Interest in Chinese influence efforts in the United States has intensified following President Donald Trump’s recent address. He alleged interference by Beijing in U.S. elections. Federal records show several Chinese government entities, state-controlled media, and China-based companies have registered under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA). This registration discloses operations in the U.S. that have political implications. In contrast, some Chinese entities file under the Lobbying Disclosure Act for activities they claim are purely commercial.
These filings provide a partial view of how Chinese interests aim to shape U.S. policy, public opinion, and commercial decisions. However, they do not fully capture Beijing’s activities or validate Trump’s claims. Private entities from China and Hong Kong, many with strong ties to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), spend significant amounts attempting to influence American matters. The DOJ recorded over $20 million in FARA expenditures in 2025 from these entities, with millions more in lobbying disclosures. Chinese government sources spent nearly $80 million on FARA expenses during the same period.
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Not all Chinese influence operations are documented. Organizations linked to the Chinese government, like the Chinese Students and Scholars Association, do not file with the DOJ, leaving their activities unknown to Americans. Other groups under China’s United Front Work Department, a network of CCP loyalists, also avoid disclosures due to their secretive operations. Critics argue some domestic nonprofits with CCP links further enable Chinese influence in the U.S.
According to a spokesperson from the Chinese embassy, China aims to promote mutual understanding and cooperation in trade, education, and culture. The spokesperson rejected portrayals of China’s international exchanges as influence operations, accusing such views of distorting facts and stigmatizing legitimate engagement.
China’s Media Influence
One of China’s key influence tools is its state-run media, which many describe as ‘propaganda’. In 2023, the State Department estimated China spends billions annually on foreign information manipulation. Five Chinese media operations, including CCTV and Xinhua News, are registered as foreign agents in the U.S. CCTV manages CGTN America, receiving significant funding from Beijing. DOJ records indicate $66.8 million in funding from February to November 2025 for CGTN, a substantial portion of China’s foreign influence budget.
In 2025, CGTN echoed themes similar to those of Democratic politicians, promoting ideas on climate change, race issues, and other topics while criticizing Trump’s policies. A 2022 paper from King’s College suggested CGTN does not aim to change voter behavior but tries to depict America negatively compared to China. All media outlets designated as foreign agents tend to produce similar content, often perceived as promoting CCP narratives.
Chinese media outlets conduct news reporting and information dissemination in accordance with the law. Labeling outlets such as Xinhua, CGTN and China Daily as ‘propaganda tools’ or ‘foreign influence instruments’ reflects ideological bias and a Cold War mentality, rather than an objective view of international media exchanges, the embassy spokesperson told Fox News Digital.
Lobbying for Chinese Interests
Representing Chinese companies, even those with U.S. government warnings, involves significant business for American lobbyists. Many lobbyists have contracts with firms partially or fully owned by Chinese entities since 2025. FARA records list companies like Huawei and BOE Technology America among those active in the U.S.
Chinese companies pursuing commercial interests file under the Lobbying Disclosure Act, while those involved in political influence register with FARA. For example, Hikvision, a video surveillance company facing U.S. sanctions, reports under FARA. The company has paid millions to lobby against restrictions linked to its alleged involvement in human rights abuses.
Most lobbying occurs under the LDA, requiring lesser disclosure of financial details and lobbying subjects. Firms involved include controversial agriculture companies and entities the U.S. claims work for the People’s Liberation Army. Tencent has spent over $10 million on lobbying despite being labeled a ‘Chinese military company’. The company challenges its inclusion on this list, seeking to resolve any misunderstandings with the Pentagon.
Concerns exist that some Chinese entities misuse the LDA to avoid FARA’s stricter requirements, limiting public understanding of their activities.
Trade and Development Efforts
China invests in persuading Americans to trade, travel, or invest in China. The China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) receives hundreds of thousands of dollars from Beijing semi-annually. Its role is to facilitate bilateral trade and investment. However, some argue CCPIT’s activities serve a dual purpose, advancing China’s economic and geopolitical goals through informal networks.
Allegations concerning organizations allegedly linked to the United Front Work Department lack factual basis, the embassy spokesperson told Fox News Digital. CCPIT promotes trade and investment cooperation globally and claims linking its activities to geopolitical objectives is unfounded.
Besides CCPIT, Beijing funds offices to encourage U.S. investment and promote tourism to China. Despite tensions, Trump has invited Chinese President Xi Jinping to discuss artificial intelligence and bilateral relations, underscoring ongoing diplomatic engagements.
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