Wealthy American businessman Jack Moore (Richard Gere) is working in China to put together a satellite communications deal as part of a joint venture with the Chinese government. Before the deal goes through, he has a one-night stand with the daughter of a powerful Chinese man. When Moore wakes up, she has been murdered, is framed for the killing, and the satellite contract is awarded to his competitor. Moore's court-appointed lawyer (played by Bai Ling) initially does not believe his pleas of innocence, but the pair gradually unearth further evidence that not only vindicates Moore, but also implicates powerful figures within the Chinese central government administration and exposes high levels of conspiracy and corruption.