From the U.S. to the U.K., Germany and Australia, resistance is growing to efforts by Chinese companies -- often state-backed -- to buy or invest in power grids, nuclear plants, data storage and robot technology. Chinese firms are spending more on foreign takeovers than ever before, and Western politicians are worrying about the deals' potential impacts on technology and critical infrastructure.
"There is a perceived higher national security risk when we're talking about Chinese buyers," said Ke Geng, a partner at law firm O'Melveny & Myers who advises Chinese companies on foreign investments. "It's also connected with the international political environment."Just last week, the Australian government blocked bids by a Chinese state power company and a private Hong Kong firm for control of a major electricity supplier, citing national security concerns. Read more
"There is a perceived higher national security risk when we're talking about Chinese buyers," said Ke Geng, a partner at law firm O'Melveny & Myers who advises Chinese companies on foreign investments. "It's also connected with the international political environment."Just last week, the Australian government blocked bids by a Chinese state power company and a private Hong Kong firm for control of a major electricity supplier, citing national security concerns. Read more
