Treasury issues rule to block US investors from helping China develop military tech

The U.S. Treasury Department, seeking to keep the Chinese military from gaining an edge in advanced technologies, issued a rule yesterday [Macau time] to restrict and monitor American investments in China in artificial intelligence, computer chips and quantum computing.

The finalized rule arises from an executive order issued in August 2023 by President Joe Biden. The order sought to limit the access that “countries of concern’’ — specifically China including Hong Kong and Macao — have to American dollars to fund technologies that could be used, for example, to break codes or develop next-generation fighter jets. It will take effect Jan. 2.

“U.S. investments … must not be used to help countries of concern develop their military, intelligence and cyber capabilities’’’ said Paul Rosen, assistant Treasury secretary for investment security. He noted the investments can mean more than just money: they can deliver ”intangible benefits,’’ including managerial help and assistance finding top talent and tapping other sources of financing.

Blocking China’s high-tech ambitions is one of the few issues that enjoys broad support in Washington from both Republicans and Democrats.

Biden in May slapped a stiff tariff on electric vehicles from China. He also has imposed export controls to keep the Chinese from acquiring advanced computer chips and the equipment to produce them. Former President Donald Trump has vowed to dramatically increase taxes on all imports from China if voters send him back to the White House.

A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said yesterday that the government had lodged a protest with the U.S. over the latest action.

“China strongly deplores and firmly opposes the U.S. rolling out restrictions on investment in China,” Lin Jian said at a daily briefing in Beijing. MDT/AP