Democratic Pennsylvania Candidate’s Uncle, a China-linked Businessman, Donates to Her Campaign

Janelle Stelson’s uncle, John W. Allen, a New York businessman with long-standing ties to Chinese interests, has contributed thousands to her congressional races in Pennsylvania’s 10th District.

John W. Allen, the maternal uncle of Democratic nominee Janelle Stelson, has provided significant financial support to her congressional campaigns in Pennsylvania’s competitive 10th District, totaling $8,250 and an extra $500 that may have breached contribution caps, plus $1,150 for a later attempt to defeat Rep. Scott Perry. Allen’s career centers on fostering business links between the United States and China; he advises at ChinaWise USA and previously led the Greater China Corporation, whose securities registration was revoked by the SEC in 2008.

As a trustee of the Chinese Cultural Foundation, he has regularly met Chinese officials, including at a 2004 event in the Great Hall of the People and a 2006 gathering with vice-chairman Cheng Siwei. He has given interviews to one outlet News Agency, calling for multilateralism and praising China’s Belt and Road Initiative. Additional campaign funds have come from Pin Ni, a CCP-affiliated auto executive linked to Wanxiang America and KARMA Automotive. Both Stelson and Allen declined to comment, and the Chinese Cultural Foundation said Allen is retired and his donations are personal.