The US-China chip wars continue to intensify as Washington directed one of the world's top chipmakers, the Santa Clara, California-headquartered Nvidia, to enforce new curbs on the export of its high-end Artificial Intelligence chips to China. The US restrictions to certain chip exports, to countries such as China, Iran and Russia, were previously scheduled to be enforced from 16 November but the deadline now effectively has been advanced.&nbsp;

The semiconductor chips are increasingly emerging as pivots of global economy, and have been described as the 'new oil' of the technology age. The computing power accessed through microchips, from data centers to smartphones, are required for all parts of the economy.&nbsp;

The US policies in the recent years, including the geopolitical patronage to self-governed island of Taiwan -- which China considers as its own and is world's top manufacturer of semiconductor chips -- have been directed to reduce China's access to these crucial elemental pivots of global economy.&nbsp;

Other than Nvidia, Intel and Advanced Micro Devices have also been affected by the curbs and are supposed to enforce them on an immediate basis.

<h2>US-China chip wars: What the latest US restrictions are about?</h2>

The restrictions are targeted at preventing the development of machine learning models that power Artificial Intelligence tools like ChatGPT, BingAI or Stable Diffusion. The chip export restrictions also target the chips that power the next generation of AI-enabled audio, speech, 2D, video and 3D applications.&nbsp;

The restrictions bar the export of Intel Gaudi 2 chips, and that of Nvidia A800, H800, A100, H100 and L40S chips among others.&nbsp;

Notably, Intel Gaudi 2, and Nvidia AI chips A800 and H800 were created for the Chinese market in compliance with previous export rules.

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Previously, China in July had put curbs on the exports of germanium and gallium, two rare metals used in the manufacturing of semiconductors and electronics. Prior to that, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/chip-war-intensifies-us-and-netherlands-impose-stricter-controls-on-chipmaking-equipment-sales-to-china-610417">the Netherlands had imposed, in consultation with the United States</a>, new restrictions on the export of the Dutch manufacturer ASML’s advanced chips machinery to China.

The US-China chip wars continue to intensify as Washington directed one of the world's top chipmakers, the Santa Clara, California-headquartered Nvidia, to enforce new curbs on the export of its high-end Artificial Intelligence chips to China.

The US-China chip wars continue to intensify as Washington directed one of the world's top chipmakers, the Santa Clara, California-headquartered Nvidia, to enforce new curbs on the export of its high-end Artificial Intelligence chips to China. The US restrictions to certain chip exports, to countries such as China, Iran and Russia, were previously scheduled to be enforced from 16 November but the deadline now effectively has been advanced. The semiconductor chips are increasingly emerging as pivots of global economy, and have been described as the 'new oil' of the technology age. The computing power accessed through microchips, from data centers to smartphones, are required for all parts of the economy. The US policies in the recent years, including the geopolitical patronage to self-governed island of Taiwan -- which China considers as its own and is world's top manufacturer of semiconductor chips -- have been directed to reduce China's access to these crucial elemental pivots of global economy. Other than Nvidia, Intel and Advanced Micro Devices have also been affected by the curbs and are supposed to enforce them on an immediate basis. US-China chip wars: What the latest US restrictions are about? The restrictions are targeted at preventing the development of machine learning models that power Artificial Intelligence tools like ChatGPT, BingAI or Stable Diffusion. The chip export restrictions also target the chips that power the next generation of AI-enabled audio, speech, 2D, video and 3D applications. The restrictions bar the export of Intel Gaudi 2 chips, and that of Nvidia A800, H800, A100, H100 and L40S chips among others. Notably, Intel Gaudi 2, and Nvidia AI chips A800 and H800 were created for the Chinese market in compliance with previous export rules. Also read | US-China chip war intensifies amid calls for 'small yard, high fence' approach to contain Beijing Previously, China in July had put curbs on the exports of germanium and gallium, two rare metals used in the manufacturing of semiconductors and electronics. Prior to that, the Netherlands had imposed, in consultation with the United States, new restrictions on the export of the Dutch manufacturer ASML’s advanced chips machinery to China.

US-China chip war: Biden administration imposes new curbs on exports to China

A US Navy soldier has&nbsp;admitted that he took $15,000 as a bribe in exchange for providing photos of unclassified US military information to China, including on US military exercises in Indo-Pacific.

Pleading guilty to conspiracy and receiving a bribe, 26-year-old Petty Officer Wenheng "Thomas" Zhao said he was in contact with a Chinese intelligence officer who had coaxed him into providing sensitive information.

“Officer Zhao betrayed his country and the men and women of the US Navy by accepting bribes from a foreign adversary,”&nbsp;US Attorney Martin Estrada said on Tuesday (Oct 11) in a press release.

“While he and the PRC officer he served took great pains to conceal their corrupt scheme, investigators were vigilant in uncovering this shameful plot.”&nbsp;

“Today’s resolution, requiring Zhao to plead guilty to all charges against him, shows that we will act swiftly and decisively to protect our nation from those who seek to undermine our security.”

<h2>Information contained US military exercises in Indo-Pacific&nbsp;</h2>

In his plea at a federal court in Los Angeles, California-based Zhao admitted to passing off plans for US military exercises in the Indo-Pacific region, operational orders and electrical diagrams and blueprints for a radar system on a US military base in Okinawa, Japan.

Zhao, who worked at Naval Base Ventura County in California, faces a maximum of 20 years in prison.&nbsp;A judge is expected to determine his final sentence.

“The intelligence services of the People’s Republic of China actively target clearance holders across the military, seeking to entice them with money to provide sensitive government information,” Assistant Attorney General for National Security Matthew G Olsen said.

“When contacted by his co-conspirator, rather than reporting it to the Navy, the Defendant chose greed over protecting the national security of the United States.”

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“He is now being held accountable for his crimes. To others tempted to put personal profit ahead of patriotic duty, know that we are committed to identifying you and bringing you to justice,” Olsen added.

<h2>Was arrested in August&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>

Zhao was arrested in August along with another navy sailor, 22-year-old Jinchao Wei, who was taken into custody for a separate alleged plot to pass sensitive security information to Chinese officials.&nbsp;

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Wei, who served aboard the San Diego-based USS Essex, was busted on espionage charges after he allegedly provided China with detailed information of the ship and its crew.

(With inputs from agencies)

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A US Navy soldier has admitted that he took $15,000 as a bribe in exchange for providing photos of unclassified US military information to China, including on US military exercises in Indo-Pacific.

