Top lobbying firm does bidding of entity linked to Uyghur repression

Published April 26, 2026 7:00am ET



Akin Gump, the fourth largest lobbying firm in the country by revenue, is being paid to advocate for a polysilicon manufacturer led by an individual whom the U.S. government has linked to China’s repression of the Uyghur people.

In September 2025, Akin Gump entered into a lobbying contract with United Solar Polysilicon to represent its interests on trade policy, according to a March 31 disclosure. United Solar Polysilicon is led by its founder, Longgen Zhang. 

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