Clyde Prestowitz May 30 I am not sure this is entirely the case. Contrary to common belief, private corporations are generally not big risk takers. The SOEs or quasi-SOEs can still be valuable as initial investors in risky long term ventures. Secondly, they are of immense potential policital value. For example, a private company probably would not be interested in buying up something like Portugal's largest electric generator. But an SOE might do it. Why? Because there is a political element. If a Chinese SOE owns Portugal's largest electricity generating company, it will have some poltical influence in Portugal. The EU operates on the basis of unanimity. If Portugal decides not to go along with an EU proposal, there will be no EU proposal. Can a Chinese SOE owning Portugal's main electricity generator have an influence on that? You betchum Red Rider.