China slams US investment curbs, vowing to protect its legitimate rights and interests

China responded on Saturday to the US's announcement of new restrictions on bilateral investments, vowing to take "necessary measures" to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests.

A spokesperson for China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) condemned as discriminatory the US's "America First" investment policy memo which seeks to further limit Chinese investment in the US and American investment in China.

The spokesperson accused Washington of broadening the concept of national security in a discriminatory manner and implementing non-market policies that disrupt normal economic and trade relations between the two countries.

"These moves will severely damage Chinese companies' confidence in investing in the US,” the spokesperson said. “We urge the US to provide a fair, transparent, and predictable business environment for Chinese investors."

The Chinese government has also criticized the US for imposing additional restrictions on American investments in China, calling the decision "unreasonable" and warning that it could distort bilateral trade and investment flows, ultimately harming US interests. Industry groups and American businesses have already raised concerns that such policies could drive US firms out of the Chinese market in favor of global competitors, according to the MOFCOM.

China has called on the US to adhere to international trade and investment rules, avoid politicizing economic issues, and respect market principles. The MOFCOM reiterated that China would closely monitor the situation and take all necessary steps to protect its legitimate economic rights and interests.