A US Navy soldier has admitted that he took $15,000 as a bribe in exchange for providing photos of unclassified US military information to China, including on US military exercises in Indo-Pacific. Pleading guilty to conspiracy and receiving a bribe, 26-year-old Petty Officer Wenheng "Thomas" Zhao said he was in contact with a Chinese intelligence officer who had coaxed him into providing sensitive information. “Officer Zhao betrayed his country and the men and women of the US Navy by accepting bribes from a foreign adversary,” US Attorney Martin Estrada said on Tuesday (Oct 11) in a press release. “While he and the PRC officer he served took great pains to conceal their corrupt scheme, investigators were vigilant in uncovering this shameful plot.” “Today’s resolution, requiring Zhao to plead guilty to all charges against him, shows that we will act swiftly and decisively to protect our nation from those who seek to undermine our security.” Information contained US military exercises in Indo-Pacific In his plea at a federal court in Los Angeles, California-based Zhao admitted to passing off plans for US military exercises in the Indo-Pacific region, operational orders and electrical diagrams and blueprints for a radar system on a US military base in Okinawa, Japan. Zhao, who worked at Naval Base Ventura County in California, faces a maximum of 20 years in prison. A judge is expected to determine his final sentence. “The intelligence services of the People’s Republic of China actively target clearance holders across the military, seeking to entice them with money to provide sensitive government information,” Assistant Attorney General for National Security Matthew G Olsen said. “When contacted by his co-conspirator, rather than reporting it to the Navy, the Defendant chose greed over protecting the national security of the United States.” Also read | Hamas terrorist kills elderly woman, family finds video of ghastly act on Facebook “He is now being held accountable for his crimes. To others tempted to put personal profit ahead of patriotic duty, know that we are committed to identifying you and bringing you to justice,” Olsen added. Was arrested in August Zhao was arrested in August along with another navy sailor, 22-year-old Jinchao Wei, who was taken into custody for a separate alleged plot to pass sensitive security information to Chinese officials. Also read | 'Extremely dangerous' Hurricane Lidia makes landfall in Mexico as category-4 storm Wei, who served aboard the San Diego-based USS Essex, was busted on espionage charges after he allegedly provided China with detailed information of the ship and its crew. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

US Navy soldier admits to taking $15,000 bribe for passing military information to China

China on Friday sanctioned two US defence companies— Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman—for supplying arms to Taiwan.

In a press conference, China’s foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said that the punitive measures are being taken under the country's Anti-Foreign Sanctions Law.

"We urge the US side to effectively abide by the one-China principle... cease US-Taiwan military liaison and stop arming Taiwan, or else it will be subject to a resolute and forceful retaliation by the Chinese side," she said.

The spokesperson named Lockheed Martin Corp's branch in Missouri as the prime contractor claiming that it sold arms to Taiwan on August 24, and added that Northrop Grumman repeatedly participated in the sale of weapons to Taipei.

"According to the Anti-Foreign Sanctions Law of the PRC, China has decided to impose sanctions on the above two US military companies," she said.&nbsp;

This is not the first time that China has imposed sanctions on US companies for the sale of arms to Taiwan. However, it is unknown how the proposed sanctions would work since neither company sells to China.

<h2>US increases military aid to Taiwan&nbsp;</h2>

The United States Congress allows the supply of weapons to the self-governing nation under the Taiwan Relations Act.

Earlier, the US used to sell arms rather than provide them as an aid, but in August, the administration for the first time approved direct US military aid to Taiwan under an assistance programme aimed at foreign governments.&nbsp;

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Last month, US President Joe Biden approved the transfer of up to $80 million in funds to Taiwan under the Foreign Military Financing programme, according to a notification sent to Congress.

<h2>China military drills</h2>

The announcement of sanctions comes at a time when China has deployed warplanes and navy ships around the democratically governed island, and a Chinese naval formation led by the aircraft carrier Shandong passed within 60 nautical miles (111 km) of Taiwan's southeast.

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Taiwan has also reported dozens of Chinese fighters, bombers and other aircraft flying into its air defence zone this week.

Beijing views the self-ruled island of Taiwan as a breakaway province that must accept Chinese sovereignty and has never renounced the use of force to achieve that goal.

&nbsp;

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China on Friday sanctioned two US defence companies— Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman—for supplying arms to Taiwan. In a press conference, China’s foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said that the punitive measures are being taken under the country's Anti-Foreign Sanctions Law.

China on Friday sanctioned two US defence companies— Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman—for supplying arms to Taiwan. In a press conference, China’s foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said that the punitive measures are being taken under the country's Anti-Foreign Sanctions Law. "We urge the US side to effectively abide by the one-China principle... cease US-Taiwan military liaison and stop arming Taiwan, or else it will be subject to a resolute and forceful retaliation by the Chinese side," she said. The spokesperson named Lockheed Martin Corp's branch in Missouri as the prime contractor claiming that it sold arms to Taiwan on August 24, and added that Northrop Grumman repeatedly participated in the sale of weapons to Taipei. "According to the Anti-Foreign Sanctions Law of the PRC, China has decided to impose sanctions on the above two US military companies," she said. This is not the first time that China has imposed sanctions on US companies for the sale of arms to Taiwan. However, it is unknown how the proposed sanctions would work since neither company sells to China. US increases military aid to Taiwan The United States Congress allows the supply of weapons to the self-governing nation under the Taiwan Relations Act. Earlier, the US used to sell arms rather than provide them as an aid, but in August, the administration for the first time approved direct US military aid to Taiwan under an assistance programme aimed at foreign governments. Also read | Zelensky to meet Biden as Congress debates $24bn aid for Ukraine: Reports Last month, US President Joe Biden approved the transfer of up to $80 million in funds to Taiwan under the Foreign Military Financing programme, according to a notification sent to Congress. China military drills The announcement of sanctions comes at a time when China has deployed warplanes and navy ships around the democratically governed island, and a Chinese naval formation led by the aircraft carrier Shandong passed within 60 nautical miles (111 km) of Taiwan's southeast. Also read | Vladimir Putin, Kim Jong-un exchange rifles, Russia also gifts special glove Taiwan has also reported dozens of Chinese fighters, bombers and other aircraft flying into its air defence zone this week. Beijing views the self-ruled island of Taiwan as a breakaway province that must accept Chinese sovereignty and has never renounced the use of force to achieve that goal. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

China sanctions two US defence firms for supplying arms to Taiwan

In the latest move to lower&nbsp;tensions between the world's two largest economies, the United States and China have agreed to undertake frequent talks about commercial concerns and limitations on access to sophisticated technology.

The latest development comes&nbsp;amid U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo's ongoing visit to China this week, where she is meeting with senior Chinese authorities in Beijing and Shanghai.

"I think it's a very good sign that we agreed to concrete dialogue, and I would say, more than just kind of nebulous commitments to continue to talk, this is an official channel," Raimondo said in an interview following four hours of talks with China's trade minister, Wang Wentao.

Raimondo said&nbsp;that she had an "open" and "pragmatic" talk with Wang and expressed worries about China's recent steps against Intel and Micron Technology, two American semiconductor companies. The Chinese government has halted a significant purchase planned by Intel and has prohibited Micron from selling in China this year.

