US Treasury proposes a rule to crack down on high-tech investments in China, other adversaries

What happened: The U.S. Treasury Department proposed a rule to restrict American high-tech investments in China, Russia, North Korea and other "countries of concern," covering areas such as supercomputing and artificial intelligence. Key numbers: The rule would apply only to investments exceeding $50,000. Why it matters: Treasury will take public comments before issuing a final rule. A former U.S. trade official said the proposal is the first step in a long process expected to become more enforcement-minded.

The U.S. Treasury Department proposed a rule to restrict American high-tech investments in China, Russia, North Korea and other "countries of concern," covering areas such as supercomputing and artificial intelligence.

Treasury will take public comments before issuing a final rule. A former U.S. trade official said the proposal is the first step in a long process expected to become more enforcement-minded.