On July 17, 2020, Attorney General William Barr warned in a speech at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum that Americans doing business in China should be wary of "behind-the-scenes efforts" by the People's Republic of China ("PRC") to "cultivate and coerce" US companies into furthering the political objectives of the Chinese Communist Party, potentially in violation of the Foreign Agents Registration Act ("FARA"). The notion that American companies may be "rewarded" for advocacy in support of PRC policies could, in Barr's view, trigger FARA-related concerns.
In line with Attorney General Barr's statements, the Department of Justice ("DOJ") has stepped up its focus on FARA issues related to China by increasingly targeting companies doing business in China. Publicly disclosed enforcement actions include high-profile investigations and efforts to require registration of Chinese state-owned media organizations and companies allegedly operating on behalf of, or in the interest of, the PRC.
In this environment, companies doing business in China may need to consider FARA and the Department of Justice's increasing efforts to apply the statute to activities originating in China. There are apparently underlying legal risks, and many of you might want answers for questions such as those below:
What is FARA?
What Does "Agent" of a Foreign Principal Mean?
Does "Foreign Principal" Refer Only to Foreign Governments?
What Activities Trigger FARA?
Is a Contract or Payment Required to Trigger FARA?
What Steps Should I take to Comply with FARA?
Please join us on Friday, Oct. 30 (Beijing Time) to hear the in-depth legal analysis and insights from AmCham China Chairman Emeritus Tim Stratford and his Covington & Burling colleagues, Rob Kelner and Brian Smith.
*This is an off-the-record online event for AmCham China members only.
Oct 30, 2020
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM (GMT+8)
BUY NOW to save on ticket cost, paperwork, and the trip!
*The Prepaid Event Access is only applicable for card holding members and employees of member companies.