Cisco

China’s recently issued Guideline regarding its economy contains numerous favorable, albeit general, offerings for foreign direct investment (FDI). To retaliate against United States (US) exports controls against Huawei, China readies itself to add US companies to an “unreliable entity list” which may subject them to various sanctions. US Chamber of Commerce decries potentially excessive measures by US government to move supply chains away from China. United Kingdom looks to reduce Huawei involvement in its 5G network with Huawei potentially being removed from all telecommunications infrastructure by 2023. Chinese contractors plan to make substantial progress on Indonesia’s Jakarta-Bandung high-speed rail over the balance of 2020. US pressure influences Israel to reject Hong Kong firm’s bid on strategically located, large-scale desalination plant. Japan categorizes firms into three groups as part of its effort to clarify what review processes apply to FDI pursuant to its Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act. New Japanese law requires technology companies operating e-commerce websites and apps to submit annual reports, notifications of contract changes, and establish complaint processes. In quest for supply chain resiliency, Japan will provide subsides to encourage Japanese firms to return to Japan or move to Southeast Asia. Realized inward FDI into Korea in the first quarter 2020 plunges over similar period last year due to shorter worker hours, higher minimum wages, and other factors. South Korean parliament passes legislation that likely forces content providers to share network costs with local internet service providers. US support for the Economic Prosperity Network raises fears among Korean companies they will be pushed to shift FDI to the US. Korean firm to make huge investment in UAE pipeline as part of its consortium’s winning bid.

Cisco says it will give its source code to no one while seeking a “win-win” arrangement with China. Chinese media report that Google has set up a shell company in the Shanghai Free Trade Zone. Chinese Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) official says that the government will work to facilitate greater outward investment by Chinese firms. Chinese nuclear firms radiate over opportunities presented by China’s Silk Road Economic Belt and 21st Century Maritime Silk Road Initiative. Taiwan struggles to set policy regarding mainland Chinese investment in its chip sector. Chinese firms look to expand abroad to escape limits on their ability to test and sell GMO crops at home. Following the China-Africa summit, Chinese firm wins new railway deals with Kenya. Japan to sign major high-speed rail contract with India. Japanese firms will participate in Brazil urban rail projects. Korean Finance Ministry will create a major fund to support Korean businesses in China. Samsung Engineering scores major petrochemical project awards from Petronas. Nestle acknowledges some working in its Thai seafood supply chain are treated like modern-day slaves. Former Malaysian (Sabah) Chief Minister believes government can create the conditions facilitating a Chinese firm building a bridge connecting Labuan and Sabah. China Railway Engineering Corp. makes investment in Malaysia to lay a possible foundation for bidding on a high-speed rail link between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.

Foreign direct investment (FDI) in China in May increases by 7.8 percent year-over-year (YOY). New York Times expects Chinese leaders to take heed of foreign business opposition to proposed restrictive Chinese policy measures. Cisco touts plan to invest US $10 billion in China to fund innovation, equity investment, and research and development. China’s National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) may turn its attention to cases similar to Qualcomm where there is suspect abuse of intellectual property rights (IPR). China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology expands opportunities for foreign investors in e-commerce sector. Stabilized bilateral political relations prop up Japanese FDI in China while China’s less appealing economic prospects and labor issues spur a decline. China’s outward FDI continues to surge with massive increases in Chinese FDI in the EU. Australian government touts investment benefits of recently signed China-Australia Free Trade Agreement

China’s draft counterterrorism law raises substantial concern among foreign companies. Foreign technology firms struggle to determine best way to defend their interests in China. Deputy Commissioner of State Intellectual Property Office (SIPO) asserts China’s intellectual property laws are not used to discriminate against foreign technology businesses. Premier Li Keqiang proclaims China will significantly revise Foreign Investment Catalog to reduce foreign investment restrictions. American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai report indicates costs and operating challenges most concern foreign firms in China. Alibaba confronts penalties in Taiwan. Connecticut’s Attorney General investigates Lenovo’s pre-loading of Superfish software. Japan works to limit the power of Google. Japan moves to facilitate foreign investment with one-stop office. South Korean business and government leaders push multi-dimensional opportunities between the two countries. POSCO partners with Saudi Arabia sovereign wealth fund about possible automobile joint venture in Saudi Arabia.