EPR Research and 5W Release Insights on China's Lobbying Expenditures in the U.S.
China's lobbying expenditures in the U.S. have surpassed $418 million since 2016, the highest of any nation. The release of 'The China Lobbying Industry Map 2026' highlights significant shifts, particularly Tencent's increased spending following its designation as a military company.
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Since 2016, China has invested over $418 million in U.S. firms registered under the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), leading all countries in lobbying expenditures. Tencent America has notably increased its lobbying budget, spending $1.5 million in Q3 2025 after being added to the Department of Defense's military companies list.
The company's lobbying efforts include hiring former Trump-aligned operatives, with significant amounts paid to firms such as MO Strategies and Hogan Lovells. Meanwhile, ByteDance's federal lobbying dropped to $1.6 million in Q1 2026 after a major ownership restructuring. The shift in FARA enforcement policy, initiated by a 2025 memorandum, may impact future foreign lobbying strategies in the U.S.
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