The air cooling system used in a German slaughterhouse helped spread the coronavirus among hundreds of workers according to German experts who have studied conditions at a meat-processing plant at the heart of a cluster of infections in&nbsp;Germany.

More than 1,500 out of 7,000 employees have tested positive so far at the Toennies meat processing plant in the western district of Guetersloh in the country's single biggest COVID-19 cluster to date.

Professor Martin Exner, a hygiene expert at the University of Bonn tasked by Guetersloh district to study the outbreak, told a press conference that the plant's air filtration system had contributed to the spread of virus-laden aerosol droplets.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/germany-imposes-local-lockdown-after-virus-outbreak-at-meat-plant-307944">Germany imposes local lockdown after virus outbreak at meat plant</a>

The ventilation system is aimed at keeping temperatures at a cool 6-10 degrees Celsius but continually recycles the same untreated air into the room, said Exner.

"This has so far been an overlooked risk factor" in the pandemic, he told reporters, warning that the finding would have "big consequences" for other slaughterhouses as well.

<img alt="Germany" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2b50e968-d23d-49b9-8433-9fdf4f25083b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/4687.jpg" />

A protestor wearing a pig mask in front of the Tonnies headquarters in Rheda-Wiedenbrueck, Germany. Photograph: AFP

He stressed that the cooling system was just "one factor" to explain the rapid spread of the virus in the slaughterhouse, and that wearing&nbsp;face masks&nbsp;and keeping a safe distance were key to controlling the transmission.

Abattoirs have emerged as hotspots of&nbsp;coronavirus&nbsp;outbreaks in a slew of countries, including the United States, France and Britain.

In Germany, the outbreaks have shone a spotlight on the dire working conditions in abattoirs where low-paid employees, often from Bulgaria and Romania, work in close proximity and live in shared accommodation.

Now that air cooling systems were understood to play a role in the virus spread, Exner said discussions were needed to come up with solutions and possibly government-imposed regulations.

"The technology is there" to fix the problem, he said, pointing to high-performance mobile air filters that remove pollutants or the microbe-killing UV lights that are used in hospital air conditioning systems.

The virus cluster at the Toennies slaughterhouse prompted authorities in Guetersloh and a neighbouring district to reimpose lockdowns on more than 600,000 people on Tuesday.

It was the first major setback since Germany began relaxing restrictions in early May.

At Wednesday's press conference, Guetersloh district commissioner Sven-Georg Adenauer said early indications suggested the cluster had not spread from Toennies to the&nbsp;general population&nbsp;yet.

Of the 230 test results that have come back to date, 229 came back negative and one was unclear, he said, adding that it gave "a small glimmer of hope" that the&nbsp;outbreak&nbsp;was contained.

&nbsp;

The air cooling system used in a German slaughterhouse helped spread the coronavirus among hundreds of workers according to German experts who have studied conditions at a meat-processing plant at the heart of a cluster of infections in Germany.

The air cooling system used in a German slaughterhouse helped spread the coronavirus among hundreds of workers according to German experts who have studied conditions at a meat-processing plant at the heart of a cluster of infections in Germany. More than 1,500 out of 7,000 employees have tested positive so far at the Toennies meat processing plant in the western district of Guetersloh in the country's single biggest COVID-19 cluster to date. Professor Martin Exner, a hygiene expert at the University of Bonn tasked by Guetersloh district to study the outbreak, told a press conference that the plant's air filtration system had contributed to the spread of virus-laden aerosol droplets. Also read: Germany imposes local lockdown after virus outbreak at meat plant The ventilation system is aimed at keeping temperatures at a cool 6-10 degrees Celsius but continually recycles the same untreated air into the room, said Exner. "This has so far been an overlooked risk factor" in the pandemic, he told reporters, warning that the finding would have "big consequences" for other slaughterhouses as well. A protestor wearing a pig mask in front of the Tonnies headquarters in Rheda-Wiedenbrueck, Germany. Photograph: AFP He stressed that the cooling system was just "one factor" to explain the rapid spread of the virus in the slaughterhouse, and that wearing face masks and keeping a safe distance were key to controlling the transmission. Abattoirs have emerged as hotspots of coronavirus outbreaks in a slew of countries, including the United States, France and Britain. In Germany, the outbreaks have shone a spotlight on the dire working conditions in abattoirs where low-paid employees, often from Bulgaria and Romania, work in close proximity and live in shared accommodation. Now that air cooling systems were understood to play a role in the virus spread, Exner said discussions were needed to come up with solutions and possibly government-imposed regulations. "The technology is there" to fix the problem, he said, pointing to high-performance mobile air filters that remove pollutants or the microbe-killing UV lights that are used in hospital air conditioning systems. The virus cluster at the Toennies slaughterhouse prompted authorities in Guetersloh and a neighbouring district to reimpose lockdowns on more than 600,000 people on Tuesday. It was the first major setback since Germany began relaxing restrictions in early May. At Wednesday's press conference, Guetersloh district commissioner Sven-Georg Adenauer said early indications suggested the cluster had not spread from Toennies to the general population yet. Of the 230 test results that have come back to date, 229 came back negative and one was unclear, he said, adding that it gave "a small glimmer of hope" that the outbreak was contained.

Abattoir's air cooling system helped spread coronavirus in Germany: Experts

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday expressed condolences to families of those who lost their lives due to heavy rain and lightning in parts of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.

"I`ve received tragic news about death of many people due to heavy rain and lightning in some districts of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. The state governments are engaged in relief work with promptness. I express my condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives in this disaster," the Prime Minister tweeted.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/22-casualties-due-to-thunderstorms-in-bihar-in-24-hours-308548" hreflang="en">22 casualties due to thunderstorms in Bihar in 24 hours</a>

At least 83 people died due to thunderstorms in Bihar in the last 24 hours, according to the Chief Minister`s Office. Bihar CM Nitish Kumar announced Rs 4 lakhs each for the families of the deceased.