She stated that two distinct conversations would be developed. One would be a working committee composed of corporate leaders that would focus on commercial concerns. The other would be federal information sharing on US export control enforcement.

Following the discussion, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce issued a statement saying that Wang voiced severe concerns about US tariffs on Chinese imports as well as the Biden administration's efforts to boost the US semiconductor sector through government subsidies.

Boosting info exchange amid enforcement challenge

Raimondo described the new discussion as an "information exchange" rather than a working group. She stated that the group was formed to provide more information regarding US export limits on sophisticated technology, but that its formation did not imply that the US would compromise on national security matters. The export enforcement group's first meeting was slated for Tuesday in Beijing.

Enforcement has been a challenge for the two nations, partially because it requires American authorities to perform inspections in China. China had suspended such inspections for around two years, but in the last eight months, it has authorised over 100 such checks to take place, according to the official.

The inspections of Chinese sites are intended to ensure that advanced American technology is not transferred to the Chinese military or security agencies.

The Commerce Department reported last week that 27 Chinese businesses had passed such examinations and were once again permitted to import sophisticated technology.

Furthermore, He Weiwen, a former Chinese commerce ministry official who is now a trade specialist at the Center for China and Globalization, a Beijing-based think tank, said the bilateral agreement to have additional talks demonstrated a shared commitment to pragmatism.

"It means that both sides agree on how to solve practical problems," he said, as quoted by the New York Times.

However, suggestions for a formal communication mechanism between the two nations sparked condemnation from some China specialists in the United States, demonstrating how politically delicate ties with China remain.

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In the latest move to lower tensions between the world's two largest economies, the United States and China have agreed to undertake frequent talks about commercial concerns and limitations on access to sophisticated technology.

In the latest move to lower tensions between the world's two largest economies, the United States and China have agreed to undertake frequent talks about commercial concerns and limitations on access to sophisticated technology. The latest development comes amid U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo's ongoing visit to China this week, where she is meeting with senior Chinese authorities in Beijing and Shanghai. "I think it's a very good sign that we agreed to concrete dialogue, and I would say, more than just kind of nebulous commitments to continue to talk, this is an official channel," Raimondo said in an interview following four hours of talks with China's trade minister, Wang Wentao. Raimondo said that she had an "open" and "pragmatic" talk with Wang and expressed worries about China's recent steps against Intel and Micron Technology, two American semiconductor companies. The Chinese government has halted a significant purchase planned by Intel and has prohibited Micron from selling in China this year. She stated that two distinct conversations would be developed. One would be a working committee composed of corporate leaders that would focus on commercial concerns. The other would be federal information sharing on US export control enforcement. Following the discussion, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce issued a statement saying that Wang voiced severe concerns about US tariffs on Chinese imports as well as the Biden administration's efforts to boost the US semiconductor sector through government subsidies. Boosting info exchange amid enforcement challenge Raimondo described the new discussion as an "information exchange" rather than a working group. She stated that the group was formed to provide more information regarding US export limits on sophisticated technology, but that its formation did not imply that the US would compromise on national security matters. The export enforcement group's first meeting was slated for Tuesday in Beijing. Enforcement has been a challenge for the two nations, partially because it requires American authorities to perform inspections in China. China had suspended such inspections for around two years, but in the last eight months, it has authorised over 100 such checks to take place, according to the official. The inspections of Chinese sites are intended to ensure that advanced American technology is not transferred to the Chinese military or security agencies. The Commerce Department reported last week that 27 Chinese businesses had passed such examinations and were once again permitted to import sophisticated technology. Furthermore, He Weiwen, a former Chinese commerce ministry official who is now a trade specialist at the Center for China and Globalization, a Beijing-based think tank, said the bilateral agreement to have additional talks demonstrated a shared commitment to pragmatism. "It means that both sides agree on how to solve practical problems," he said, as quoted by the New York Times. However, suggestions for a formal communication mechanism between the two nations sparked condemnation from some China specialists in the United States, demonstrating how politically delicate ties with China remain. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

US and China expand talks in effort to reduce trade tensions

China on Monday (Aug 21) protested against a statement given by the US, Japan and South Korea wherein they criticised Beijing's “dangerous and aggressive behaviour” in the marine disputes relating to the East and South China Sea.

The statement came on Friday (Aug 18) during a summit hosted by US President Joe Biden to discuss a three-way security cooperation at the Camp David presidential retreat.

On Monday, China hit back at the leaders saying they "smeared and attacked China on Taiwan-related and maritime issues, grossly interfered in China's internal affairs and deliberately sowed discord between China and its neighbours."

Addressing the media. foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said China expresses "strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition and has lodged solemn representations with relevant parties".

The Camp David summit marked the first official meeting between US President Joe Biden, his South Korean counterpart, Yoon Suk-yeol, and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.

<h2>Trilateral meeting&nbsp;</h2>

The meeting comes in the wake of the thawing of relations between South Korea and Japan amidst China’s growing assertiveness in the Asia-Pacific region also due to a string of recent&nbsp;North Korean missile tests.

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“We are resolute in our determination to uphold regional security, strengthen Indo-Pacific engagement, and promote common prosperity,” the leaders said in a joint statement.

In the meeting, three countries agreed to a new “duty to consult” security pledge committing them to speak with each other in the event of a security crisis or threat in the Pacific.

The pledge seeks to acknowledge that they share “fundamentally interlinked security environments” and that a threat to one is “a threat to all,” a senior Biden administration official told AP news agency on the condition of anonymity.

Under the pledge, the three countries agree to consult, share information and align their messaging with each other in the face of a threat or crisis, the official said.

<h2>China, North Korea in focus&nbsp;</h2>

Despite it being&nbsp;obvious, Biden maintained that the summit “was not about China”, rather it was focused on broader security issues.

But in their joint summit concluding statement, the three countries noted China’s “dangerous and aggressive” action in the South China Sea and said they “strongly oppose any unilateral attempts to change the status quo in the waters of the Indo-Pacific.”

<a name="html-embed-module-e30000"></a>Yoon particularly highlighted the threat posed by North Korea, saying the three leaders had agreed to improve “our joint response capabilities to North Korea’s nuclear and missile threats, which have become sophisticated more than ever.”

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China on Monday (Aug 21) protested against a statement given by the US, Japan and South Korea wherein they criticised Beijing's “dangerous and aggressive behaviour” in the marine disputes relating to the East and South China Sea.

