Economy

S. Korea's Plan to Address U.S. Investment Restrictions on China

Published October 29, 2024

SEOUL, Oct. 29 -- South Korea is preparing to respond to the United States' new restrictions on investments in strategic technology sectors in China. The South Korean government believes that these rules will have a limited direct impact on its economy, but it will closely monitor the situation and develop appropriate measures if needed.

On Monday, the U.S. Treasury Department announced final regulations that will restrict American investments in areas such as artificial intelligence and semiconductors in China, which will take effect on January 2, 2025. The U.S. government cites national security concerns as the primary reason for these restrictions.

The South Korean Ministry of Finance stated, "Given the specifics of the new regulations, we expect their immediate effect on our economy to be minimal. However, we will continue to engage with industry experts and businesses and conduct a thorough analysis of any potential impacts. Our government is committed to actively seeking appropriate responses to these developments."

The new investment restrictions specifically target U.S. individuals and entities. The U.S. government has identified China, including the special administrative regions of Hong Kong and Macao, as "a country of concern" in relation to these measures.

This regulatory move underscores the ongoing technological rivalry between the United States and China, which has significant implications not only for these two countries but also for allied nations such as South Korea.

In conclusion, while South Korean officials believe the immediate impact will be slight, they are determined to engage with local businesses to ensure they are prepared for any future changes in the investment landscape.

SouthKorea, Investments, Technology