Meanwhile, it killed&nbsp;24 people while&nbsp;12 were injured in the different parts of Uttar Pradesh.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also expressed his condolences and announced financial assistance of Rs 4 lakh each to the families of deceased.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday expressed condolences to families of those who lost their lives due to heavy rain and lightning in parts of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday expressed condolences to families of those who lost their lives due to heavy rain and lightning in parts of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. "I`ve received tragic news about death of many people due to heavy rain and lightning in some districts of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. The state governments are engaged in relief work with promptness. I express my condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives in this disaster," the Prime Minister tweeted. Also read: 22 casualties due to thunderstorms in Bihar in 24 hours At least 83 people died due to thunderstorms in Bihar in the last 24 hours, according to the Chief Minister`s Office. Bihar CM Nitish Kumar announced Rs 4 lakhs each for the families of the deceased. Meanwhile, it killed 24 people while 12 were injured in the different parts of Uttar Pradesh. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also expressed his condolences and announced financial assistance of Rs 4 lakh each to the families of deceased.

PM expresses condolences over death of people in UP, Bihar due to lightning

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday said his country would be cooperating with the United Arab Emirates to fight against the coronavirus pandemic, despite a lack of diplomatic ties.

"This collaboration will be in the areas of research and development and technology, in areas that will improve health security throughout the region," Netanyahu said in a statement.

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He did not give further details, but said that the planned cooperation, to be announced formally by health ministers for Israel and the UAE" is the result of prolonged and intense contacts in recent months".

Jordan and Egypt aside, Arab countries have no official relations with Israel.

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But Arab states in the Gulf, including the UAE, have increasingly built informal ties with Israel in recent years amid shared concerns over Iran, which the Jewish state considers its arch-enemy.

"The stronger we are, the more powerful we are at deterring our enemies and bringing our friends closer," Netanyahu said in his statement.

His remarks come just days before Israel intends to kick-start US-backed plans to annex &nbsp;settlements in the occupied West Bank and the Jordan Valley.

The plan has sparked the fury of the Palestinians and drawn international condemnation.

And earlier this month, the Emirati ambassador to Washington warned that annexation of parts of the West Bank would jeopardise any warming of Arab-Israeli relations.

"Annexation will certainly and immediately upend Israeli aspirations for improved security, economic and cultural ties with the Arab world and with the UAE," Yousef al-Otaiba wrote in a rare op-ed by an Emirati official in Israel's top-selling daily Yediot Aharonot.

On Wednesday the United Nations, European and Arab powers warned Israel that the plan would deal a major blow to peace.

Arab countries have repeatedly called for a settlement to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict as a condition for normalising ties with the Jewish state.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday said his country would be cooperating with the United Arab Emirates to fight against the coronavirus pandemic, despite a lack of diplomatic ties.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday said his country would be cooperating with the United Arab Emirates to fight against the coronavirus pandemic, despite a lack of diplomatic ties. "This collaboration will be in the areas of research and development and technology, in areas that will improve health security throughout the region," Netanyahu said in a statement. Also read| UN, Arab League urge Israel to abandon annexation plans He did not give further details, but said that the planned cooperation, to be announced formally by health ministers for Israel and the UAE" is the result of prolonged and intense contacts in recent months". Jordan and Egypt aside, Arab countries have no official relations with Israel. Also read| Israeli troops kill Palestinian who tried car-ramming in West Bank: Police But Arab states in the Gulf, including the UAE, have increasingly built informal ties with Israel in recent years amid shared concerns over Iran, which the Jewish state considers its arch-enemy. "The stronger we are, the more powerful we are at deterring our enemies and bringing our friends closer," Netanyahu said in his statement. His remarks come just days before Israel intends to kick-start US-backed plans to annex settlements in the occupied West Bank and the Jordan Valley. The plan has sparked the fury of the Palestinians and drawn international condemnation. And earlier this month, the Emirati ambassador to Washington warned that annexation of parts of the West Bank would jeopardise any warming of Arab-Israeli relations. "Annexation will certainly and immediately upend Israeli aspirations for improved security, economic and cultural ties with the Arab world and with the UAE," Yousef al-Otaiba wrote in a rare op-ed by an Emirati official in Israel's top-selling daily Yediot Aharonot. On Wednesday the United Nations, European and Arab powers warned Israel that the plan would deal a major blow to peace. Arab countries have repeatedly called for a settlement to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict as a condition for normalising ties with the Jewish state.

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu announces 'cooperation' with UAE to combat coronavirus

The UN human rights chief called Thursday for a "moratorium" on the use of facial recognition technology during peaceful protests, stressing that it could increase discrimination against people of African descent and other minorities.

Michelle Bachelet's appeal came as her office published a report about the impact of new technologies on the promotion and protection of human rights in the context of assemblies, including peaceful protests.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/world-dismantles-historical-artefacts-of-racism-monuments-become-sites-of-protest-304777">World dismantles historical artefacts of racism, monuments become sites of protest</a>

''There should be a moratorium on the use of facial recognition technology in the context of peaceful protests, until states meet certain conditions including human rights due diligence before deploying it," Bachelet said in a statement.&nbsp;

The report was requested by the United Nations Human Rights Council two years ago, but it comes as demonstrations have erupted in a number of countries.

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"New technologies can be used to mobilise and organise peaceful protests, form networks and coalitions, and help people to be better informed about demonstrations and the reasons they are happening, thus driving social change,"&nbsp;Bachelet said.

But, she stressed, "as we have seen, they can be -- and are being -- used to restrict and infringe on protesters' rights, to surveil and track them, and invade their privacy."

The UN report pointed out that technology-enabled surveillance had been a major factor in shrinking civic space in a range of countries, with some states using intrusive online surveillance and the hacking of social media accounts used by protest organisers and demonstrators themselves.

It voiced particular concern over facial recognition technology, "which allows for the automated identification, surveillance and tracking of protesters."

Facial recognition has numerous uses that could simplify people's lives, as seen with Apple using it to unlock smartphones.

But the technology has a dark side, with facial recognition integrated into China's massive public surveillance system and its social credit experiment, where even minor infractions of public norms can result in sanctions.

As protests about police violence and racism spread across the United States, pressure mounted on the tech firms behind the technology.

Microsoft and Amazon announced they would suspend sales of facial recognition software to police forces, while IBM said it would quit the business.

The UN human rights chief called Thursday for a "moratorium" on the use of facial recognition technology during peaceful protests, stressing that it could increase discrimination against people of African descent and other minorities.

