The U.S. Treasury Department has proposed broader restrictions on American investments in sensitive technologies abroad. The plan targets China, including Hong Kong and Macau, as well as Russia, Cuba, Iran and North Korea. Its goal is to prevent American money from supporting technologies that could threaten U.S. national security or strengthen foreign military capabilities.
The proposal covers areas including computer chips, artificial intelligence and biotechnology, which uses living things to develop technologies. Some investments would be banned, while others would have to be reported to Treasury. The restrictions would apply only to investments above $50,000. Many financial investments, including stock purchases, would be excluded.
The program began in 2023, when then-President Joe Biden restricted certain investments in Chinese chips, quantum computing and AI. Congress expanded it through a law passed in its 2026 defense bill. The new proposal would put that law into practice by extending the program to additional technologies and countries.
The draft is scheduled for publication in the Federal Register on October 26, with written comments due December 7. Final regulations will establish when the changes take effect. China criticized the proposal, arguing that Washington should not interfere with normal business cooperation. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said China would monitor developments and take necessary steps to protect its interests.
