Since 2018, the United States has been tightening its laws to prevent its rivals from buying into its sensitive sectors – blocking investments in everything from semiconductors to telecommunications. However, these rules were not as strict prior to that time.
In 2016, Jeff Stein, a journalist covering the US intelligence community, received a tip that a small insurance company specializing in liability insurance for FBI and CIA agents had been sold to a Chinese entity. This company, Wright USA, was then purchased by the Fosun Group in 2015, raising immediate concerns about the security of sensitive information held by the insurer.
The acquisition of Wright USA was not an isolated incident, as recent exclusive data reveals a significant flow of Chinese state funds investing around the world, notably in the US, Europe, the Middle East, and Australia.
China's investments, totaling approximately $2.1 trillion since 2000, include various strategic sectors, igniting a wave of scrutiny and caution from affected countries. In particular, the Wright USA sale led to an inquiry in Washington, resulting in the eventual sale of the company back to American interests.
The implications of China's growing financial footprint are profound, as they can potentially manipulate sensitive technology and economic sectors to their advantage. With nations like the US, UK, and others tightening their foreign investment laws, it is clear that debates surrounding national security, economic control, and espionage are intensifying as China pursues its ambitions on the global investment stage.
In 2016, Jeff Stein, a journalist covering the US intelligence community, received a tip that a small insurance company specializing in liability insurance for FBI and CIA agents had been sold to a Chinese entity. This company, Wright USA, was then purchased by the Fosun Group in 2015, raising immediate concerns about the security of sensitive information held by the insurer.
The acquisition of Wright USA was not an isolated incident, as recent exclusive data reveals a significant flow of Chinese state funds investing around the world, notably in the US, Europe, the Middle East, and Australia.
China's investments, totaling approximately $2.1 trillion since 2000, include various strategic sectors, igniting a wave of scrutiny and caution from affected countries. In particular, the Wright USA sale led to an inquiry in Washington, resulting in the eventual sale of the company back to American interests.
The implications of China's growing financial footprint are profound, as they can potentially manipulate sensitive technology and economic sectors to their advantage. With nations like the US, UK, and others tightening their foreign investment laws, it is clear that debates surrounding national security, economic control, and espionage are intensifying as China pursues its ambitions on the global investment stage.