The UN human rights chief called Thursday for a "moratorium" on the use of facial recognition technology during peaceful protests, stressing that it could increase discrimination against people of African descent and other minorities. Michelle Bachelet's appeal came as her office published a report about the impact of new technologies on the promotion and protection of human rights in the context of assemblies, including peaceful protests. Also see: World dismantles historical artefacts of racism, monuments become sites of protest ''There should be a moratorium on the use of facial recognition technology in the context of peaceful protests, until states meet certain conditions including human rights due diligence before deploying it," Bachelet said in a statement. The report was requested by the United Nations Human Rights Council two years ago, but it comes as demonstrations have erupted in a number of countries. Also read| Pandemic could hit drug markets as in 2008 crisis: United Nations "New technologies can be used to mobilise and organise peaceful protests, form networks and coalitions, and help people to be better informed about demonstrations and the reasons they are happening, thus driving social change," Bachelet said. But, she stressed, "as we have seen, they can be -- and are being -- used to restrict and infringe on protesters' rights, to surveil and track them, and invade their privacy." The UN report pointed out that technology-enabled surveillance had been a major factor in shrinking civic space in a range of countries, with some states using intrusive online surveillance and the hacking of social media accounts used by protest organisers and demonstrators themselves. It voiced particular concern over facial recognition technology, "which allows for the automated identification, surveillance and tracking of protesters." Facial recognition has numerous uses that could simplify people's lives, as seen with Apple using it to unlock smartphones. But the technology has a dark side, with facial recognition integrated into China's massive public surveillance system and its social credit experiment, where even minor infractions of public norms can result in sanctions. As protests about police violence and racism spread across the United States, pressure mounted on the tech firms behind the technology. Microsoft and Amazon announced they would suspend sales of facial recognition software to police forces, while IBM said it would quit the business.

UN urges 'moratorium' on facial recognition tech use in protests

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The United States imposed sanctions Wednesday on five Iranian ship captains who delivered oil to Venezuela, as Washington ratcheted up pressure on President Nicolas Maduro, whose government it considers illegitimate. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-sanctions-five-iranian-ship-captains-over-venezuela-oil-delivery-308479">Read more</a>

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Former White House national security advisor John Bolton, who has created quite a stir with his memoir on US President Donald Trump, has said his former boss was "turning a blind eye" at the onset of the coronavirus outbreak because he did not want to hear "bad news" about his "friend," China President Xi Jinping. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolton-says-donald-trump-had-turned-a-blind-eye-to-coronavirus-pandemic-308499">Read more</a>

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The Pentagon put Huawei Technologies and Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology on a list of 20 companies it says are owned or controlled by China’s military, opening them up to potential additional US&nbsp;sanctions. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/pentagon-names-huawei-and-hikvision-among-20-chinese-military-backed-firms-308500">Read more</a>

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Republican senator Kevin Cramer has blocked a United States bill to punish Beijing over Hong Kong national security law&nbsp;at the request of White House. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/republican-senator-blocks-us-bill-to-punish-beijing-over-national-security-law-at-white-house-request-308571">Read more</a>

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With a rapid increase in the number of positive coronavirus cases, the World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a warning of possible shortage of oxygen in the world. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-who-warns-possible-lack-of-oxygen-as-cases-near-10-million-308449">Read more</a>

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US sanctions five Iranian ship captains over Venezuela oil delivery The United States imposed sanctions Wednesday on five Iranian ship captains who delivered oil to Venezuela, as Washington ratcheted up pressure on President Nicolas Maduro, whose government it considers illegitimate.

US sanctions five Iranian ship captains over Venezuela oil delivery The United States imposed sanctions Wednesday on five Iranian ship captains who delivered oil to Venezuela, as Washington ratcheted up pressure on President Nicolas Maduro, whose government it considers illegitimate. Read more Russians cast early votes in ballot on President Putin's reforms to constitution Russia has begun voting on constitutional reforms that could allow President Vladimir Putin to serve another two terms in office. Read more Bolton says Donald Trump had turned 'a blind eye' to coronavirus pandemic Former White House national security advisor John Bolton, who has created quite a stir with his memoir on US President Donald Trump, has said his former boss was "turning a blind eye" at the onset of the coronavirus outbreak because he did not want to hear "bad news" about his "friend," China President Xi Jinping. Read more Pentagon names Huawei and Hikvision among 20 Chinese military-backed firms The Pentagon put Huawei Technologies and Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology on a list of 20 companies it says are owned or controlled by China’s military, opening them up to potential additional US sanctions. Read more Republican senator blocks US bill to punish Beijing over national security law at White House request Republican senator Kevin Cramer has blocked a United States bill to punish Beijing over Hong Kong national security law at the request of White House. Read more COVID 19: WHO warns possible lack of oxygen as cases near 10 million With a rapid increase in the number of positive coronavirus cases, the World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a warning of possible shortage of oxygen in the world. Read more Coronavirus: Brazil witnesses huge surge in cases; death toll goes past 53,000 Brazil has recorded a steep surge in single day spike of COVID-19 cases on Wednesday. Read more Secret Service agents to be quarantined after Trump's Tulsa rally as precaution Dozens of Secret Service agents will be quarantined as a precaution following US President Donald Trump's rally in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Read more Australia: Land of endangered species' habitat cleared without assessments A new analysis by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Australia has found that over 1.19 million hectares of threatened species’ habitat was cleared for agriculture in New South Wales and Queensland without proper environmental assessment. Read more Belarus accuses Russia of election meddling, seeks talks with Putin Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has accused Russian and Polish forces of meddling in his country’s presidential election campaign and trying to discredit him. Read more

Top 10 world news today: US sanctions Iranian ships, Russians cast early vote and more

It is said that greed has no boundaries and the greedy are always in demand. But during this pandemic, avarice&nbsp;has replaced compassion in most countries.

As coronavirus chaos has enveloped&nbsp;Pakistan, with hospitals overflowing, doctors dying and infections escalating at an unmanageable rate, a dangerous black market in blood plasma has emerged.

At the time when Pakistan’s healthcare system is on the ‘brink of collapse’, the blood plasma of recovered coronavirus patients is being sold for more than 3000 euros to those who are desperately looking for a cure.

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Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/new-delhi-planning-attack-on-islamabad-to-distract-from-china-row-pak-fms-latest-bizarre-claim-308339" hreflang="en">New Delhi planning attack on Islamabad to distract from China row: Pak FM's latest bizarre claim</a>

Convalescent plasma&nbsp;is being trialled around the world as a possible treatment for the COVID-19. It contains antibodies generated by the immune systems of people who have recovered from the fatal disease.

