1、 https:/crsreports.congress.gov Updated January 12, 2018A U.S.-China Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT): Issues and ImplicationsOver the past three decades, U.S.-China commercial ties have expanded significantly. In 2017, China was the United States largest trading partner (with total merchandise tra
2、de estimated at $633 billion), while the United States was Chinas largest trading partner. Yet the level of bilateral foreign direct investment (FDI), while growing, is relatively small. In 2008, the United States and China launched negotiations for a bilateral investment treaty (BIT), an agreement
3、that typically contains provisions to encourage and provide reciprocal investment protections in order to enhance bilateral commercial ties. In 2013, China agreed to negotiate a “high standard” BIT with the United States, which would include opening new sectors to FDI and generally treating U.S.-inv
4、ested firms in China the same as Chinese firms. The two sides were unable to reach an agreement by the end of the Obama Administrations term, and the Trump Administration has not shown interest in restarting the talks. Many analysts contend that a BIT could significantly boost bilateral FDI and trad