China's Foreign Investment Deficit Reflects Western Pressure for Risk Reduction

China has recorded its first-ever quarterly deficit in foreign direct investment (FDI), with direct investment liabilities reaching a deficit of $11.8 billion during the July-September period. This deficit reflects the challenges Beijing faces in attracting overseas companies amid Western governments' "de-risking" moves and growing geopolitical tensions. Factors such as multinational companies repatriating earnings and interest rate differentials between China and developed countries have contributed to the decline in China's inward FDI. The deficit in FDI, along with other economic pressures, is expected to prompt a strategic response from Chinese authorities, including interventions to support the currency and curb yuan selling.