China's direct investment in the United States is on track to hit a $30 billion mark this year, according to a study conducted by research firm Rhodium Group and the National Committee on US-China Relations. 

In 2015, it reached a record high of $15 billion (more than 170 transactions), with California being the investors' favorite. 

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Over $5 billion worth of US deals that have been completed in the first quarter of 2016 alone. The biggest deal closed so far is Dalian Wanda Group's $3.5 billion acquisition of production firm Legendary Entertainment.

China invested $59 billion in the United States between 2000 and December last year, acquiring or establishing more than 1,900 businesses with around 90,000 employees, according to the study. As a result, employment increased threefold in 2015 from 2012.

"In this political year, it's hard to find positive stories about the benefits we get out of the U.S.-China relationship," Stephen A. Orlins, president of the National Committee on U.S.-China Relations, said. "This is one that is pretty much positive."

Of the US cities, more money was invested into California during the 15-year timeframe with $8 billion. The state currently has more than 450 Chinese enterprises, giving jobs to over 9,500 people through December.

However, just last year, New York, with $4.1 billion, surpassed California's $1.8 billion, the study revealed. New York soared the chart because of large commercial real estate acquisition, including Anbang Insurance Group Co.'s buyout of Waldorf-Astoria Hotel for $2 billion and ongoing $6.5 billion deal to purchase Strategic Hotels & Resorts Inc.

In 2015, Chinese companies invested nearly $3 billion in New York's real estate market, but only $1 billion in California.

For Steve Collins, president of capital markets for real estate firm Jones Lang LaSalle, the result is not surprising. He points out that "there's just more real estate in New York than in L.A. There are so many opportunities to come in and play."

However, he noted that California as well as New York will still remain the go-to destinations of Chinese commercial real estate investors.

"The ongoing overhaul of China's growth model, lower political barriers for outbound investment, and greater confidence by Chinese businesses to invest overseas will propel an outflow of hundreds of billions of dollars from China in the coming decade," according to the report.

Tagsinvestment, china, United States, New York, california, Anbang, Wanda, Waldorf-Astoria, Strategic Hotels