Conservative sentiments among residents of U.S. counties are associated with a lower probability of successful completion of local business acquisition transactions by Chinese investors. The authors of the study published in the Journal of International Business Studies came to this conclusion. Accordingto them, the outcome of the transactions is affected not only by the decisions of the authorities and the international situation, but also by the political views of the residents of the territories where the acquisition companies operate. The researchers analyzed 267 acquisition transactions of American companies initiated by 173 Chinese public companies between 2002 and 2021. They examined how the political preferences of residents of American Districts related to the likelihood of completing such transactions. To assess conservative sentiment, the authors used the share of votes cast for Republican candidates in the presidential election. It turned out that in districts with a more conservative electorate, Chinese companies rarely made gains to the end. Accordingto the researchers, a single standard deviation of the retention rate was associated with a decrease of approximately 62%to 42% of the transaction completion probability. Thus, the difference was about 20 percentage points. This reliance has been particularly pronounced in sectors under the strict scrutiny of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS). This interagency body reviews some foreign investmentsin terms of potential national security threats. Political concerns about Chinese capital in such areas may intensify resistance to transactions. Researchers simultaneously found a more pronounced link between conservative sentiment and unfinished gains in districts with high unemployment rates. They believe that economic instability can exacerbate local concerns about foreign investment. The work is dedicated to an issue that is becoming increasingly important in the wake of escalating geopolitical competition. Tariffs, sanctions, investment restrictions, and tensions between states create additional barriers to international business. At the same time, as the authors point out, the impact of national policies on the performance of transnational companies is better explored than the role of political views in local communities. The survey results can help companies consider potential barriers while still planning cross-border transactions. In addition to legal requirements and the political situation, investors should also assess the economic conditions of specific areas and the mood of residents. The authors also emphasize the importance of trust between companies and local communities. Open awareness of investor programs, partnerships with local organizations, and job creation can help reduce concerns and strengthen resident relationships.