Here are 13 major U.S. companies under Chinese ownership

Over the past decade, Chinese firms have acquired several high-profile American companies, marking a notable shift in global business dynamics. From food processing leaders like Smithfield Foods to luxury hotel chains such as the Waldorf Astoria, these purchases highlight growing Chinese investment in strategic U.S. industries.

Tech innovators, automakers, and entertainment firms have also seen Chinese buyouts, sparking debates over economic influence and national security. While these businesses continue to operate on American soil, their foreign ownership raises questions about intellectual property, strategic control, and long-term implications.

The trend reflects broader global investment flows and underscores the interconnectedness of modern economies. As familiar U.S. brands come under foreign control, the lines between national identity and global ownership continue to blur in the evolving economic landscape.

Here are 13 major U.S. companies under Chinese ownership, compiled by AOL.

1. Smithfield Foods

In 2013, WH Group, previously known as Shuanghui International, acquired Smithfield Foods for $4.7 billion. The deal included over 146,000 acres of farmland in the United States. While the company’s operations remain in Virginia, full ownership now belongs to China.

2. GE Appliances

Haier Group, a Chinese appliance manufacturer, purchased GE Appliances in 2016 for $5.4 billion. Though the brand still operates within the U.S., the acquisition shifted control to China. The deal was part of Haier’s plan to strengthen its global position in the home appliance market.

3. Motorola Mobility

Once a pioneer in the mobile phone industry, Motorola Mobility was bought by Lenovo in 2014 for $2.91 billion. Lenovo, a leading Chinese tech company, gained access to Motorola’s innovations and patents, helping it expand into the global smartphone industry.

4. Nexteer Automotive

In 2010, Nexteer Automotive, based in Michigan, was taken over by a subsidiary of AVIC, a state-owned Chinese firm. The company continues to supply steering systems to major U.S. automakers, but is now backed by the Chinese government.

5. Waldorf Astoria

The Waldorf Astoria, a well-known hotel in New York, was bought by Anbang Insurance Group in 2014 for nearly $2 billion. Though it still operates in the U.S., ownership has moved overseas, sparking public conversations about foreign investment in landmark properties.

6. Strategic Hotels & Resorts

Anbang expanded its U.S. portfolio in 2016 with a $6.5 billion acquisition of Strategic Hotels & Resorts. Following regulatory intervention in China, control of these assets was transferred to Chinese authorities.

7. Cirrus Aircraft

Minnesota-based Cirrus Aircraft, a maker of private planes, was acquired by AVIC in 2011. The purchase gave China entry into the American general aviation market, which had been challenging for Chinese firms to access directly.

8. Henniges Automotive

In 2015, Henniges Automotive was jointly acquired by AVIC and BHR Partners. The company develops seals, dampers, and insulation technologies used in vehicles and defence-related products. The deal raised attention due to its technical implications and political ties.

9. 245 Park Avenue

Chinese conglomerate HNA Group purchased 245 Park Avenue in New York in 2017 for $2.21 billion. At the time, it was one of the highest-value commercial property transactions in the city. HNA later faced financial issues, leading to asset sales, but the purchase marked a high point in Chinese investment in U.S. real estate.

10. Hytera Communications

Hytera Communications, which operates in the U.S., has been indicted in 2025 for alleged involvement in trade secret theft from Motorola. Despite legal battles, the company still maintains a presence in the American communications equipment market.

11. Inspur Group

Inspur provides cloud infrastructure and artificial intelligence solutions globally. Due to its ties with China’s military-industrial sector, it was added to a U.S. government blacklist in 2023. Despite this, Inspur continues to impact international markets, including within the U.S.

12. Riot Games

Tencent, China’s largest tech company, gained full ownership of Riot Games in 2015. Riot, the developer of League of Legends, had earlier accepted a majority investment from Tencent in 2011. The company still operates in the U.S., but strategic decisions are now influenced by its parent company.

13. Karma Automotive

After electric vehicle firm Fisker went bankrupt, China’s Wanxiang Group acquired its assets in 2014 and rebranded it as Karma Automotive. Based in California, Karma now develops luxury electric vehicles with financial backing from China.