While federal rhetoric remains icy, individual U.S. states are rolling out red carpets for Chinese companies—offering tax breaks, land grants, and labor incentives to attract foreign investment.
Georgia, Texas, and Ohio have each hosted trade missions with Chinese firms, eyeing job creation and economic growth. State leaders argue that local benefits outweigh national tensions—especially when the investments lead to new plants, R&D centers, and infrastructure upgrades.
This patchwork diplomacy reveals a striking contrast between federal caution and state-level ambition. “We care about jobs, not geopolitics,” said one Georgia economic development official.
Some lawmakers push back, citing national security. But with budgets tight and voters focused on employment, governors are betting that cooperation with China can be both profitable and popular.
