A survey of Japanese companies operating in China shows that nearly half of them plan to scale back investment in the country amid economic uncertainty.

The Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry in China conducted the poll over three weeks in November and December.

It received responses from more than 1,700 member firms.

The results show that 25 percent expect China's economy to improve or improve somewhat this year compared to last. That's lower than the 39 percent that expect the economy to worsen.

Fifteen percent said they plan to increase their investment in China, down a single point from the previous survey in September.

But 48 percent said they plan to reduce or suspend investment. That's up a point.

The reasons cited also included the need to watch how Chinese authorities enforce the country's revised anti-espionage law. It's a move that could affect business operations.

The Japanese Chamber of Commerce says many members also want China to reinstate a short-term visa waiver for Japanese nationals in order to make it easier to do business in the country.