Selling it or paying donors is illegal in most countries including India. However, in Pakistan, it's a means of business.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/coronavirus-cases-surge-to-over-188900-in-pakistan-over-3700-deaths-308173" hreflang="en">Coronavirus cases surge to over 188,900 in Pakistan; over 3,700 deaths</a>

Doctors in government hospitals in capital Islamabad said they had witnessed transactions between patients and mediators. Usually a patient’s family approaches someone who has recovered from Coronavirus, asking them to donate blood plasma.

When a certain amount is agreed upon as payment, (usually between 300,000 and 500,000 Pakistani&nbsp;rupees), they go to a private lab and extract the plasma, which is then ‘donated’ to the suffering patient.

Sources at the federal investigation agency confirmed they were aware of the unregulated black market sales of blood plasma but that it was up to the police to investigate individual cases. However, it is doing nothing about it as it gets a share from these illicit deals.

Doctors said that hospitals in Islamabad had also run out of vital drugs, such as dexamethasone which was recently proven to help in Covid-19 recovery, as well oxygen cylinders, because they had been stolen and were now being sold for 25 times the market price on the black market.

Pakistan now has one of the fastest infection rates in the world, with 185,000 confirmed cases and upwards of 5,000 new infections a day. The planning minister, Asad Umar, has said cases could multiply eightfold by the end of July and hit 1.2 million.

Lockdown restrictions were lifted in Pakistan on 18 May by the supreme court when it said the virus was “not a pandemic in Pakistan” and questioned why the fight to contain it was “swallowing so much money”.

It is said that greed has no boundaries and the greedy are always in demand. But during this pandemic, avarice has replaced compassion in most countries. As coronavirus chaos has enveloped Pakistan, with hospitals overflowing, doctors dying and infections escalating at an unmanageable rate, a dangerous black market in blood plasma has emerged.

It is said that greed has no boundaries and the greedy are always in demand. But during this pandemic, avarice has replaced compassion in most countries. As coronavirus chaos has enveloped Pakistan, with hospitals overflowing, doctors dying and infections escalating at an unmanageable rate, a dangerous black market in blood plasma has emerged. At the time when Pakistan’s healthcare system is on the ‘brink of collapse’, the blood plasma of recovered coronavirus patients is being sold for more than 3000 euros to those who are desperately looking for a cure. × Also read: New Delhi planning attack on Islamabad to distract from China row: Pak FM's latest bizarre claim Convalescent plasma is being trialled around the world as a possible treatment for the COVID-19. It contains antibodies generated by the immune systems of people who have recovered from the fatal disease. Selling it or paying donors is illegal in most countries including India. However, in Pakistan, it's a means of business. Also read: Coronavirus cases surge to over 188,900 in Pakistan; over 3,700 deaths Doctors in government hospitals in capital Islamabad said they had witnessed transactions between patients and mediators. Usually a patient’s family approaches someone who has recovered from Coronavirus, asking them to donate blood plasma. When a certain amount is agreed upon as payment, (usually between 300,000 and 500,000 Pakistani rupees), they go to a private lab and extract the plasma, which is then ‘donated’ to the suffering patient. Sources at the federal investigation agency confirmed they were aware of the unregulated black market sales of blood plasma but that it was up to the police to investigate individual cases. However, it is doing nothing about it as it gets a share from these illicit deals. Doctors said that hospitals in Islamabad had also run out of vital drugs, such as dexamethasone which was recently proven to help in Covid-19 recovery, as well oxygen cylinders, because they had been stolen and were now being sold for 25 times the market price on the black market. Pakistan now has one of the fastest infection rates in the world, with 185,000 confirmed cases and upwards of 5,000 new infections a day. The planning minister, Asad Umar, has said cases could multiply eightfold by the end of July and hit 1.2 million. Lockdown restrictions were lifted in Pakistan on 18 May by the supreme court when it said the virus was “not a pandemic in Pakistan” and questioned why the fight to contain it was “swallowing so much money”.

Coronavirus black market flourishes in Pakistan as greed replaces compassion

Republican senator Kevin Cramer has blocked a United States bill to punish Beijing over Hong Kong national security law&nbsp;at the request of White House, according to Politico.

As a result, the bipartisan bill, which would have imposed&nbsp;mandatory sanctions over China’s continued incursions into Hong Kong’s internal affairs, is stalled on Capitol Hill even as it has broad bipartisan support.

On June 2, Cramer had signed on as a co-sponsor of a bill to punish China for undermining Hong Kong’s independence.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-treatment-of-hong-kong-depends-on-how-beijing-treats-it-says-pompeo-307214">US treatment of Hong Kong depends on how Beijing treats it, says Pompeo</a>

The episode, which had not been previously reported, underscores the uphill battle for Congress’ China hawks as they push the Trump administration to punish Beijing over an array of issues, from Hong Kong to the coronavirus pandemic.

<section>
<aside>
“Even for us, this is dysfunctional,” Cramer acknowledged on Wednesday, a week after he objected to the bill’s unanimous passage on the Senate floor, after a last-minute plea from the Trump administration.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eu-parliament-considering-un-court-action-against-hong-kongs-national-security-law-305319">EU parliament considering UN court action against Hong Kong's national security law</a>
</aside>
</section>

<section data-content-section="2">
According to Cramer, the White House and State Department proposed a series of “technical” corrections to the bill only a half-hour before Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) was set to ask for unanimous consent to pass his bill, the Hong Kong Autonomy Act.

Cramer defended his decision to block the legislation, saying he hopes the bill eventually passes but that he wanted to try to “accommodate” the Trump administration’s concerns.

“I hadn’t seen it yet. So my concern was, I don’t think we should do a [unanimous consent request] until we have at least considered the technical review,” Cramer said in a brief interview. “I still haven’t seen it. So I don’t know how dramatic the changes were that they were advocating or whether they hate the whole idea.”

Cramer added that the White House “asked me if I would consider” blocking the bill in the meantime, even though Cramer co-sponsored the bill.

The Trump administration already has the statutory authority to impose a limited set of sanctions in response to China’s recent national security law, which significantly encroaches on Hong Kong’s autonomy.

In late May, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo declared that Hong Kong, a former British colony, was no longer autonomous from China,&nbsp;a move that comes with significant trade implications.
</section>

Republican senator Kevin Cramer has blocked a United States bill to punish Beijing over Hong Kong national security law at the request of White House, according to Politico.

