Chinese Influence Crisis: PLA-Linked Lobbyists Invade Capitol Hill

If you thought foreign interference in American politics was a thing of the past, think again. While the corporate media obsesses over imaginary Russian boogeymen and “domestic extremism,” the real enemy—the Chinese Communist Party—is actively bankrolling lobbying efforts in Washington, and they aren’t even hiding it. According to newly released records, two companies explicitly linked to China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA)—DJI and Tencent—have already spent over $1 million this year alone trying to influence U.S. lawmakers. That’s right: companies literally blacklisted by our own Department of Defense for being tied to a hostile foreign military are pushing their agenda on Capitol Hill.

Let’s be clear: DJI and Tencent are not just Chinese companies. They are arms of the CCP’s global influence operation. DJI, a drone maker, and Tencent, a tech conglomerate with deep ties to China’s surveillance state, both appear on the Pentagon’s 1260h list—a designation for firms owned or controlled by the Chinese military. This is not speculation. This is codified in federal law. And yet, these same firms are paying high-powered K Street lobbyists to bend U.S. policy in their favor.

And it’s working. DJI’s lobbying campaign targeted the Countering CCP Drones Act, legislation that would have effectively banned their drones from operating on U.S. communications infrastructure—a measure introduced by Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) to stop foreign surveillance of American citizens. The bill passed the House but has stalled in the Senate, thanks in no small part to DJI’s lobbying blitz. This isn’t just a policy debate—it’s a national security crisis. DJI drones have already been sanctioned by the Treasury and Commerce Departments for enabling the CCP’s surveillance of Uyghur Muslims, a population subjected to brutal oppression and genocide. Yet somehow, they still have a seat at the table in Washington.

> “China exploits our open and democratic processes for their military advantage,” said Michael Lucci, CEO of national security group State Armor. “DJI and Tencent are both blacklisted by DOD as Chinese Military Companies, yet they both continue buying influence through high-priced lobbyists to influence U.S. policymakers.”

Tencent, for its part, is no better. Its founder, Ma Huateng, is not just a businessman—he’s a CCP loyalist who spent two terms in China’s National People’s Congress. The company is also subject to “golden share” arrangements, which give the Chinese government direct control over its corporate decisions. This isn’t capitalism. This is communism with a tech twist. And now Tencent is attempting to manipulate U.S. tech and data policy through the same swampy lobbying tactics we’ve all come to expect from D.C. insiders.

This is an outrageous betrayal of American interests. When foreign military-linked corporations can spend millions to kill legislation that protects national security, we have a serious problem. And the consultants and law firms helping them—Liberty Government Affairs, Sidley Austin, Porter Wright, and others—should be ashamed. Fortunately, a new rule going into effect in June 2026 will prohibit these consultants from securing Pentagon contracts if they continue working for Chinese military companies. But that’s not enough.

We need action now. States like Nebraska and Texas are already leading the way. Nebraska, under Gov. Jim Pillen and state Sen. Eliot Bostar, passed a law requiring foreign adversary lobbyists to disclose their activities under FARA-style transparency rules. Why isn’t the federal government following suit? Are our lawmakers so compromised, so timid, that they won’t even demand transparency from people lobbying on behalf of adversaries like China?

As Hudson Institute fellow Michael Sobolik put it, “American policymakers should shape policy to benefit Americans.” That used to be a given. Today, it’s a revolutionary demand in a city where foreign money speaks louder than American values.

It’s time to get serious. Congress must pass federal legislation banning lobbying by any firm tied to the Chinese military. We must also name and shame the U.S.-based firms enabling this betrayal. And we must hold our lawmakers accountable—because any official who lets a PLA-affiliated company influence American law is not just misguided; they are complicit.

The Chinese Communist Party is playing the long game. They know they can’t beat us on the battlefield, but they can buy their way into our institutions—unless we stop them. We need leaders in Washington with the spine to say no to foreign influence, yes to American sovereignty, and hell no to selling out our national security for a few lobbying checks. Enough is enough.