Payam Javan: On February 21, 2025, President Donald Trump signed a memorandum aimed at countering national security threats posed by Chinese investments in the United States. The directive strengthens the role of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) to restrict Chinese access to critical sectors, including technology, critical infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture, energy, and raw materials. The White House highlighted that the move seeks to prevent China and other foreign adversaries from exploiting American capital, technology, and expertise to advance their military and strategic interests.

The memorandum also introduces measures to limit U.S. outbound investments in Chinese technologies like semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and aerospace, which could support China’s Military-Civil Fusion strategy. Alongside these restrictions, the U.S. plans to fast-track investment processes for allies, while increasing scrutiny on foreign companies listed on U.S. stock exchanges to protect American investors. This policy shift, detailed in a White House fact sheet, reflects a broader effort to prioritize national security and encourage investment from trusted partners amid escalating tensions with China.