2026.9.29 (EP57) Hollywood thought it was entering China. The CCP state apparatus was building influence inside Hollywood. At the center: China Media Capital (CMC), founded in 2009 by Li Ruigang, who rose from Shanghai state media to senior Party leadership.
In 2012, Li left his Party posts. Deals accelerated: Raine. Time Warner. Fox. IMAX. Warner Bros. Imagine. CAA. Hollywood saw money, access and growth—and relied on CMC’s political connections.
The trap had another layer: American law firms rewarded for building the bridge. More deals. More clients. More fees. One firm kept appearing beside CMC: Paul Hastings.