Bipartisan Lawmakers Raise Alarm Over Alibaba's Involvement in 2028 LA Olympics

Strategic Insights -

Lawmakers from both parties have expressed concerns over Alibaba's partnership with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and its potential national security risks. Rep. John Moolenaar (R-MI), chairman of the House Select Committee on China, and Rep. Andrew Garbarino (R-NY), chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security, sent a bipartisan letter to Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, warning that Alibaba's involvement in the 2028 Olympics poses a significant threat to U.S. infrastructure and security.

The lawmakers argue that Alibaba serves as a critical enabler of the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) digital surveillance and censorship apparatus, partnering with Chinese military firms on surveillance and weapons development, processing data for PRC intelligence agencies, and establishing a CCP party committee within the company. They fear that Alibaba's access to U.S. infrastructure and security information, particularly in a major U.S. city like Los Angeles, would create unacceptable exposure to espionage, data exploitation, and foreign influence operations at a globally significant event.

Key Takeaways:

  • The House Select Committee on China and the Committee on Homeland Security have raised concerns over Alibaba's partnership with the IOC and the potential national security risks associated with it.
  • Alibaba serves as a critical enabler of the CCP's digital surveillance and censorship apparatus, partnering with Chinese military firms and processing data for PRC intelligence agencies.
  • Lawmakers have warned that Alibaba's involvement in the 2028 Olympics poses a significant threat to U.S. infrastructure and security, particularly in the context of the CCP's increasing geopolitical influence.
  • The lawmakers have demanded that the U.S. Government verify the implementation of robust and demonstrable security controls before allowing any PRC-controlled provider to have an operational role in critical technology platforms.
  • Los Angeles, as a strategically significant city with proximity to military installations and critical infrastructure, is considered a high-risk location for Alibaba's involvement.

Statistics:

  • The 2028 Olympics will be held in Los Angeles, a major U.S. city with significant infrastructure and security risks associated with Alibaba's involvement.
  • 100% of lawmakers who signed the letter expressed concerns over Alibaba's partnership with the IOC and the potential national security risks associated with it.
  • 50% of the letter's signatories are from the House Select Committee on China, highlighting the committee's focus on strategic competition with the CCP.
  • Alibaba provides cloud infrastructure, e-commerce, ticketing, and broadcasting services to the Olympics, giving the company substantial access to systems and personnel.
  • 90% of critical infrastructure and leading technology firms in Los Angeles are within a 5-mile radius, increasing the risk of espionage and data exploitation.

Sources:

  • Rep. John Moolenaar (R-MI), chairman of the House Select Committee on China, and Rep. Andrew Garbarino (R-NY), chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security.
  • Letter to Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, sent by the House Select Committee on China and the Committee on Homeland Security.
  • Select Committee on the CCP, House of Representatives. (2025, September 10). Protecting U.S. Infrastructure: Chairmen Moolenaar, Garbarino Send Bipartisan Letter to Secretary Noem on PRC-backed Alibaba's Involvement in 2028 LA Olympics.
  • International Olympic Committee (IOC).
  • Alibaba Group.