Germany tightens checks on foreign investment plans The German government is tightening rules on foreign investments in some sectors, including the media, to lower the threshold at which it can consider blocking such plans

BERLIN -- The German government is tightening rules on foreign investments in some sectors, including the media, to lower the threshold at which it can consider blocking such plans.

The new rules were approved by the Cabinet on Wednesday. Authorities will be able to launch an investigation of whether an investor from outside the European Union can go ahead with an investment if the planned stake is 10 percent or higher, rather than 25 percent at present.

In part, the move reflects increasing concern about Chinese investors. The change will apply to companies in areas such as the defense and telecommunications sectors, as well energy and water supply.

Economy Minister Peter Altmaier said such companies "are of paramount importance for our lives. That also goes for the media sector."