A group of individual investors with strong ties to Chinese companies wants to buy into the Cleveland Cavaliers. This isn’t the first or the largest Chinese investment in the U.S. but it could be an important signal.
Up till now, Chinese investment here has been dominated by large state-owned companies interested in finance and technology. The offer for part of the Cavs is quite different and may herald a new, much broader Chinese spending pattern. There’s certainly enough money on the other side of the Pacific – the PRC’s government holds upward of $2 trillion in foreign currency and the number of Chinese millionaires has skyrocketed.
Some of this money is going to be welcomed, for example if it helps Cleveland afford to keep Lebron James. But other acquisitions may spark worry that China is taking control of important American assets, as was the concern with Japanese investment in the 1980’s.
The basic rule of thumb in these cases is not to worry: foreign investors face a disadvantage in location, language, and understanding laws. Domestic investors get the best deals and the best terms. One serious objection to Chinese behavior, though, is that it isn’t transparent – the Chinese are generally not forthcoming about how they are spending.
For that reason, the Heritage Foundation tracks large Chinese investments around the world – where, what, and how much. As Chinese money inevitably plays a larger role here, discussion of the issue must be based on actual facts about Chinese behavior.
Not to worry? With the way things are going, this is another set-up.
"Not to worry" is meagre solace. The Chinese have practically bought Africa and pulling the rug from under the US right next door in the Caribbean. We response looking for a bit more proactive response.
Don't invest into the CAV's , Orlando is going to win the play offs against them. Invest into LeBron James.
Go Cavs, you can beat the Magic. I want to see the Nuggets and the cavs in the big game.