Chinese companies in China should look for reputable companies to do consulting work. There are quite a few of them in China now. If those who are preaching to you that they can attract investment for you and they do not have offices in China, whoever is interested in getting finances should at least check them out. The Chinese companies should at least get some references and ask these investment bankers to show what they have done in the past in raising money. Who are the principals? What are the main fields they are interested in? etc. etc...
I don't think there is anything wrong for professional companies asking for consulting fees. Larger firms can absorb the fees, but, there is no free lunch. Some companies would be willing to take the fees when the funding is completed. They call this "success fees". There are also companies asking for money upfront fo conducting due dilligence.
