Introduction
In August 2022, the UK government, under the National Security and Investment Act 2021 (NSIA), blocked two deals involving Chinese companies:
1. Beijing Infinite Vision Technology Company Ltd. was prevented from licensing visionsensing technology from the University of Manchester due to concerns over potential military applications.
2. Super Orange HK Holding Ltd, a Hong Kong-incorporated entity, was blocked from acquiring Pulsic Ltd., a UK electronic design automation company, over similar national security concerns. Super Orange HK is reported to be controlled by a Shanghai based entity which has Chinese state backing and develops chip design software.
These actions reflect the UK’s cautious stance on foreign acquisitions involving sensitive technologies.