Chinese-linked Wanxiang executive donated $28,000 to four US Democratic candidates

Pin Ni, who runs the Illinois-based Wanxiang America, donated $7,000 to each of four Democratic candidates - Rep. Chris Pappas, Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, Sen. John Hickenlooper and former North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper - amounting to $28,000 across primary and general election cycles. This exceeds the $3,500 contribution limit per campaign, prompting questions about compliance with federal donation rules. Wanxiang America is a U.S. arm of the Hangzhou-headquartered Wanxiang Group, the largest Chinese auto-parts manufacturer, whose founders and senior leaders are described as Communist Party members.

Pin’s earlier contributions to Democratic gubernatorial hopefuls in New Jersey and Virginia also attracted attention from groups monitoring Chinese influence. Critics argue the donations reflect alignment with Beijing’s political-warfare objectives, while the candidates’ campaigns have declined to comment. Attempts to reach Pin for comment were unsuccessful.