Overseas investors to be given wider access
Updated: 2015-02-06 07:56
By Liu Hui(China Daily)
|
|||||||||
More importantly, the draft introduces a "new normal" in the market, that is, zero tolerance for violation of rules such as those to illegally acquire super-national treatment. If passed, the draft will bring to an end the variable interest entity, or VIE, which allows foreign investors to bypass the Chinese government's restrictions on foreign ownership of businesses in certain sectors. But on the whole, investors will face fewer restrictions.
Also, a draft joint ministerial mechanism to conduct security reviews on foreign investment conforms to international practice. Unlike many countries, China has not had a foolproof reviewing system to protect its security. In fact, it has a weak link in China's overseas capital management since it launched the reform and opening-up in the late 1970s.
For instance, facing increasing non-traditional security threats, including environmental pollution and cyberattacks, China has struggled to prevent hostile overseas takeovers of domestic enterprises because of its flawed security review mechanism. And many Chinese companies have become victims of Western trade protectionism measures over the past decades because of lack of a proactive domestic review mechanism.
Therefore, it is more than necessary to establish a ministerial mechanism to mitigate (rather eliminate) foreign investments that have the potential to undermine China's national security. According to the draft law, foreign investors will have to gain security clearance from the government for latent security dangers, and those rejected will not be allowed to appeal against the decision.
More such improvements in the law, which the draft promises, will better protect China's national security and make it significantly more competent in the global economic game.
The author is a researcher on American studies with the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.
- Global health entering new era: WHO chief
- Brazil's planning minister steps aside after recordings revelation
- Vietnam, US adopt joint statement on advancing comprehensive partnership
- European border closures 'inhumane': UN refugee agency
- Japan's foreign minister calls A-bombings extremely regrettable
- Fukushima impact unprecedented for oceans: US expert
- Stars of Lijiang River: Elderly brothers with white beards
- Wealthy Chinese children paying money to learn British manners
- Military-style wedding: Fighter jets, grooms in dashing uniforms
- Striking photos around the world: May 16 - May 22
- Robots help elderly in nursing home in east China
- Hanging in the air: Chongqing holds rescue drill
- 2.1-ton tofu finishes in two hours in central China
- Six things you may not know about Grain Buds
Most Viewed
Editor's Picks
Anti-graft campaign targets poverty relief |
Cherry blossom signal arrival of spring |
In pictures: Destroying fake and shoddy products |
China's southernmost city to plant 500,000 trees |
Cavers make rare finds in Guangxi expedition |
Cutting hair for Longtaitou Festival |
Today's Top News
Liang avoids jail in shooting death
China's finance minister addresses ratings downgrade
Duke alumni visit Chinese Embassy
Marriott unlikely to top Anbang offer for Starwood: Observers
Chinese biopharma debuts on Nasdaq
What ends Jeb Bush's White House hopes
Investigation for Nicolas's campaign
Will US-ASEAN meeting be good for region?
US Weekly
Geared to go |
The place to be |