The public would be shocked at the work done in Washington by American firms on behalf of overseas interests trying to influence U.S. policy. James Sasser, ambassador to Beijing during the Clinton administration, once said, “The Chinese really don’t do any lobbying. The heavy lifting is done by the American business community.” This may be changing. In the July 23 National Journal, Bara Vaida reports that Beijing is now hiring a number of “politically connected lobbying and public relations firms to help press its message.” Still, its most effective support comes from its business partners.