6.  INVESTMENT IN UNCONSOLIDATED AFFILIATES

Investments in companies in which we exercise significant influence, but do not control, are accounted for using the equity method. Investments in companies in which we do not exercise significant influence are accounted for using the cost method.

Our ownership percentage and investment in unconsolidated affiliates were as follows (dollars in millions):

In November 2012, we entered into an agreement to form a joint venture with Sinopec (Nanjing Jingling). The joint venture involves the construction and operation of a PO/MTBE facility in China. Under the joint venture agreement, we hold a 49% interest in the joint venture and Sinopec holds a 51% interest. Our total equity investment is anticipated to be approximately $76 million, net of license fees from the joint venture. At the end of 2017, cumulative capital contributions were approximately $83 million, net of license fees from the joint venture. We expect to receive additional license fees of $7 million during 2018. Beneficial commercial operations began during the second half of 2017.

We are in the process of expanding our SLIC capacity in Caojing, China by 530 million pounds per year of MDI. In addition, we are also expanding our HPS splitting capacity. Mechanical completion was achieved at the end of 2017. We are currently in the process of starting up these units and expect beneficial commercial operations to begin during the first quarter of 2018.