SINGAPORE, Nov 22 (Reuters) - Republican Governor of

Texas Greg Abbott ordered state agencies to cease investing

state funds in China and sell at the first available

opportunity, citing financial and security risks.

"As Chinese aggression against the United States and its

allies seems likely to continue, the financial risk associated

with holding investments in China will also rise," Abbott said

in a letter to Texan state agencies dated Nov. 21 and posted to

his website.

"I direct Texas investing entities that you are prohibited

from making any new investments of state funds in China. To the

extent you have any current investments in China, you are

required to divest at the first available opportunity."