China on Monday (Aug 21) protested against a statement given by the US, Japan and South Korea wherein they criticised Beijing's “dangerous and aggressive behaviour” in the marine disputes relating to the East and South China Sea. The statement came on Friday (Aug 18) during a summit hosted by US President Joe Biden to discuss a three-way security cooperation at the Camp David presidential retreat. On Monday, China hit back at the leaders saying they "smeared and attacked China on Taiwan-related and maritime issues, grossly interfered in China's internal affairs and deliberately sowed discord between China and its neighbours." Addressing the media. foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said China expresses "strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition and has lodged solemn representations with relevant parties". The Camp David summit marked the first official meeting between US President Joe Biden, his South Korean counterpart, Yoon Suk-yeol, and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. Trilateral meeting The meeting comes in the wake of the thawing of relations between South Korea and Japan amidst China’s growing assertiveness in the Asia-Pacific region also due to a string of recent North Korean missile tests. “We are resolute in our determination to uphold regional security, strengthen Indo-Pacific engagement, and promote common prosperity,” the leaders said in a joint statement. In the meeting, three countries agreed to a new “duty to consult” security pledge committing them to speak with each other in the event of a security crisis or threat in the Pacific. The pledge seeks to acknowledge that they share “fundamentally interlinked security environments” and that a threat to one is “a threat to all,” a senior Biden administration official told AP news agency on the condition of anonymity. Under the pledge, the three countries agree to consult, share information and align their messaging with each other in the face of a threat or crisis, the official said. China, North Korea in focus Despite it being obvious, Biden maintained that the summit “was not about China”, rather it was focused on broader security issues. But in their joint summit concluding statement, the three countries noted China’s “dangerous and aggressive” action in the South China Sea and said they “strongly oppose any unilateral attempts to change the status quo in the waters of the Indo-Pacific.” Yoon particularly highlighted the threat posed by North Korea, saying the three leaders had agreed to improve “our joint response capabilities to North Korea’s nuclear and missile threats, which have become sophisticated more than ever.” WATCH WION LIVE HERE

China slams US, South Korea and Japan over their statements on South China Sea

United States President Joe Biden has signed an executive order that seeks to prevent certain American investments in China, especially in sensitive technology and requires prior government approval for funding in other tech sectors.

The long-anticipated move, which could further strain bilateral ties, directs the US Treasury Secretary to narrow down investments in quantum computing, artificial intelligence and advanced semiconductors.

In a letter to Congress on Wednesday (Aug 9), Biden said he was declaring a national emergency to deal with the threat of advancement by countries like China "in sensitive technologies and products critical to the military, intelligence, surveillance, or cyber-enabled capabilities."

Strides by China in these areas constitute "an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security of the United States" and certain US investments "risk exacerbating this threat," the order said, according to Reuters news agency.

<h2>Crippling China's semiconductor industry&nbsp;</h2>

The order seeks to tighten the screws on China’s semiconductor industry, which is heavily reliant on foreign-made equipment to design chips and tools to manufacture them.

Beijing has been working to cultivate its nascent domestic industry and has been investing a lot to build solid fabrication plants, known as fabs—a field dominated by US, Japan and the Netherlands.

The Biden administration argues that these prohibitions were intended to address "the most acute" national security risks and not to separate the two countries’ highly interdependent economies.

Meanwhile, the move has drawn mixed reactions, with the Democratic party hailing the decision, and the Republicans saying that the prohibitions should have included other areas.

<h2>Democrats hail decision, Republicans say more needs to be done</h2>

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said, "For too long, American money has helped fuel the Chinese military’s rise. Today, the United States is taking a strategic first step to ensure American investment does not go to fund Chinese military advancement."

He said that Congress must enshrine restrictions in law and refine them.

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Meanwhile, the Republicans said the Biden order did not go far enough.

House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul praised the move to restrict new outbound investments in China but said: "The failure to include existing technology investments as well as sectors like biotechnology and energy is concerning."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hiroshima-nagasaki-at-78-nolans-oppenheimer-has-put-atomic-focus-on-safe-use-of-nuclear-energy-623922">Hiroshima-Nagasaki at 78: 'Atomic' focus on safe use of nuclear energy</a>

The restrictions will only affect future investments, not existing ones, an administration official told Reuters.

A senior US official, who is close to the development, said that the order would be implemented next year after multiple rounds of public comment, including an initial 45-day comment period.

(With inputs from agencies)

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United States President Joe Biden has signed an executive order that seeks to prevent certain American investments in China, especially in sensitive technology and requires prior government approval for funding in other tech sectors.

United States President Joe Biden has signed an executive order that seeks to prevent certain American investments in China, especially in sensitive technology and requires prior government approval for funding in other tech sectors. The long-anticipated move, which could further strain bilateral ties, directs the US Treasury Secretary to narrow down investments in quantum computing, artificial intelligence and advanced semiconductors. In a letter to Congress on Wednesday (Aug 9), Biden said he was declaring a national emergency to deal with the threat of advancement by countries like China "in sensitive technologies and products critical to the military, intelligence, surveillance, or cyber-enabled capabilities." Strides by China in these areas constitute "an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security of the United States" and certain US investments "risk exacerbating this threat," the order said, according to Reuters news agency. Crippling China's semiconductor industry The order seeks to tighten the screws on China’s semiconductor industry, which is heavily reliant on foreign-made equipment to design chips and tools to manufacture them. Beijing has been working to cultivate its nascent domestic industry and has been investing a lot to build solid fabrication plants, known as fabs—a field dominated by US, Japan and the Netherlands. The Biden administration argues that these prohibitions were intended to address "the most acute" national security risks and not to separate the two countries’ highly interdependent economies. Meanwhile, the move has drawn mixed reactions, with the Democratic party hailing the decision, and the Republicans saying that the prohibitions should have included other areas. Democrats hail decision, Republicans say more needs to be done Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said, "For too long, American money has helped fuel the Chinese military’s rise. Today, the United States is taking a strategic first step to ensure American investment does not go to fund Chinese military advancement." He said that Congress must enshrine restrictions in law and refine them. Also read | Saudis fall short of normalising ties with Israel; White House clarifies Meanwhile, the Republicans said the Biden order did not go far enough. House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul praised the move to restrict new outbound investments in China but said: "The failure to include existing technology investments as well as sectors like biotechnology and energy is concerning." Also read | Hiroshima-Nagasaki at 78: 'Atomic' focus on safe use of nuclear energy The restrictions will only affect future investments, not existing ones, an administration official told Reuters. A senior US official, who is close to the development, said that the order would be implemented next year after multiple rounds of public comment, including an initial 45-day comment period. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Biden administration curbs US investments in Chinese tech sectors

US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen met Chinese Premier Li Qiang in Beijing on Friday and told him that the United States was not taking a "winner-take-all" approach and that it wants healthy competition with China.

Yellen, who is on a four-day visit to China, sought to temper down the tense relations between the two nations over trade curbs, human rights and a plethora of other disputes.

During her meeting with the Chinese premier, Yellen said, “We seek healthy economic competition that is not winner-take-all but that, with a fair set of rules, can benefit both countries over time.”

The comments come as US and China have been sparring over exports of chips after Beijing restricted the export of two metals required for manufacturing semiconductors, mostly used in electric vehicles, displays, and defence equipment.

