Washington proposes broader restrictions on technology investments

The U.S. Treasury presented a proposal on October 22 to expand oversight of certain outbound investments. It would require notifications for some transactions and prohibit others on national-security grounds. [1]

The technologies covered

Covered sectors include semiconductors, artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, hypersonic systems and advanced computing. Treasury also proposes adding biotechnology. [1]

A defined scope

AP reports that the measure would expand the countries covered beyond China, including Russia, Iran and North Korea. Exclusions remain for many financial investments, including stock purchases. [2]

A proposal still to be finalized

According to AP, Beijing challenges the expanded national-security rationale, while specialists anticipate greater compliance obligations. Treasury will collect comments before issuing a final rule setting its effective date. [2]