Business group warns China boycotts spooking investors

BEIJING (AP) — An American business group has warned that government-instigated consumer boycotts of foreign shoe, clothing and other brands in China are making companies less willing to invest. The American Chamber of Commerce in China said companies also are put off by Beijing’s plan for a list of “unreliable entities” that might be punished for actions deemed to run counter to Chinese interests. The report reflects unease among American and other foreign companies about the impact of economic and strategic tensions between Beijing and their home countries. Brands including H&M, Adidas and Nike were targeted with demands for consumer boycotts after state media criticized them for expressing concern about reports of possible forced labor.