Chinese companies eyeing expansion in the United States are facing significant challenges in filling jobs due to a hostile political climate. Midea, a major appliance manufacturer, recently hosted a recruitment event at MIT, where nearly 100 applicants expressed concerns about the political environment for Chinese firms in the US. Midea's US revenue has seen remarkable growth, jumping from under $100 million in 2015 to over $1 billion in 2021. The company plans to increase its workforce in New Jersey by 20% and expand its research and development facility in Kentucky, adding 110 new jobs. However, other firms, like REPT Battero, are experiencing sluggish hiring, with plans to grow their staff from 10 to 30 employees. A survey indicated that over 90% of 100 mainland enterprises operating in the US view the political relations between the two countries as a significant challenge. This sentiment is reflected in the declining employment figures, with US jobs at Chinese firms dropping from 229,000 in 2017 to 140,000 in 2022. Members of the US Congress have voiced opposition to Chinese companies, citing national security risks as a primary concern. This backdrop of political tension complicates the landscape for Chinese firms attempting to establish a foothold in the US market. [5cc53420]