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Mandatory, more consistent foreign investment screening coming to EU
As expected, the European Commission has agreed to provisional rules that would require all member states to enhance screening of foreign investments. The agreement builds upon a more fragmented screening regime that has been effective since 2020, and would emphasize defense, AI and more.
State Department official supported Liberian rail bid linked to China
According to a letter to the Secretary of State, a State Department staffer — who happens to be the father-in-law of President Trump’s daughter Tiffany — has made “statements of support” for a Chinese state-linked entity for a multi-billion dollar rail project in Liberia. Details and the letter are inside.
How does the NDAA version of outbound differ from the OISP?
As we reported last week, new outbound investment restrictions have officially been enshrined in the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act. But how do the changes differ from the Treasury Department’s Outbound Investment Security Program? Details inside.
Outbound foreign investment restrictions get included in NDAA
House and Senate leaders have finalized wording that would embed outbound investment restrictions in the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act conference report; we noted in October that this was likely. But some experts say the move may now conflict with the Administration’s position on China.
Rep. wants CFIUS to probe Chinese control of medical device startup
According to reports, a medical-device startup in Minnesota is being sabotaged by a Chinese investor seeking to take control of the company. Now a Congressional leader wants CFIUS to take a closer look. But is national security at stake, or just economic interests? Details and the letter are inside.
Third-party monitor, auditor backs “nine recommendations” on CFIUS
A few weeks ago, we covered a report authored by a group of national security experts that offered a number of recommendations for improving CFIUS processes. Now a third-party monitor and auditor has stepped forward to provide additional color on “vague” NSAs and a “monitoring maze.”
Trailer parks and B-2 bombers: A new proximity issue for CFIUS?
This may be the first CFIUS matter we’ve seen that involves a trailer park. A Missouri Congressman is urging the Committee to review several China-linked shell companies that allegedly purchased a mobile-home community adjacent to Whiteman Air Force Base, home to the B-2 Stealth Bomber.
China’s foreign lending portfolio is “vastly larger” than expected
A new report shines a first-ever spotlight on China’s opaque lending and grant-giving activity, tracking more than 30,000 projects in 179 countries. According to the report, China’s use of exotic credit instruments and shell companies has rendered much of its portfolio invisible. Details, report inside.
Nine recommendations for fixing CFIUS efficiency; “ripe for reform”
It’s been seven years since FIRRMA was signed, and a group of national security experts says there is now enough data on “friction points” to make some very specific recommendations for improving CFIUS processes, making it more effective and efficient. Details, recommendation, and related report inside.
Impact of the shutdown: What happened, what’s next for CFIUS?
According to a survey conducted during the shutdown, the vast majority of transaction parties (90.9%) experienced significant or moderate delays with CFIUS, and many (72.8%) received no or limited communications from the Committee. With the shutdown now over, will the floodgates open?
Understanding where U.S. and EU policies diverge on China matters
A new report from a nonpartisan think tank has mapped out where the U.S. and European Union diverge on policies related to China. While the U.S. and Europe were largely aligned during and after the Cold War, the EU “has fallen behind the U.S. shift from engagement to balancing.” Details inside.
Outbound review is six months late, and Senators want to know why
Five U.S. Senators have written a letter to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent requesting a detailed update on the outbound investment screening program. A Presidentially ordered review of the program, complete with recommendations for changes, was due on April 1, and the Senators want answers.
Survey: How is the government shutdown impacting CFIUS, deals?
As the shutdown advances past 35 days, we’re conducting a quick survey of readers to gauge the impact. How has the government shutdown affected your pending CFIUS filings or transactions? Have you received any communication from CFIUS or Treasury staff regarding delays? Respond inside.
FCC approves new rule regarding “untrustworthy gear” from China
As expected, the Federal Communications Commission approved a rule that would close loopholes in the FCC’s Covered List, prohibiting certain devices that might have been previously authorized. The new rule also applies to covered parts in authorized devices. Details, rule inside.
Gotion update: Michigan terminates plan for controversial battery plant
The state of Michigan has allegedly pulled the plug on a proposed $2.4 billion factory that would have produced battery parts for electric vehicles. The controversial plant, proposed more than two years ago, involved Gotion, a company that has ties to the Chinese Communist Party. Details inside.
Congressional leaders want details on Saudi bid for Electronic Arts
As we predicted three weeks ago, two U.S. Senators have “sounded the alarm” on the acquisition of gaming company Electronic Arts by a group that includes Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund. The Senators argue the deal has serious national security implications. Details, letter, related report inside.
Should CFIUS review “Chinese land grab” for wildfire-ravaged land?
A Florida Senator is urging CFIUS to review reports that Chinese investors are taking advantage of the recent California wildfires to buy land. According to a letter to the Treasury Secretary, the Chinese are attempting “to infiltrate our nation at the expense of wildfire victims and our national security.”
EU investment screening report shows M&A, greenfields down in ’24
Last week, the European Union published its fifth annual report on foreign investment screening. Member states notified 477 investments into the FDI mechanism; the vast majority (92%) were closed within two weeks. Only 8% required in-depth security risk assessment. Details, report inside.
Senate passes bipartisan outbound amendment to NDAA for FY2026
Last week, the Senate passed an amendment to the fiscal year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act that addresses outbound investments in China and other matters. The bill, which we covered back in March, is one of many efforts to strengthen and enshrine the outbound investment security program.
Foreign investment “restrictiveness index” on global policies updated
An international organization that promotes policies to improve economic growth has updated its FDI restrictiveness index, which compares policies across more than 100 economies. The report notes that FDI restrictions have eased over time, but the pace of liberalization is slowing down. Details, report inside.