Republican senator Kevin Cramer has blocked a United States bill to punish Beijing over Hong Kong national security law at the request of White House, according to Politico. As a result, the bipartisan bill, which would have imposed mandatory sanctions over China’s continued incursions into Hong Kong’s internal affairs, is stalled on Capitol Hill even as it has broad bipartisan support. On June 2, Cramer had signed on as a co-sponsor of a bill to punish China for undermining Hong Kong’s independence. Also read: US treatment of Hong Kong depends on how Beijing treats it, says Pompeo The episode, which had not been previously reported, underscores the uphill battle for Congress’ China hawks as they push the Trump administration to punish Beijing over an array of issues, from Hong Kong to the coronavirus pandemic. “Even for us, this is dysfunctional,” Cramer acknowledged on Wednesday, a week after he objected to the bill’s unanimous passage on the Senate floor, after a last-minute plea from the Trump administration. Also read: EU parliament considering UN court action against Hong Kong's national security law According to Cramer, the White House and State Department proposed a series of “technical” corrections to the bill only a half-hour before Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) was set to ask for unanimous consent to pass his bill, the Hong Kong Autonomy Act. Cramer defended his decision to block the legislation, saying he hopes the bill eventually passes but that he wanted to try to “accommodate” the Trump administration’s concerns. “I hadn’t seen it yet. So my concern was, I don’t think we should do a [unanimous consent request] until we have at least considered the technical review,” Cramer said in a brief interview. “I still haven’t seen it. So I don’t know how dramatic the changes were that they were advocating or whether they hate the whole idea.” Cramer added that the White House “asked me if I would consider” blocking the bill in the meantime, even though Cramer co-sponsored the bill. The Trump administration already has the statutory authority to impose a limited set of sanctions in response to China’s recent national security law, which significantly encroaches on Hong Kong’s autonomy. In late May, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo declared that Hong Kong, a former British colony, was no longer autonomous from China, a move that comes with significant trade implications.

Republican senator blocks US bill to punish Beijing over national security law at White House request

Atheists and humanists are facing discrimination and persecution in some countries because of their beliefs and values, according to a new report.

Evidence is growing that humanist and atheist activists are being targeted on the basis of their rejection of a majority religion or their promotion of human rights, democratic values and critical thinking, it says.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/islamabad-to-get-its-first-hindu-temple-and-crematorium-73-years-after-the-birth-of-pakistan-308191" hreflang="en">Islamabad to get 1st Hindu temple, crematorium 73 years after the birth of Pak</a>

Non-religious people in Colombia, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines and Sri Lanka are often ostracised, and some women are forced into marriages, says Humanists At Risk: Action Report 2020, published on Thursday by Humanists International.

Mubarak Bala, president of the Humanist Association of Nigeria,&nbsp;was last month arrested after being accused of blasphemy, which carries the death penalty. Bala, the son of a widely regarded Islamic scholar, has been an outspoken religious critic in a staunchly conservative region of the country.

&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/another-minor-hindu-girl-kidnapped-in-pakistan-forcibly-converted-to-islam-308021">Another minor Hindu girl kidnapped in Pakistan forcibly converted to Islam</a>

“To speak out and say you’re an atheist or humanist in Nigeria can be dangerous, but Bala is very passionate about creating a space for those who do not subscribe to Islam or religion,” said Leo Igwe, a fellow Nigerian humanist and human rights advocate.

A range of tactics is used against humanists, atheists and non-religious people, says the report, which was funded by the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office. They include the criminalisation of blasphemy and apostasy, impunity for attacks, social isolation and discrimination.

In Pakistan, the legal environment was “notably repressive; it has brutal&nbsp;blasphemy laws, systemic and legislative religious discrimination and often allows vigilante violence on religious grounds to occur with impunity”, according to the report.

One respondent said: “To be a humanist … [in Pakistan] you must have courage to lose everything.”

An issue of concern was “the practice of forced conversions in Pakistan. Girls and women from minority belief groups are often forced to marry into Muslim families,” the report says.

It cites the case of Fauzia Ilyas, founder of the Atheist and Agnostic Alliance Pakistan, whose ex-husband, a devout Muslim, was granted custody of their daughter “apparently on the basis of Fauzia having left Islam”. After a court in Lahore issued a warrant for Ilyas’s arrest in 2015, she fled to the Netherlands where she is seeking asylum.

Gary McLelland, the chief executive of Humanists International, said: “This report shines a light on the targeted violence, continued harassment and social discrimination faced by humanists in many countries and opens the door to conversations on how best to protect humanists worldwide. What is clear is that all laws and policies which criminalise ‘blasphemy’ should be repealed.”

The report is largely based on testimony from 76 people in the eight countries surveyed. One Malaysian respondent said: “Humanists and non-religious people are regularly attacked by zealous Muslims.” Another said people who expressed a lack of religious belief were “shunned and frowned upon”.

Atheists and humanists are facing discrimination and persecution in some countries because of their beliefs and values, according to a new report. Evidence is growing that humanist and atheist activists are being targeted on the basis of their rejection of a majority religion or their promotion of human rights, democratic values and critical thinking, it says.

