Amid the intensifying ‘trade war‘ initiated by U.S. President Donald Trump, characterized by the imposition of new tariffs on several nations, particularly Canada and China, reports from U.S. media suggest that China is countering by restricting local companies from investing in the United States. According to Bloomberg, citing sources familiar with the situation, this strategic move by Beijing could offer them more leverage in potential trade discussions with the Trump administration.
The unnamed sources revealed that several divisions within China’s National Development and Reform Commission, the country’s economic planning authority, have recently postponed the registration and approval processes for businesses aiming to invest in the U.S. Although China has previously implemented restrictions on overseas investments, citing ‘national security’ concerns and capital flow management, this latest action underscores the growing friction between the world’s two largest economies.
Insiders indicated that the current development is unlikely to impact existing commitments by Chinese firms in the U.S. and other countries, or Chinese acquisitions, including U.S. Treasury bonds. However, it remains uncertain what prompted the halt in processing applications by China’s National Development and Reform Commission and the duration of this suspension. Both the Commission and China’s Ministry of Commerce did not respond to Bloomberg’s inquiries for comments.
This maneuver coincides with expectations that President Trump will announce reciprocal tariffs on Wednesday, April 2, a day he has termed “Independence Day”.
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