This was in response to the Biden administration curbing exports of advanced chips to China. The US first imposed restrictions on exports of chips to China in 2015, extending them in 2021 and twice in 2022. The most recent restrictions were introduced in&nbsp;December.

<h2>Janet Yellen's high-stakes China visit</h2>

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Yellen argued that the US was taking certain decisions “to pursue targeted actions to protect its national security”, adding that it should not derail ties.

“We may disagree in these instances,” she said.&nbsp;

“We should not allow any disagreement to lead to misunderstandings that needlessly worsen our bilateral economic and financial relationship.”

She further stressed that Washington was not seeking a “wholesale separation of our economies”.

“A decoupling of the world’s two largest economies would be destabilising for the global economy,”&nbsp;Yellen&nbsp;told a meeting with representatives of US business at a session hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce in the capital.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/yellen-stresses-importance-of-us-china-ties-says-decoupling-economies-impossible-612979">Yellen criticises China's 'punitive' measures against US companies, but says decoupling 'impossible'</a>

Yellen told Li that she hoped her visit would spur more regular channels of communication between the world’s two largest economies, adding that both countries had a duty to “show leadership” on global challenges such as climate change.

<h2>‘We can see a rainbow’</h2>

Before the meeting, Premier Li struck an optimistic telling Yellen that China see the relationship recovering after a difficult period.

"Yesterday, the moment you arrived at our airport and left the plane, we saw a rainbow," Li said.

"I think it can apply to the US-China relationship too... after experiencing a round of winds and rains, we surely can see a rainbow."

(With inputs from agencies)

US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen met Chinese Premier Li Qiang in Beijing on Friday and told him that the United States was not taking a "winner-take-all" approach and that it wants healthy competition with China.

US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen met Chinese Premier Li Qiang in Beijing on Friday and told him that the United States was not taking a "winner-take-all" approach and that it wants healthy competition with China. Yellen, who is on a four-day visit to China, sought to temper down the tense relations between the two nations over trade curbs, human rights and a plethora of other disputes. During her meeting with the Chinese premier, Yellen said, “We seek healthy economic competition that is not winner-take-all but that, with a fair set of rules, can benefit both countries over time.” The comments come as US and China have been sparring over exports of chips after Beijing restricted the export of two metals required for manufacturing semiconductors, mostly used in electric vehicles, displays, and defence equipment. This was in response to the Biden administration curbing exports of advanced chips to China. The US first imposed restrictions on exports of chips to China in 2015, extending them in 2021 and twice in 2022. The most recent restrictions were introduced in December. Janet Yellen's high-stakes China visit Yellen argued that the US was taking certain decisions “to pursue targeted actions to protect its national security”, adding that it should not derail ties. “We may disagree in these instances,” she said. “We should not allow any disagreement to lead to misunderstandings that needlessly worsen our bilateral economic and financial relationship.” She further stressed that Washington was not seeking a “wholesale separation of our economies”. “A decoupling of the world’s two largest economies would be destabilising for the global economy,” Yellen told a meeting with representatives of US business at a session hosted by the American Chamber of Commerce in the capital. Also read | Yellen criticises China's 'punitive' measures against US companies, but says decoupling 'impossible' Yellen told Li that she hoped her visit would spur more regular channels of communication between the world’s two largest economies, adding that both countries had a duty to “show leadership” on global challenges such as climate change. ‘We can see a rainbow’ Before the meeting, Premier Li struck an optimistic telling Yellen that China see the relationship recovering after a difficult period. "Yesterday, the moment you arrived at our airport and left the plane, we saw a rainbow," Li said. "I think it can apply to the US-China relationship too... after experiencing a round of winds and rains, we surely can see a rainbow." (With inputs from agencies)

Yellen tries to temper down US-China chips war in meeting with Premier Li

The Biden administration is reportedly mulling imposing tougher sanctions on exports of artificial intelligence (AI) chips to China, amidst concerns that Beijing could use AI chips for weapon development and hacking.

According to the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) newspaper, the US commerce department is looking to update existing export controls that were introduced October last year.

If implemented, it would make it harder for companies such as Nvidia and Advanced Micro Devices and AMD to sell advanced chips to China, the WSJ reported citing three people familiar with the situation.

Though no timeframe was provided, it is believed that the commerce department could move as soon as early next month to stop the shipments of chips to China and other countries of concern without first obtaining a license, the report said.

It comes at a time when US and China are fighting hard to develop AI-accelerated hardware and acquire patents to protect innovations.

It will also hinder Nvidia’s business as it had designed new graphics processing unit chips called the A800 and H800 for China to replace more advanced chips that were restricted under the export rules.

The company also tweaked its flagship H100 chip early this year to comply with regulations.&nbsp;The new rules would even ban the sale of A800 chips without a license, the report added.

Following the report, shares of Nvidia fell more than 2 per cent, while Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) fell about 1.5 per cent.

<h2>US chipmaker Nvidia reaches $1 trillion milestone</h2>

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<h2>&nbsp;</h2>

<h2>Big blow to Nvidia</h2>

Speaking recently to the Financial Times, Nvidia chief executive Jensen Huang said the export controls could may pose “enormous damage” to the US tech industry.

He said the decision left his company with its “hands tied behind our back” by preventing them from selling its most advanced chips to China.

Though the A800 and H800 are considered inferior, China’s buzzing tech giants are heavily reliant on these chips for their AI research and development.

Tencent, Alibaba, Baidu, ByteDance and other Chinese groups had placed additional orders for Nvidia chips when the AI race took off in China this year, FT reported citing sources.

<h2>Modern AI chips</h2>

Nvidia is the main supplier of chips for building and updating&nbsp;AI systems. One of its recent products, the H100 GPU, has 80 billion&nbsp;transistors. That is reportedly about 13 million more than Apple’s latest top&nbsp;processor&nbsp;used in its MacBook Pro computers. However, this technology is costly. One online seller lists the H100 for $30,000.

Nvidia does not make these GPU chips itself. It has contracts with manufacturers like Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing and South Korea’s Samsung Electronics.

Some of the biggest buyers for AI chips are cloud-computing services. Technology companies, like Amazon and Microsoft, use these chips for cloud computing.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The Biden administration is reportedly mulling imposing tougher sanctions on exports of artificial intelligence (AI) chips to China, amidst concerns that Beijing could use AI chips for weapon development and hacking.

