Rep. Eric Swalwell’s campaign for governor of California is facing fresh criticism after accepting a $25,000 donation from Keliang “Clay” Zhu, an attorney tied to a Beijing based law firm with historical links to the Chinese Communist Party.
The recent contribution adds to Zhu’s earlier support. He previously gave $5,000 to Swalwell’s gubernatorial effort in November and more than $10,000 to the congressman’s past House campaigns.
Donor’s Background Raises Concerns
Zhu is a partner at DeHeng Law Offices PC, a major law firm headquartered in Beijing. Records show the firm was originally founded in the early 1990s as the China Law Office, a subsidiary connected to China’s Ministry of Justice, before it rebranded as DeHeng in 1995.
Although the firm describes itself as independent, public records indicate it maintains longstanding cooperation with Chinese government departments and state owned enterprises. Several attorneys within the firm have also held advisory roles linked to Chinese political bodies.
Zhu works out of DeHeng’s Silicon Valley office in Pleasanton, California. According to the firm’s website, he is the only lawyer listed at that location.
Record of Representing Chinese Interests
Zhu’s professional biography highlights his work assisting Chinese state owned companies and investment funds with major deals in the United States. For example, he has represented investment arms of Chinese enterprises in acquisitions valued in the hundreds of millions of dollars.
His profile also states that he has helped Chinese companies complete billions in investments across industries such as artificial intelligence, semiconductor technology, renewable energy, and biopharmaceuticals. In addition, Zhu has negotiated with U.S. agencies including the Departments of Commerce and Treasury on behalf of Chinese clients to address compliance issues.
He has also advised a government linked investment fund from Shenzhen on compliance with CFIUS regulations. In 2020, Zhu represented WeChat users in a lawsuit that challenged then President Donald Trump’s attempt to ban the app.
Critics Call Donation “Outrageous”
Michael Lucci, founder and CEO of State Armor Action, criticized Swalwell for continuing to accept funds from Zhu. Lucci argued that the donation raises serious concerns given the donor’s ties to a firm with CCP connections.
Swalwell’s relationship with China has drawn scrutiny in the past. In earlier years, he had contact with Christine Fang, also known as Fang Fang, who U.S. officials later identified as part of a Chinese influence effort. Swalwell has said he cut off communication once federal authorities alerted him, and a congressional ethics review did not find wrongdoing. Still, House Republicans later removed him from the Intelligence Committee, citing those past concerns.
The latest donation has renewed debate over foreign linked money in U.S. politics. Critics say lawmakers should avoid contributions that could create even the appearance of foreign influence, especially when national security issues remain sensitive.
Swalwell’s campaign has not indicated that it plans to return the funds.
