China’s ‘extreme’ national security focus a drag on business, US trade group says

The American Chamber of Commerce in China has called for clarity in China’s new security laws to assuage investors and bring capital back to the country

600-page report lists concerns from member firms and makes recommendations to US and Chinese governments to boost activity, lubricate trade

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Shaky relations between the US and China, as well as China’s emphasis on security, have discouraged American investment, a US trade group has said. Photo: Reuters

Published: 8:00pm, 23 Apr 2024Updated: 9:23pm, 23 Apr 2024

China should dial down its “extreme” emphasis on national security and keep foreign companies in mind when crafting industrial policy to give them the incentive to expand their presence in its market, a US business lobby has said.

In a 600-page document featuring numerous policy reviews and recommendations, the American Chamber of Commerce in China called for the country to allow foreign organisations to compete on a level playing field with domestic firms and clarify how the country’s national security laws apply to business.

“As much as China wants to attract more foreign investment, there are forces within the government which lean in the direction of impeding foreign investment because of an extreme emphasis on national security,” Lester Ross, chair of the chamber’s policy committee, said on Tuesday as its annual white paper was released.

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China’s ‘extreme’ national security focus a drag on business, US trade group says

The American Chamber of Commerce in China has called for clarity in China’s new security laws to assuage investors and bring capital back to the country 600-page report lists concerns from member firms and makes recommendations to US and Chinese governments to boost activity, lubricate trade

The American Chamber of Commerce in China has called for clarity in China’s new security laws to assuage investors and bring capital back to the country

600-page report lists concerns from member firms and makes recommendations to US and Chinese governments to boost activity, lubricate trade