The Biden administration is reportedly mulling imposing tougher sanctions on exports of artificial intelligence (AI) chips to China, amidst concerns that Beijing could use AI chips for weapon development and hacking. According to the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) newspaper, the US commerce department is looking to update existing export controls that were introduced October last year. If implemented, it would make it harder for companies such as Nvidia and Advanced Micro Devices and AMD to sell advanced chips to China, the WSJ reported citing three people familiar with the situation. Though no timeframe was provided, it is believed that the commerce department could move as soon as early next month to stop the shipments of chips to China and other countries of concern without first obtaining a license, the report said. It comes at a time when US and China are fighting hard to develop AI-accelerated hardware and acquire patents to protect innovations. It will also hinder Nvidia’s business as it had designed new graphics processing unit chips called the A800 and H800 for China to replace more advanced chips that were restricted under the export rules. The company also tweaked its flagship H100 chip early this year to comply with regulations. The new rules would even ban the sale of A800 chips without a license, the report added. Following the report, shares of Nvidia fell more than 2 per cent, while Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) fell about 1.5 per cent. US chipmaker Nvidia reaches $1 trillion milestone Big blow to Nvidia Speaking recently to the Financial Times, Nvidia chief executive Jensen Huang said the export controls could may pose “enormous damage” to the US tech industry. He said the decision left his company with its “hands tied behind our back” by preventing them from selling its most advanced chips to China. Though the A800 and H800 are considered inferior, China’s buzzing tech giants are heavily reliant on these chips for their AI research and development. Tencent, Alibaba, Baidu, ByteDance and other Chinese groups had placed additional orders for Nvidia chips when the AI race took off in China this year, FT reported citing sources. Modern AI chips Nvidia is the main supplier of chips for building and updating AI systems. One of its recent products, the H100 GPU, has 80 billion transistors. That is reportedly about 13 million more than Apple’s latest top processor used in its MacBook Pro computers. However, this technology is costly. One online seller lists the H100 for $30,000. Nvidia does not make these GPU chips itself. It has contracts with manufacturers like Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing and South Korea’s Samsung Electronics. Some of the biggest buyers for AI chips are cloud-computing services. Technology companies, like Amazon and Microsoft, use these chips for cloud computing. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

US looking to impose tougher restrictions on AI chips exports to China: Report

Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang has told US Secretary of State Antony Blinken that America should “show respect” and stop meddling in China’s internal affairs with respect to the Taiwan issue.

In a phone call on Wednesday morning, the Chinese minister asked the US to meet China halfway, and effectively manage differences, promote communication and cooperation.

Qin reiterated Beijing’s firm stance on core concerns like Taiwan and said that China has always viewed and handled the relationship with mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping.

The minister further said that since the beginning of this year, China-US relations have faced new difficulties and challenges and added “It’s clear who is responsible."

<h2>China's stimulus efforts fail to boost market confidence</h2>

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He also hoped US works to manage differences and stabilise Sino-US relations so that their relations come back on track with sound and steady development.

“I hope that the US side will take practical actions to implement the important consensus of the meeting between the two heads of state in Bali, move in the same direction as the Chinese side, effectively manage differences, promote exchanges and cooperation, and promote the stabilisation of&nbsp;China-US relations,” Qin said, according to a Chinese foreign ministry readout of the phone call.

Later, Blinken confirmed via Twitter that he spoke to Foreign Minister Qin Gang and “discussed ongoing efforts to keep communication channels open, as well as bilateral and global issues."

Blinken also "made clear that the US would continue to use diplomatic engagements to raise areas of concern as well as areas of potential cooperation".&nbsp;

<h2>Thaw in ties</h2>

Wednesday’s engagement comes on the backdrop of Blinken’s expected visit to China for talks this Sunday. However, no official confirmation has been given so far.

The talks seek to bring a thaw in the tense Sino-US relations, which have seen turbulent days due to the spy balloon incident in February.

Blinken was expected to travel to Beijing at that time, which would have been the first by a US secretary of state in five years, but he cancelled his trip following the suspected Chinese spy balloon incident that flew over the United States.

The two sides had hoped to improve bilateral relations during a Bali summit between Chinese leader Xi Jinping and US President Joe Biden in November.

Last month, a closed-door meeting took place between Biden’s national security advisor Jake Sullivan and top Chinese diplomat Wang Yi in Vienna.

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Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang has told US Secretary of State Antony Blinken that America should “show respect” and stop meddling in China’s internal affairs with respect to the Taiwan issue.

Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang has told US Secretary of State Antony Blinken that America should “show respect” and stop meddling in China’s internal affairs with respect to the Taiwan issue. In a phone call on Wednesday morning, the Chinese minister asked the US to meet China halfway, and effectively manage differences, promote communication and cooperation. Qin reiterated Beijing’s firm stance on core concerns like Taiwan and said that China has always viewed and handled the relationship with mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping. The minister further said that since the beginning of this year, China-US relations have faced new difficulties and challenges and added “It’s clear who is responsible." China's stimulus efforts fail to boost market confidence He also hoped US works to manage differences and stabilise Sino-US relations so that their relations come back on track with sound and steady development. “I hope that the US side will take practical actions to implement the important consensus of the meeting between the two heads of state in Bali, move in the same direction as the Chinese side, effectively manage differences, promote exchanges and cooperation, and promote the stabilisation of China-US relations,” Qin said, according to a Chinese foreign ministry readout of the phone call. Later, Blinken confirmed via Twitter that he spoke to Foreign Minister Qin Gang and “discussed ongoing efforts to keep communication channels open, as well as bilateral and global issues." Blinken also "made clear that the US would continue to use diplomatic engagements to raise areas of concern as well as areas of potential cooperation". Thaw in ties Wednesday’s engagement comes on the backdrop of Blinken’s expected visit to China for talks this Sunday. However, no official confirmation has been given so far. The talks seek to bring a thaw in the tense Sino-US relations, which have seen turbulent days due to the spy balloon incident in February. Blinken was expected to travel to Beijing at that time, which would have been the first by a US secretary of state in five years, but he cancelled his trip following the suspected Chinese spy balloon incident that flew over the United States. The two sides had hoped to improve bilateral relations during a Bali summit between Chinese leader Xi Jinping and US President Joe Biden in November. Last month, a closed-door meeting took place between Biden’s national security advisor Jake Sullivan and top Chinese diplomat Wang Yi in Vienna. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

'Don’t meddle in Taiwan issue': Chinese Foreign Minister Qin tells US’ Antony Blinken

"You can’t eat democracy. Human rights may sustain the spirit but not the body.”

This quote, from a speech by Zambian president Hakainde Hichilema at a US-sponsored Summit of Democracy, may be one of the most important keys to understanding why most of the world’s population live in countries whose leaders do not share Western values – and why a new world order now in the making might be dominated by China.

To avoid being branded as a US-centric event, the Summit of Democracy was co-hosted by Costa Rica, the Netherlands, South Korea and Zambia, whose leader’s speech was broadcast from Lusaka. The mostly virtual conference involved 120 countries and was part of an intense flurry of diplomatic activity in March and early April.

The one that made most headlines around the world was a three-day state visit to Moscow by Chinese President Xi Jinping just a few days after the International Criminal Court in The Hague issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin for war crimes arising from Russia’s war on Ukraine.