Atheists and humanists are facing discrimination and persecution in some countries because of their beliefs and values, according to a new report. Evidence is growing that humanist and atheist activists are being targeted on the basis of their rejection of a majority religion or their promotion of human rights, democratic values and critical thinking, it says. Also read: Islamabad to get 1st Hindu temple, crematorium 73 years after the birth of Pak Non-religious people in Colombia, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines and Sri Lanka are often ostracised, and some women are forced into marriages, says Humanists At Risk: Action Report 2020, published on Thursday by Humanists International. Mubarak Bala, president of the Humanist Association of Nigeria, was last month arrested after being accused of blasphemy, which carries the death penalty. Bala, the son of a widely regarded Islamic scholar, has been an outspoken religious critic in a staunchly conservative region of the country. Also read: Another minor Hindu girl kidnapped in Pakistan forcibly converted to Islam “To speak out and say you’re an atheist or humanist in Nigeria can be dangerous, but Bala is very passionate about creating a space for those who do not subscribe to Islam or religion,” said Leo Igwe, a fellow Nigerian humanist and human rights advocate. A range of tactics is used against humanists, atheists and non-religious people, says the report, which was funded by the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office. They include the criminalisation of blasphemy and apostasy, impunity for attacks, social isolation and discrimination. In Pakistan, the legal environment was “notably repressive; it has brutal blasphemy laws, systemic and legislative religious discrimination and often allows vigilante violence on religious grounds to occur with impunity”, according to the report. One respondent said: “To be a humanist … [in Pakistan] you must have courage to lose everything.” An issue of concern was “the practice of forced conversions in Pakistan. Girls and women from minority belief groups are often forced to marry into Muslim families,” the report says. It cites the case of Fauzia Ilyas, founder of the Atheist and Agnostic Alliance Pakistan, whose ex-husband, a devout Muslim, was granted custody of their daughter “apparently on the basis of Fauzia having left Islam”. After a court in Lahore issued a warrant for Ilyas’s arrest in 2015, she fled to the Netherlands where she is seeking asylum. Gary McLelland, the chief executive of Humanists International, said: “This report shines a light on the targeted violence, continued harassment and social discrimination faced by humanists in many countries and opens the door to conversations on how best to protect humanists worldwide. What is clear is that all laws and policies which criminalise ‘blasphemy’ should be repealed.” The report is largely based on testimony from 76 people in the eight countries surveyed. One Malaysian respondent said: “Humanists and non-religious people are regularly attacked by zealous Muslims.” Another said people who expressed a lack of religious belief were “shunned and frowned upon”.

Atheists and humanists are facing discrimination worldwide: Report

A new analysis by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Australia has found that over 1.19 million hectares of threatened species’ habitat was cleared for agriculture in New South Wales and Queensland without proper environmental assessment.

Data for land-clearing in both states suggests the department is failing to ensure developers and farming operations are following environmental laws, according to the analysis.

Under the&nbsp;Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act, anyone undertaking activities likely to have a significant impact on nationally listed threatened species and habitats is required to seek federal approval.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-helps-to-save-chinas-endangered-species-pangolin-304944">Coronavirus helps to save China's endangered species 'Pangolin'</a>

WWF Australia’s analysis used publicly available geospatial data held by state and federal governments to analyse land-clearing in the two states in the period from 2004-2017.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wwf-sounds-alarm-on-biodiversity-loss-216053/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The analysis examined known clearing for each year, its ascribed purpose and whether it occurred in known or likely threatened species habitat. It was then cross-checked with the federal environment department’s referrals database to determine which clearing activities had been lodged for assessment.

WWF’s study found that while 87.4 per cent&nbsp;of the land was cleared for agriculture without EPBC referral, only 1,499 hectare or 0.12&nbsp;per cent&nbsp;of the land was cleared for agriculture with referral.&nbsp;1.19m hectares of known or likely threatened species habitat was cleared in the 13-year period.

The&nbsp;report&nbsp;made several recommendations, including better outreach to assist farmers in understanding their obligations under both state and federal laws and the establishment of a $1bn trust fund to help farmers to protect the environment.

In its submission to the audit office, WWF said it was concerned about “pervasive failures” to refer actions that could affect threatened species and a corresponding lack of enforcement action to redress or prevent these failures.

A new analysis by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Australia has found that over 1.19 million hectares of threatened species’ habitat was cleared for agriculture in New South Wales and Queensland without proper environmental assessment.

A new analysis by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Australia has found that over 1.19 million hectares of threatened species’ habitat was cleared for agriculture in New South Wales and Queensland without proper environmental assessment. Data for land-clearing in both states suggests the department is failing to ensure developers and farming operations are following environmental laws, according to the analysis. Under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act, anyone undertaking activities likely to have a significant impact on nationally listed threatened species and habitats is required to seek federal approval. Also read: Coronavirus helps to save China's endangered species 'Pangolin' WWF Australia’s analysis used publicly available geospatial data held by state and federal governments to analyse land-clearing in the two states in the period from 2004-2017. The analysis examined known clearing for each year, its ascribed purpose and whether it occurred in known or likely threatened species habitat. It was then cross-checked with the federal environment department’s referrals database to determine which clearing activities had been lodged for assessment. WWF’s study found that while 87.4 per cent of the land was cleared for agriculture without EPBC referral, only 1,499 hectare or 0.12 per cent of the land was cleared for agriculture with referral. 1.19m hectares of known or likely threatened species habitat was cleared in the 13-year period. The report made several recommendations, including better outreach to assist farmers in understanding their obligations under both state and federal laws and the establishment of a $1bn trust fund to help farmers to protect the environment. In its submission to the audit office, WWF said it was concerned about “pervasive failures” to refer actions that could affect threatened species and a corresponding lack of enforcement action to redress or prevent these failures.

Australia: Million hectares of endangered species' habitat cleared without federal approval

A small-scale subsistence&nbsp;miner in Tanzania has become a millionaire overnight after selling two rough Tanzanite stones,&nbsp;the biggest ever find in the country.

Saniniu Laizer earned $3.4 million&nbsp;from the country's mining ministry for the gemstones, which had a combined weight of 15kg.

The two dark violet-blue gemstones, each about the dimensions of a forearm were discovered&nbsp;in one of the tanzanite mines in the north of the country which are surrounded by a wall to control cross-border smuggling of the gemstones.

“There will be a big party tomorrow,” the small-scale miner from Simanjiro district in Manyara said.

“I want to build a shopping mall and a school. I want to build this school near my home. There are many poor people around here who can’t afford to take their children to school.”

<img alt="Tanzania" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="50bd1f28-9f1b-42cd-a8ce-a7898d6d05da" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2887%29_1.jpg" /> 
The two tanzanite gemstones are the largest ever found, according to the mines ministry. Photograph: Tanzania Ministry of Minerals/Reuters

“I am not educated but I like things run in a professional way. So I would like my children to run the business professionally.”

Tanzanite is only found in northern Tanzania and is used to make ornaments.

It is one of the rarest gemstones on Earth, and one local geologist estimates its supply may be entirely depleted within the next 20 years.

Laizer mined the stones, weighing 9.2kg and 5.8kg, last week, but he sold them on Wednesday during a trading event in the northern region of Manyara. Until now the largest Tanzanite rock to be mined weighed 3.3kg.

President John Magufuli phoned in to congratulate Mr Laizer on the find.

"This is the benefit of small-scale miners and this proves that Tanzania is rich," the president said.

Magufuli came to power in 2015 promising to safeguard the nation's interest in the mining sector and increase the government's revenue from it.

