China retains lobbying firm to pep up image in US

China has retained the services of a lobbying firm:

Seeking to build political influence in Washington, the Chinese embassy has retained Patton Boggs to lobby on a wide range of issues before Congress, according to a lobbying registration statement filed last week with the US Department of Justice.

The enlistment of Patton Boggs which has also represented such countries as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Pakistan highlights China's efforts to respond to the rising wave of anti-Chinese sentiment in Congress. Beyond trade, the ill-feeling is also driven by Chinese threats towards Taiwan and China's rapid military expansion which was highlighted this month by a special Pentagon report mandated by Congress.

I see Patton Boggs specializes in anti-democracy countries. I guess I will never be able to understand how anyone can knowingly serve evil like this (the firm's website here). China already has a diplomatic corps in Washington to suck up to Congress. Helping them is just plain wrong.

[Taiwan] [China]