Speculation that the visit would pave the way for a peaceful settlement of the conflict proved groundless. While China repeatedly abstained from United Nations votes condemning the Russian assault on Ukraine, the visit left no doubt that China’s need for a steady supply of Russian oil overrode concerns over violations of the UN&nbsp;charter, to which China subscribes.

To hear US&nbsp;intelligence analysts tell it, China is watching the war on Ukraine closely because it could provide lessons for a Chinese attack on Taiwan, which Beijing considers part of greater China.

Much to the anger of the Chinese government, Taiwan’s president, Tsai Ing-wen, met the speaker of the US&nbsp;House of Representatives, Kevin McCarthy, in his home state of California in what Washington described as a transit stopover, not an official visit. McCarthy emphasized the need for the US&nbsp;to continue arms sales to Taiwan and strengthen economic cooperation.

Tsai-Ing-wen’s California stopover came at the tail end of a visit to Central America where her country suffered a painful defection a few days before her arrival: Honduras broke relations with Taiwan and officially established diplomatic ties with China.

It was an act of what some in the foreign policy community call checkbook diplomacy – China promised to finance a hydroelectric dam.

The Honduran defection left Taiwan with just 13 countries with which it has diplomatic ties. Since 2017, the Dominican Republic, Panama, El Salvador and Nicaragua all ditched Taiwan in favour of China.

Most of Latin America having formal ties with China allows it to play a prominent role in a region once described as “America’s backyard.” Between 2005 and 2020, China has invested more than $130 billion in Latin America, according to the United States Institute of Peace which says China-Latin America trade has risen so steadily that it is expected to reach more than $700 billion in the next ten years.

As to “you can’t eat democracy” – Chinese aid or loans are not tied to lectures on the observation of human rights and the importance of democratic governance.

That is an attitude appreciated in Africa, where China has long roots and U.S. companies have shied away from investing, complaining about poor infrastructure and corruption. China is less concerned and as a consequence, it has become Africa’s largest two-way trading partner, with $254 billion of business by 2021, according to statistics from the U.S. Institute for Peace.

“We switched from being the No. 1 trade partner or the No. 1 investment partner in two dozen countries, to China being the No.1 trade and investment partner,” Senator Chris Coons, a Delaware Democrat who has worked on African issues in Congress, told reporters accompanying Harris. “Our challenge for this decade is to address that.”

It is as big a challenge as to expand American influence in Latin America.

“Most African countries are rightly unapologetic about their close ties to China,” Yemi Osinbajo, vice president of Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, said in a tweet during an African tour by U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris. “China shows up where and when the West will not and/or are reluctant.”

Harris, who visited Ghana, Tanzania and Zambia, was the latest and most senior of 18 American officials to visit Africa this year. Treasure Secretary Janet Yellen came in January and Secretary of State Anthony Blinken visited Ethiopia and Nigeria in February.

The projects the vice president announced included about $1 billion of new programmes and investments empowering African businesswomen, $100 million for security assistance in West Africa and $500 million to facilitate trade with Tanzania.

President Joe Biden, who hosted a summit for African leaders in December, has promised to commit $55 billion to the African continent in the next few years but details have yet to be specified. African leaders tend to be wary of such commitments because it is never certain whether another administration will stick to them.

Biden’s predecessor, Donald Trump, did not endear himself to Africans by describing their continent as a place of “shithole countries.”

To tighten relations with African countries, the U.S. not only has to catch up with China’s advantage on projects already completed or in the works but also with Russian-African relations that are deep and go back to the Cold War, when the Soviet Union sided with African liberation movements.

Unlike the US, the Soviet Union provided both rhetorical and material support, including weapons, for groups fighting for an end to South Africa’s racist apartheid system.

That explains why of the 35 countries that abstained from last year’s U.N. General Assembly vote condemning the Russian assault on Ukraine, 17 were African. They included South Africa, Angola and Algeria.

While in the West, the outcome of the vote – 141 in favour – was hailed as evidence of overwhelming support for Western democratic values; it is worth noting that more than two-thirds of humankind live in countries governed by the fence-sitting abstainers. They include&nbsp;the world’s most populous countries, China and India.

As a result of the war on Ukraine, securing supply chains for critical minerals and materials such as battery metals which Africa has&nbsp;in abundance, has become ever more important. Brace yourself for fierce competition and assiduous courting.

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)&nbsp;

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"You can’t eat democracy. Human rights may sustain the spirit but not the body.” This quote, from a speech by Zambian president Hakainde Hichilema at a US-sponsored Summit of Democracy, may be one of the most important keys to understanding why most of the world’s population live in countries whose leaders do not share Western values – and why a new world order now in the making might be dominated by China.

