Documents: Neil Bush has Contract With Chinese
President's brother has agreed to strategize with chip manufacturing firm at the same time the Bush administration is trying to help U.S. firms compete more effectively.
By Warren Vieth and Lianne Hart
Times Staff Writers

3:02 PM PST, November 26, 2003

WASHINGTON -- Neil Bush, younger brother of President Bush, has a $400,000-a-year contract to provide business advice to a Chinese computer chip manufacturer, according to court documents.

At the same time the Bush administration is trying to help U.S. firms compete more effectively against the Chinese, Neil Bush has agreed to strategize with China's Grace Semiconductor Manufacturing Corp., the documents show.

There is no indication he has done anything improper. However, the arrangement could attract attention during a presidential election cycle in which Chinese business practices have become a hot button issue.

"There's certainly the appearance of influence being sought," said Charles W. McMillion, a Washington business consultant who advised a congressional commission on U.S.-China policy. "If nothing else, it doesn't look good."