Executive Order 13959 · 2020-11-17

Addressing the Threat From Securities Investments That Finance Communist Chinese Military Companies

Bans U.S. Investments in Certain Chinese Military-Linked Companies

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Signed by Donald Trump
Published 2020-11-17

What it does

Agencies must prohibit U.S. persons from transacting in securities of identified Chinese military-linked companies and issue rules and licenses to enforce the ban.

Real-world impact

  • Bars U.S. investors from buying stocks or related securities of listed firms.
  • Requires U.S. holders to divest holdings within specified divestment deadlines.
  • Gives the Treasury power to issue rules, licenses, and enforcement actions.

Topics

investment restrictionsChina policynational securityfinancial markets

Summary

This order bans U.S. investments in companies the government identifies as supporting China's military. It declares a national emergency because those companies use U.S. capital to help build China's military and intelligence capabilities.

It affects U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and U.S.-based companies by prohibiting purchases of publicly traded securities of listed firms starting January 11, 2021, and for newly listed firms after a 60-day notice, while allowing limited time periods to divest existing holdings.

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