America First Investment Policy: What it Means for U.S.-China Relations

On February 21, 2025, the President of the United States issued a memorandum to members of his cabinet and other executive agency directors describing the administration’s investment policy. The statement begins by stating that investment policy is key to the country’s national and economic security. While investment by “allies and partners” can create jobs and wealth for the United States, investment by “foreign adversaries,” including China, is not in the national interest. The United States will establish new rules to prevent American companies and investors from investing in certain Chinese industries and will use all available legal tools to restrict PRC-affiliated individuals from investing in strategic sectors in the United States.

The memorandum raises many questions, among them: what might change as a result? What specific restrictions are likely to be imposed on inbound and outbound investment? In an interview conducted on February 28, 2025, Nicholas Borst, in conversation with Steve Orlins, discusses the implications of the policy for U.S.-China economic and trade relations.

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