Becerra Returns Donation Amid Scrutiny of Donor's Father's CCP Ties

California Democratic gubernatorial nominee Xavier Becerra has returned a $20,000 donation to his campaign after a Daily Mail investigation revealed ties between the donor's father and a Chinese Communist Party (CCP)-backed university.

The contribution was made last month by Alex Xu, CEO of Lotusland Investment Holdings. His father, Yiming Xu, is a founding donor and trustee of Westlake University, a research institution in Hangzhou with documented connections to the CCP.

Becerra's campaign confirmed Wednesday evening that they had refunded the contribution. A campaign spokesperson stated, "We did not have a record of Alex attending any of our fundraising events."

Alex and Yiming Xu are involved in developing the 23,000-acre Guenoc Valley Project on the border of Napa and Lake counties. Notably, Becerra, during his tenure as California's attorney general, intervened in environmental litigation against this development in early 2021, citing wildfire risks. This intervention reportedly contributed to delays in the project's timeline.

Yiming Xu, described in Chinese business filings as a permanent resident of Hong Kong, has a significant financial background in China, with investments spanning real estate, department stores, education, and tourism under the brand 'ProChina.'

Westlake University, where Yiming Xu serves as a trustee, has been highlighted for its alignment with China's national strategy. Its founding president, Shi Yigong, has served terms on the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), a body linked to the CCP's United Front Work Department. University press releases have referenced implementing Xi Jinping's directives and celebrating the CCP's anniversary, with one noting the university's mission to cultivate talent for the CCP.

Another Westlake trustee, Qin Yinglin, is also a deputy to the National People's Congress and was recognized as an "National Outstanding Communist Party Member." Jackie Deal, president of a defense research firm and advisor for the watchdog group State Armor, described Westlake University as a "poster child for the Party's talent programs" designed to recruit overseas experts for China's benefit.

The Daily Mail reported that Yiming Xu has a history of working with the CCP on its talent programs, which are intended to recruit foreign experts to advance China's interests. Concerns have been raised by groups like State Armor about the implications of such foreign influence.

Lotusland's website indicates that the Guenoc Valley Project plans to begin site preparation and infrastructure work in early 2026, with phased construction of hospitality and residential components to follow. The company states a commitment to sustainable design and community partnership.