Economists have warned Beijing might target service industries such as engineering or logistics, in which the United States runs a trade surplus with China. China is putting off accepting license applications from US companies due to the ongoing tariff battle between China and the US , according to Jacob Parker , vice president for China operations of the US - China Business Council ( USCBC ) . China had previously earmarked financial services and other industries as open to foreign investment . This marks the first public warning that access to China and its markets might be disrupted . Parker revealed that Chinese cabinet - level officials had said they were putting off applications " until the trajectory of the US - China relationship improves and stabilises . "
China is putting off accepting license applications from US companies due to the ongoing tariff battle between China and the US , according to Jacob Parker , vice president for China operations of the US - China Business Council ( USCBC ) . China had previously earmarked financial services and other industries as open to foreign investment . This marks the first public warning that access to China and its markets might be disrupted . Parker revealed that Chinese cabinet - level officials had said they were putting off applications " until the trajectory of the US - China relationship improves and stabilises . "