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FIRST ON FOX: Foxit Software, a prominent PDF software firm initially established in China, has actively removed references to its various U.S. government clients from its website. This change comes in response to inquiries from Fox News Digital regarding its connections to the Chinese market and government clientele.
Founded in 2001 in Fuzhou, China, by entrepreneur Eugene Xiong, Foxit is known for its range of PDF solutions that encompass reading, editing, and signing documents. The company, which trades as Fujian Foxit Software Development Joint Stock Co., Ltd. on the Shanghai stock exchange, maintains a U.S. subsidiary located in Fremont, California, catering to a diverse customer base that includes governmental agencies.
Foxit’s Discreet Website Revision
The company’s website, prior to the inquiries made by Fox News Digital, prominently featured a list of clients within the federal government, including notable agencies such as the Missile Defense Agency, the State Department, the Army, Navy, Air Force, Department of Homeland Security, Food and Drug Administration, U.S. courts, and the Department of Transportation.
Following the media attention, Foxit has since expunged any mention of its U.S. government clients, a move that raises eyebrows considering the company’s past affiliations. Furthermore, the company did not respond to requests for comment regarding this significant alteration.
Agencies Backtrack on Foxit Use
Throughout the investigation, several government agencies confirmed that they have either ceased using Foxit products or have discontinued their active contracts with the U.S. subsidiary. A spokesperson from the Missile Defense Agency noted that Foxit had previously been utilized on an isolated network, emphasizing that it was not connected to any operational missile defense system. However, they confirmed that it is no longer part of any MDA systems. The spokesperson refrained from disclosing specific dates regarding the software’s removal but indicated that there is an ongoing review of all software currently in use.
A source from the State Department mentioned that while small contracts with Foxit had been established previously, these have since been terminated, although they did not provide details regarding the timeline.
The Fallout of Public Scrutiny
Before being scrubbed from the website, Foxit showcased several case studies involving collaborations with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and the FDA. However, a source from the Department of Homeland Security highlighted that Foxit is currently flagged and included on its prohibited software list, indicating a serious shift in the agency’s view of the software.
The FDA, which handles sensitive information including trade secrets and clinical trial data, did not respond to inquiries about its continued use of Foxit’s products.
Meanwhile, the Department of Justice confirmed that Foxit was removed from its networks last year following a security assessment.
Challenges in Tracking Foxit’s Government Contracts
Identifying Foxit’s presence in public records proves challenging, as government purchases may often be logged under different distributors, integrators, or resellers, complicating transparency.
Fox News Digital identified numerous solicitation requests that explicitly mentioned Foxit software from various federal agencies, including the Army, Navy, and NASA. However, it remains unclear which of these inquiries resulted in finalized contracts.
Notably, a known contract with the Office of the Secretary of Defense expired in 2023.
Maintaining Appearances in the U.S.
On its U.S. website, Foxit emphasizes its California headquarters and global reach while conspicuously omitting reference to its Chinese origins. Conversely, its Chinese-language platform highlights affiliations with clients such as the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the State Intellectual Property Office. In a recent partnership announcement, Foxit disclosed collaboration with China Media Group, an entity under the auspices of the Chinese Communist Party’s Publicity Department.
The Chinese version of Foxit’s website displays offices in various locations, including Fuzhou, Beijing, and Nanjing. U.S. agencies generally contract through the California-based Foxit Software Inc., allowing the company to promote itself as U.S.-based. However, the parent company is still subject to Chinese law, including provisions that require cooperation with Chinese intelligence when requested.
Concerns About Data Security and Corporate Structure
Experts express skepticism about whether corporate boundaries fully insulate the U.S. subsidiary from obligations to its Chinese parent company. Joel Thayer, a Washington-based attorney specializing in technology and telecommunications, likened this situation to that of TikTok, where claims of operational independence do not necessarily reflect the true nature of control and access to sensitive data.
Thayer remarked that Chinese companies often excel at concealing intentions behind corporate affiliations and structures.
Foxit owns Idax.ai, a subsidiary designed to provide AI-powered document redaction services targeted at various sectors such as healthcare, finance, and government. It remains undetermined whether Idax has been adopted by government agencies for their specific needs.
Rethinking Digital Partnerships with China
Foxit claims an impressive user base of 750 million and maintains over 425,000 clients globally, with plans to expand into additional international markets. However, critics caution that even non-sensitive data could hold significant value for the Chinese Communist Party.
Thayer highlighted the potential intelligence implications of seemingly mundane data gathered through software interfaces: information regarding contracts, service delivery, and emerging governmental interests can be enticing for adversaries.
Originally positioning itself as a cost-effective alternative to Adobe Acrobat, Foxit may come with inherent risks that could outweigh the perceived benefits. Such vulnerabilities underline the importance of thorough scrutiny regarding technology partnerships with entities tied to foreign governments.
As the situation unfolds, U.S. agencies must carefully evaluate not only the software solutions they adopt but also the broader implications of their technological dependencies.
