2026.10.1 (EP58) Paul Hastings was among the foreign law firms expanding in China, but access came on the CCP’s terms. By 2012, 174 foreign firms operated there, nearly half American. They faced government approval, registration, supervision and strict limits on practicing Chinese law. By 2002, Beijing moved to inspect legal work, finances, taxes and Chinese staff.
The bargain: comply, keep access, make money. For firms chasing state-linked clients and billion-dollar deals, political connections mattered. At Paul Hastings, one name surfaced across CMC transactions: Jia Yan, a CCP member who later became Shanghai chief representative.
2026.9.29 (EP57) Hollywood thought it was entering China. The CCP state apparatus was building influence inside Hollywood. At the center: China Media Capital (CMC), founded in 2009 by Li Ruigang, who rose from Shanghai state media to senior Party leadership.
In 2012, Li left his Party posts. Deals accelerated: Raine. Time Warner. Fox. IMAX. Warner Bros. Imagine. CAA. Hollywood saw money, access and growth—and relied on CMC’s political connections.
The trap had another layer: American law firms rewarded for building the bridge. More deals. More clients. More fees. One firm kept appearing beside CMC: Paul Hastings.