Political connections have been tested for correlation with outward foreign direct investment (OFDI). Both theoretical rationale and research evidence are mixed. To advance this debate, we conceptualize political connections as a dual-dimensional construct and hypothesize the differential effects of the breadth and the depth of political connections on OFDI. Employing a sample of 2,374 Chinese listed firms, encompassing 15,647 firm-year observations from 2008 to 2016, we find evidence supporting our hypotheses: (1) the breadth of political connections reduces the likelihood of a firm engaging in OFDI and (2) greater depth of political connections increases the likelihood of a firm engaging in the OFDI. Thus, we advise firms to exercise caution when adopting corporate political strategies for internationalization in general and OFDI in particular.