The precious stone's appeal lies in its variety of hues, including green, red, purple and blue.

Its value is determined by rarity - the finer the colour or clarity, the higher the price.

&nbsp;

A small-scale subsistence miner in Tanzania has become a millionaire overnight after selling two rough Tanzanite stones, the biggest ever find in the country. Saniniu Laizer earned $3.

A small-scale subsistence miner in Tanzania has become a millionaire overnight after selling two rough Tanzanite stones, the biggest ever find in the country. Saniniu Laizer earned $3.4 million from the country's mining ministry for the gemstones, which had a combined weight of 15kg. The two dark violet-blue gemstones, each about the dimensions of a forearm were discovered in one of the tanzanite mines in the north of the country which are surrounded by a wall to control cross-border smuggling of the gemstones. “There will be a big party tomorrow,” the small-scale miner from Simanjiro district in Manyara said. “I want to build a shopping mall and a school. I want to build this school near my home. There are many poor people around here who can’t afford to take their children to school.” The two tanzanite gemstones are the largest ever found, according to the mines ministry. Photograph: Tanzania Ministry of Minerals/Reuters “I am not educated but I like things run in a professional way. So I would like my children to run the business professionally.” Tanzanite is only found in northern Tanzania and is used to make ornaments. It is one of the rarest gemstones on Earth, and one local geologist estimates its supply may be entirely depleted within the next 20 years. Laizer mined the stones, weighing 9.2kg and 5.8kg, last week, but he sold them on Wednesday during a trading event in the northern region of Manyara. Until now the largest Tanzanite rock to be mined weighed 3.3kg. President John Magufuli phoned in to congratulate Mr Laizer on the find. "This is the benefit of small-scale miners and this proves that Tanzania is rich," the president said. Magufuli came to power in 2015 promising to safeguard the nation's interest in the mining sector and increase the government's revenue from it. The precious stone's appeal lies in its variety of hues, including green, red, purple and blue. Its value is determined by rarity - the finer the colour or clarity, the higher the price.

Small-scale Tanzanian miner becomes millionaire overnight

Russia has begun voting on constitutional reforms that could allow President Vladimir Putin to serve another two terms in office.

The official vote is scheduled for 1 July, but authorities said they were opening polling stations a week early to stop overcrowding amid the pandemic.

Masks and disinfectant&nbsp;gels have been made available to 110 million eligible voters across 10 time zones, and Russians in Vladivostok in the Far East cast ballots wearing masks as election officials distributed ballot papers in gloves.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-to-start-administering-game-changer-drug-to-treat-coronavirus-patients-302366">Russia to start administering 'game changer' drug to treat coronavirus patients</a>

The Kremlin reluctantly postponed the vote scheduled for April 22 as Covid-19 infections increased and officials imposed restrictions to slow the pandemic.

Putin introduced the reforms to the 1993 Constitution in January this year, and they were hastily adopted by both Houses of Parliament and regional lawmakers.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-stalin-to-putin-meet-the-worlds-longest-serving-leaders-308448">In Pics: Stalin to Putin - Meet the world's longest serving leaders</a>

Russia's coronavirus tally surged past 600,000 cases on Wednesday, the third-highest in the world, with thousands of new infections being reported every day, although authorities say the novel virus is on the wane.

All necessary safety precautions will be taken during the vote, authorities say.

If, as expected, the constitutional changes are approved, Putin would be able to run for two more back-to-back six-year terms after his current one expires in 2024.

The former KGB operative has been in power as either president or prime minister since 1999, and has not ruled out running again, but says he has not taken a final decision.

Critics believe he intends to cling to power like elderly Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev who died in office. Others believe he is keeping his options open so as no to become a lame duck ahead of 2024 and may yet still hand over the reins to a handpicked but currently unknown successor.

"Since the president did not find a successor, he appointed himself," said Andrei Kolesnikov, a senior fellow at Carnegie's Moscow Center think tank.

Supported by state media and facing no immediate threat from a divided opposition, the vote, which is on a large bundle of constitutional changes, is expected to go Putin's way despite rising unemployment, a coronavirus-battered economy and no real prospect of an economic upswing anytime soon.

He has insisted that Russians vote on the changes even though a referendum is not legally required, arguing that a plebiscite would give them legitimacy.

Russia has begun voting on constitutional reforms that could allow President Vladimir Putin to serve another two terms in office. The official vote is scheduled for 1 July, but authorities said they were opening polling stations a week early to stop overcrowding amid the pandemic.

Russia has begun voting on constitutional reforms that could allow President Vladimir Putin to serve another two terms in office. The official vote is scheduled for 1 July, but authorities said they were opening polling stations a week early to stop overcrowding amid the pandemic. Masks and disinfectant gels have been made available to 110 million eligible voters across 10 time zones, and Russians in Vladivostok in the Far East cast ballots wearing masks as election officials distributed ballot papers in gloves. Also read: Russia to start administering 'game changer' drug to treat coronavirus patients The Kremlin reluctantly postponed the vote scheduled for April 22 as Covid-19 infections increased and officials imposed restrictions to slow the pandemic. Putin introduced the reforms to the 1993 Constitution in January this year, and they were hastily adopted by both Houses of Parliament and regional lawmakers. In Pics: Stalin to Putin - Meet the world's longest serving leaders Russia's coronavirus tally surged past 600,000 cases on Wednesday, the third-highest in the world, with thousands of new infections being reported every day, although authorities say the novel virus is on the wane. All necessary safety precautions will be taken during the vote, authorities say. If, as expected, the constitutional changes are approved, Putin would be able to run for two more back-to-back six-year terms after his current one expires in 2024. The former KGB operative has been in power as either president or prime minister since 1999, and has not ruled out running again, but says he has not taken a final decision. Critics believe he intends to cling to power like elderly Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev who died in office. Others believe he is keeping his options open so as no to become a lame duck ahead of 2024 and may yet still hand over the reins to a handpicked but currently unknown successor. "Since the president did not find a successor, he appointed himself," said Andrei Kolesnikov, a senior fellow at Carnegie's Moscow Center think tank. Supported by state media and facing no immediate threat from a divided opposition, the vote, which is on a large bundle of constitutional changes, is expected to go Putin's way despite rising unemployment, a coronavirus-battered economy and no real prospect of an economic upswing anytime soon. He has insisted that Russians vote on the changes even though a referendum is not legally required, arguing that a plebiscite would give them legitimacy.

