In recent years, several of the most recognized companies in the United States have come under the ownership of Chinese firms, transforming the global business landscape.
According to Work and Money, these acquisitions span key sectors such as the food industry, technology, automotive, and the real estate market, reflecting the extent of Chinese influence in the U.S. corporate sphere.
One of the most notable cases occurred in 2013, when WH Group, formerly known as Shuanghui International, acquired Smithfield Foods for $4.7 billion.
This deal, considered one of the largest in the history of the U.S. food industry, included over 59,000 hectares of farmland in the country. While Smithfield Foods’ headquarters remains in Virginia, the company is now entirely owned by Chinese capital.
In the appliance sector, Haier Group, a Chinese multinational, purchased GE Appliances in 2016 for $5.4 billion.
While the brand and manufacturing plants continue to operate in the United States, full control of the company shifted to China.
This move was part of Haier’s strategy to consolidate its position as a leader in the global appliance market.
The technology industry has also seen significant acquisitions. In 2014, Lenovo, China’s largest personal computer manufacturer, completed the purchase of Motorola Mobility from Google for $2.91 billion.
This deal allowed Lenovo to access decades of technological innovation developed in the United States and position itself in the competitive global smartphone market.
In the automotive sector, Nexteer Automotive, a Michigan-based company specializing in automotive steering systems, came under the ownership of AVIC, a Chinese state-owned corporation, in 2010.
While U.S. automakers continue to rely on Nexteer, they now deal with a company backed by the Chinese government.
The real estate sector has also been the target of major Chinese investments. In 2014, the iconic Waldorf Astoria hotel in New York was acquired by Anbang Insurance Group for nearly $2 billion.
This historic symbol of American luxury now operates under Chinese control, sparking debates over foreign ownership of landmark properties.
Additionally, in 2016, Anbang expanded its portfolio by acquiring Strategic Hotels & Resorts for $6.5 billion.
However, when Anbang was taken over by Chinese regulators, control of these assets passed to the Chinese government.
In the aviation sector, Cirrus Aircraft, a Minnesota-based company known for manufacturing high-end private planes, was acquired by AVIC in 2011. This purchase allowed the Chinese corporation to enter the U.S. general aviation market, a sector it had previously struggled to penetrate.
Another acquisition that drew attention was that of Henniges Automotive in 2015, a company specializing in sealing systems, vibration damping, and insulation.
The purchase was made jointly by AVIC and the private equity firm BHR Partners, which raised scrutiny due to potential technological implications in military and automotive sectors.
In the luxury real estate market, HNA Group acquired a Manhattan skyscraper in 2017 for $2.21 billion, marking one of the most expensive commercial real estate deals in New York.
Although HNA later faced financial troubles and began selling off assets, this purchase symbolized the surge of Chinese investments in U.S. properties.
These acquisitions reflect how Chinese companies have expanded their influence in key sectors of the U.S. economy, solidifying their presence in the global market.
This trend underscores the growing interconnection between the economies of both countries, though it has also sparked debates over the implications of foreign ownership in strategic industries.
Image: Infobae
