China's billionare warns Trump curbs could cost thousands of jobs

Wang Jianlin, chairman of the Wanda Group, speaks during an interview in Beijing, China, August 23, 2016.  [Photo/Agencies]

China's richest man Wang Jianlin has sent a warning to Donald Trump, saying curbs on Chinese investment in US will cost thousands of jobs.

"I've invested over $10 billion in the US, employing over 20,000 people. If something goes wrong, these 20,000-plus people might be out of jobs，" Wang said at the China Entrepreneur Summit on Saturday. The chairman of Dalian Wanda Group asked former Senator Christopher Dodd, head of the Motion Picture Association of America, to pass the message on to the president-elect.

"Other things aside, in the film and entertainment industry, you have to understand that English-language films are relying on the Chinese market for growth," he added.

The billionaire's company has a growing collection of US entertainment business, which includes AMC Theatres, movie studio Legendary Entertainment LLC and is buying Carmike Cinemas Inc. As soon as the deal is done, AMC would be the America's biggest theatres. Wanda is also set to buy Golden Globe Awards producer Dick Clark Productions Inc and Wang has also expressed an interest in buying one of Hollywood's "Big Six" studios.

Wanda's march on the industry has unnerved some congressmen who appealed for stricter scrutiny over big purchases like Wanda's.

Wang said it means his group does have some influence in America and will wait to see Trump's attitude towards Chinese enterprises after he moves into the White House.