Russians cast early votes in ballot on President Putin's reforms to constitution

The Pentagon put Huawei Technologies and Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology on a list of 20 companies it says are owned or controlled by China’s military, opening them up to potential additional US&nbsp;sanctions.

This list includes “entities owned by, controlled by, or affiliated with China’s government, military, or defense industry,” Pentagon spokesman Jonathan Hoffman said in a statement.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trumps-national-security-adviser-takes-aim-warns-china-308404">Trump's national security adviser takes aim warns China</a>

“As the People’s Republic of China attempts to blur the lines between civil and military sectors, ‘knowing your supplier’ is critical,” Hoffman said. “We envision this list will be a useful tool for the US&nbsp;government, companies, investors, academic institutions, and like-minded partners to conduct due diligence with regard to partnerships with these entities, particularly as the list grows.”

In letters to lawmakers dated June 24, the Pentagon said it was providing a list of ''Communist Chinese military companies operating in the United States.''&nbsp;The list was first requested in the fiscal 1999 defense policy law.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-huawei-became-a-liability-for-china-amid-covid-19-crisis-301187">How Huawei became a liability for China amid COVID-19 crisis</a>

The DOD document also includes China Mobile Communications Group and China Telecommunications Corp as well as aircraft manufacturer Aviation Industry Corp of China.&nbsp;

The designations were drawn up by the Defense Department, which was mandated by a 1999 law to compile a list of Chinese military companies operating in the United States, including those ''owned or controlled''&nbsp;by the People’s Liberation Army that provide commercial services, manufacture, produce or export.

The Pentagon’s designations do not trigger penalties, but the law says the president may impose sanctions that could include blocking all property of the listed parties.&nbsp;

The move’s implications were not immediately clear. But it came as relations between the two superpowers continue to deteriorate, and as China has become an issue in the US&nbsp;election campaign. China has for the past year threatened to produce its own “unreliable entities” list, but has so far not done so.

The list of companies said to be affiliated with the Peoples Liberation Army was mandated under the Defense Authorization Act of 1999, but no administration ever put out the required report. Trump has the authority under the International Emergency Economics Powers Act of 1977 to level financial sanctions against those companies.

China’s foreign and defense ministries, as well as the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission, which oversees China’s government-run companies, didn’t immediately reply to a fax during a public holiday in the country. Huawei also didn’t immediately reply to a request for comment.

Hikvision called the U.S. move “baseless,” saying its ownership details have always been publicly available as a listed company and “independently operated enterprise.” It said it would continue to work with the U.S. government “to answer questions and correct misunderstandings about the company.”

“Hikvision strongly opposes the decision by the US&nbsp;government to misapply a never-used provision of a 21-year-old law,” a company spokesperson said. “Not only is Hikvision not a ‘Chinese military company,’ Hikvision has never participated in any R&amp;D work for military applications.”

“The list put out today by the Pentagon is a start but woefully inadequate to warn the American people about the state-owned and -directed companies that support the Chinese government and Communist Party’s activities threatening U.S. economic and national security,” Republican Senator Marco Rubio said in a statement.

Washington had placed Huawei and Hikvision on a trade blacklist last year over national security concerns and has led an international campaign to convince allies to exclude Huawei from their 5G networks.

The Pentagon put Huawei Technologies and Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology on a list of 20 companies it says are owned or controlled by China’s military, opening them up to potential additional US sanctions.

The Pentagon put Huawei Technologies and Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology on a list of 20 companies it says are owned or controlled by China’s military, opening them up to potential additional US sanctions. This list includes “entities owned by, controlled by, or affiliated with China’s government, military, or defense industry,” Pentagon spokesman Jonathan Hoffman said in a statement. Also read: Trump's national security adviser takes aim warns China “As the People’s Republic of China attempts to blur the lines between civil and military sectors, ‘knowing your supplier’ is critical,” Hoffman said. “We envision this list will be a useful tool for the US government, companies, investors, academic institutions, and like-minded partners to conduct due diligence with regard to partnerships with these entities, particularly as the list grows.” In letters to lawmakers dated June 24, the Pentagon said it was providing a list of ''Communist Chinese military companies operating in the United States.'' The list was first requested in the fiscal 1999 defense policy law. Also read: How Huawei became a liability for China amid COVID-19 crisis The DOD document also includes China Mobile Communications Group and China Telecommunications Corp as well as aircraft manufacturer Aviation Industry Corp of China. The designations were drawn up by the Defense Department, which was mandated by a 1999 law to compile a list of Chinese military companies operating in the United States, including those ''owned or controlled'' by the People’s Liberation Army that provide commercial services, manufacture, produce or export. The Pentagon’s designations do not trigger penalties, but the law says the president may impose sanctions that could include blocking all property of the listed parties. The move’s implications were not immediately clear. But it came as relations between the two superpowers continue to deteriorate, and as China has become an issue in the US election campaign. China has for the past year threatened to produce its own “unreliable entities” list, but has so far not done so. The list of companies said to be affiliated with the Peoples Liberation Army was mandated under the Defense Authorization Act of 1999, but no administration ever put out the required report. Trump has the authority under the International Emergency Economics Powers Act of 1977 to level financial sanctions against those companies. China’s foreign and defense ministries, as well as the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission, which oversees China’s government-run companies, didn’t immediately reply to a fax during a public holiday in the country. Huawei also didn’t immediately reply to a request for comment. Hikvision called the U.S. move “baseless,” saying its ownership details have always been publicly available as a listed company and “independently operated enterprise.” It said it would continue to work with the U.S. government “to answer questions and correct misunderstandings about the company.” “Hikvision strongly opposes the decision by the US government to misapply a never-used provision of a 21-year-old law,” a company spokesperson said. “Not only is Hikvision not a ‘Chinese military company,’ Hikvision has never participated in any R&D work for military applications.” “The list put out today by the Pentagon is a start but woefully inadequate to warn the American people about the state-owned and -directed companies that support the Chinese government and Communist Party’s activities threatening U.S. economic and national security,” Republican Senator Marco Rubio said in a statement. Washington had placed Huawei and Hikvision on a trade blacklist last year over national security concerns and has led an international campaign to convince allies to exclude Huawei from their 5G networks.

Pentagon names Huawei and Hikvision among 20 Chinese military-backed firms

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