio, Cornyn Introduce Bill to Prevent Foreign Adversaries from Influencing U.S. Policy