China

This policy brief examines whether China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is primarily building new infrastructure through greenfield investments (where a company starts a new operation from the ground up) or acquiring existing assets through mergers and acquisitions (M&As). Analyzing outward foreign direct investment data from 2005 to 2021, Valderrey, Trigos, and Kaltenecker reveal that M&A is the dominant entry mode for most significant projects, challenging the widespread perception of the BRI as primarily a series of greenfield investments from Chinese enterprises. While energy investment policy remained remarkably steady over the entire period, the finance and transportation sectors experienced significant fluctuations, particularly following the formal announcement of the BRI in 2013. For managers and policy makers in emerging market, these findings suggest that Chinese engagement often involves shifting ownership of existing local assets, requiring sharpened skills in legal, cultural, and environmental negotiations to ensure mutual benefit.

In China, NGOs often collaborate with multinational companies to promote sustainability among their suppliers. This “two-step influence model” allows NGOs to indirectly influence local firms. The success of these collaborations depends on alignment with government priorities, with stronger impacts where the environment is a lower priority. Multinationals benefit from local knowledge and networks through these partnerships but must carefully manage trust and expectations.

Economists have long predicted the rise of Asia as a powerhouse in the global economy. Transitioning from its initial role primarily as a low-cost manufacturing center for the West, Asia has recently shifted towards innovation, establishing itself as a leader that challenges old stereotypes.

In China, NGOs often collaborate with multinational companies to promote sustainability among their suppliers. This “two-step influence model” allows NGOs to indirectly influence local firms. The success of these collaborations depends on alignment with government priorities, with stronger impacts where the environment is a lower priority. Multinationals benefit from local knowledge and networks through these partnerships but must carefully manage trust and expectations.

The order isn't of immediate concern, but there could be long-term consequences, since routers used in the U.S. are primarily foreign-made, says CEM Faculty Fellow George Yip

A mounting trade war between the U.S. and China could soon be hitting Americans' wallets when it comes to several products.