Mnuchin seeks greater scrutiny of Chinese investments in US

Washington

THE US Treasury Department wants to include China among a proposed group of hostile nations whose companies would undergo extra scrutiny for national security risks if they seek to buy stakes in American corporations, according to an administration official.

Russian, Iranian and North Korean firms would also be subject to more extensive review by a panel called the Committee on Foreign Investments in the United States (CFIUS) if they seek to merge, acquire or participate in joint ventures with American companies, said the official, who requested anonymity because the proposal isn't final.

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin is pursuing the changes to sharpen the panel's national security focus and he has discussed the approach with members of Congress, and Senator John Co…