In the face of a sharp economic slowdown, Chinese companies are investing in U.S. assets at a record pace, betting on energy, aviation, entertainment and other sectors of the U.S. economy.

Despite American public anxiety over national security threats and loss of technology, Chinese investment continues to grow, reaching $8 billion this year. This figure does not include purchases of U.S. bonds, private real estate purchases and many small acquisitions.
Taking advantage of falling real estate prices in the United States and the shortage of cash for many firms in the West, the Chinese saw a golden opportunity to get their hands on high-tech know-how by rummaging through the annals of rich countries.
Natural resources remain a major target for the Chinese, who prowl the world in search of oil and minerals to fuel industry. In April, China Petrochemical Corp, also known as Sinopec, bought a third stake in Oklahoma City's Devon Energy Corporation for $2.5 billion.
Just this month, Chinese auto giant Wanxiang Group Corp. announced plans to acquire a world-class controlling stake in battery manufacturer and developer A123 Systems, Inc. Massachusetts.
This year, China's Dalian Wanda Group, a diversified corporation, paid off $2.6 billion in debts to AMC Entertainment, which owns one of the largest movie theater chains in North America. The deal gives the Chinese an opportunity to gain a foothold and experience in the U.S. entertainment industry.
China is also making progress in direct investment. Plastic bag manufacturer Uniscite Inc. in Shanxi Province has announced that it will build a new plant in Laurens County, South Carolina, this year. South Carolina to produce packaging products for the food industry. Companies such as Uniscite are now active in U.S. state and local governments, many of which have offices or representations in China.
"The Chinese government has given the green light to invest overseas, which will secure assets that will help Chinese businesses thrive in the long term," said David Wolf, head of the Wolf Group, a Beijing-based consulting firm.
But this development worries some officials in Washington, who fear that the United States is selling valuable assets to the Chinese, at the expense of American jobs.

Based on foreign press for ForTrader.org