China has been in the focus of global business and economy. Dubbed the factory of the world, and the largest consumer market for the 21st century, China made a rapid and dramatic growth over the last two decades. This dynamic growth has been led in part by massive direct investment by foreign firms in anticipation of further growth. Knowing their contribution to development, the Chinese government welcomed them.

A slew of antitrust cases against foreign firms in China over the past year, China’s recent moves to institute new rules relating to cybersecurity, national security investment reviews, and banking IT, and Chinese media statements have raised substantial concerns among foreign businesses. Simply put they are wondering whether they remain welcome. In his presentation, Dr. Blanchard will cover China’s post-1978 opening to foreign direct investment (FDI) and its causes, foreign investment trends in the post-WTO era, and current FDI developments and their implications. He also will discuss what possible stance he thinks China will adopt towards FDI in the future.