"You can’t eat democracy. Human rights may sustain the spirit but not the body.” This quote, from a speech by Zambian president Hakainde Hichilema at a US-sponsored Summit of Democracy, may be one of the most important keys to understanding why most of the world’s population live in countries whose leaders do not share Western values – and why a new world order now in the making might be dominated by China. To avoid being branded as a US-centric event, the Summit of Democracy was co-hosted by Costa Rica, the Netherlands, South Korea and Zambia, whose leader’s speech was broadcast from Lusaka. The mostly virtual conference involved 120 countries and was part of an intense flurry of diplomatic activity in March and early April. The one that made most headlines around the world was a three-day state visit to Moscow by Chinese President Xi Jinping just a few days after the International Criminal Court in The Hague issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin for war crimes arising from Russia’s war on Ukraine. Speculation that the visit would pave the way for a peaceful settlement of the conflict proved groundless. While China repeatedly abstained from United Nations votes condemning the Russian assault on Ukraine, the visit left no doubt that China’s need for a steady supply of Russian oil overrode concerns over violations of the UN charter, to which China subscribes. To hear US intelligence analysts tell it, China is watching the war on Ukraine closely because it could provide lessons for a Chinese attack on Taiwan, which Beijing considers part of greater China. Much to the anger of the Chinese government, Taiwan’s president, Tsai Ing-wen, met the speaker of the US House of Representatives, Kevin McCarthy, in his home state of California in what Washington described as a transit stopover, not an official visit. McCarthy emphasized the need for the US to continue arms sales to Taiwan and strengthen economic cooperation. Tsai-Ing-wen’s California stopover came at the tail end of a visit to Central America where her country suffered a painful defection a few days before her arrival: Honduras broke relations with Taiwan and officially established diplomatic ties with China. It was an act of what some in the foreign policy community call checkbook diplomacy – China promised to finance a hydroelectric dam. The Honduran defection left Taiwan with just 13 countries with which it has diplomatic ties. Since 2017, the Dominican Republic, Panama, El Salvador and Nicaragua all ditched Taiwan in favour of China. Most of Latin America having formal ties with China allows it to play a prominent role in a region once described as “America’s backyard.” Between 2005 and 2020, China has invested more than $130 billion in Latin America, according to the United States Institute of Peace which says China-Latin America trade has risen so steadily that it is expected to reach more than $700 billion in the next ten years. As to “you can’t eat democracy” – Chinese aid or loans are not tied to lectures on the observation of human rights and the importance of democratic governance. That is an attitude appreciated in Africa, where China has long roots and U.S. companies have shied away from investing, complaining about poor infrastructure and corruption. China is less concerned and as a consequence, it has become Africa’s largest two-way trading partner, with $254 billion of business by 2021, according to statistics from the U.S. Institute for Peace. “We switched from being the No. 1 trade partner or the No. 1 investment partner in two dozen countries, to China being the No.1 trade and investment partner,” Senator Chris Coons, a Delaware Democrat who has worked on African issues in Congress, told reporters accompanying Harris. “Our challenge for this decade is to address that.” It is as big a challenge as to expand American influence in Latin America. “Most African countries are rightly unapologetic about their close ties to China,” Yemi Osinbajo, vice president of Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, said in a tweet during an African tour by U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris. “China shows up where and when the West will not and/or are reluctant.” Harris, who visited Ghana, Tanzania and Zambia, was the latest and most senior of 18 American officials to visit Africa this year. Treasure Secretary Janet Yellen came in January and Secretary of State Anthony Blinken visited Ethiopia and Nigeria in February. The projects the vice president announced included about $1 billion of new programmes and investments empowering African businesswomen, $100 million for security assistance in West Africa and $500 million to facilitate trade with Tanzania. President Joe Biden, who hosted a summit for African leaders in December, has promised to commit $55 billion to the African continent in the next few years but details have yet to be specified. African leaders tend to be wary of such commitments because it is never certain whether another administration will stick to them. Biden’s predecessor, Donald Trump, did not endear himself to Africans by describing their continent as a place of “shithole countries.” To tighten relations with African countries, the U.S. not only has to catch up with China’s advantage on projects already completed or in the works but also with Russian-African relations that are deep and go back to the Cold War, when the Soviet Union sided with African liberation movements. Unlike the US, the Soviet Union provided both rhetorical and material support, including weapons, for groups fighting for an end to South Africa’s racist apartheid system. That explains why of the 35 countries that abstained from last year’s U.N. General Assembly vote condemning the Russian assault on Ukraine, 17 were African. They included South Africa, Angola and Algeria. While in the West, the outcome of the vote – 141 in favour – was hailed as evidence of overwhelming support for Western democratic values; it is worth noting that more than two-thirds of humankind live in countries governed by the fence-sitting abstainers. They include the world’s most populous countries, China and India. As a result of the war on Ukraine, securing supply chains for critical minerals and materials such as battery metals which Africa has in abundance, has become ever more important. Brace yourself for fierce competition and assiduous courting. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

In US-China struggle for global dominance, the outcome is uncertain

Japan said on Friday that it will restrict exports of 23 types of semiconductor manufacturing equipment, aligning its technology trade controls with a US push to curb China's ability to make advanced chips.

Japan, home to major global chip equipment makers such as Nikon Corp and Tokyo Electron Ltd, did not specify China as the target of the measures, saying equipment makers would need to seek export permission for all regions.

"We are fulfilling our responsibility as a technological nation to contribute to international peace and stability," Minister for Economy, Trade and Industry Yasutoshi Nishimura told a news conference.

Japan wants to stop advanced technology being used for military purposes and does not have one specific country in mind with the measures, he said.

But Japan's decision is seen as a major diplomatic win for US President Joe Biden's administration, which in October announced sweeping restrictions on China's access to US chipmaking tech to slow its technological and military advances.

Without the co-operation of industry heavyweights Japan and the Netherlands, the US measures would have been ineffective and its companies would face a competitive disadvantage.

Japan and the Netherlands in January agreed to join the U.S. in restricting equipment exports to China that could be used to manufacture sub-14 nanometre chips, but did not announce the pact to avoid provoking China, sources said earlier.

Japan has never publicly acknowledged any agreement.

A nanometre, or one-billionth of a metre, refers to a specific semiconductor industry technology, with fewer nanometres generally meaning the chip is more advanced.

In the Netherlands, the government said in a letter to parliament this month that it planned to restrict chipmaking equipment exports. Dutch major ASML Holding NV dominates the market for lithography systems used to create chips' minute circuitry.

China, which has accused the U.S. of "tech hegemony" because of its export restrictions, urged the Netherlands "not to follow export control measure by certain countries".

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nvidia-tweaks-flagship-h100-chip-for-export-to-china-amid-us-bans-574621">Nvidia tweaks flagship H100 chip for export to China amid US bans</a>

Limited Impact?

Japan said it would impose export controls on six categories of equipment used in chip manufacturing, including cleaning, deposition, lithography and etching.

The restrictions, effective from July, are likely to affect equipment manufactured by at least a dozen Japanese companies, such as Nikon, Tokyo Electron, Screen Holdings Co Ltd and Advantest Corp.

Takamoto Suzuki, head of economic research for Marubeni in China, said the measures would be a blow to Japanese equipment makers given the absence of a strong domestic chip market.

"It will undermine the market development of Japanese companies and certainly reduce their competitiveness from a regulatory aspect," he said.

When asked about the impact, minister Nishimura said, without elaborating, that he expected limited impact on domestic companies.

Some industry watchers point to potential sales elsewhere.

"If you take a long-term view, the effect will be diminished, with new semiconductor plants coming into operation in places like the United States and Japan," said Takahiro Shinada, a professor at Japan's Tohoku University.

Japan, which once dominated chip production but has seen its market share slip to about 10%, is still a major supplier of chipmaking machines and semiconductor materials. Tokyo Electron and Screen make around a fifth of the world's chipmaking tools, while Shin-Etsu Chemical Co Ltd&nbsp;and Sumco Corp produce most silicone wafers.

Shares of Nikon and Advantest rose 0.8% and 1.9% respectively after the news, broadly in line with the wider market's 1.1% rise. Tokyo Electron and Screen were little changed.

"We will continue to comply with any rules and work to maximize our results within them," a Nikon spokesperson said.

 
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Japan said on Friday that it will restrict exports of 23 types of semiconductor manufacturing equipment, aligning its technology trade controls with a US push to curb China's ability to make advanced chips.

Japan said on Friday that it will restrict exports of 23 types of semiconductor manufacturing equipment, aligning its technology trade controls with a US push to curb China's ability to make advanced chips. Japan, home to major global chip equipment makers such as Nikon Corp and Tokyo Electron Ltd, did not specify China as the target of the measures, saying equipment makers would need to seek export permission for all regions. "We are fulfilling our responsibility as a technological nation to contribute to international peace and stability," Minister for Economy, Trade and Industry Yasutoshi Nishimura told a news conference. Japan wants to stop advanced technology being used for military purposes and does not have one specific country in mind with the measures, he said. But Japan's decision is seen as a major diplomatic win for US President Joe Biden's administration, which in October announced sweeping restrictions on China's access to US chipmaking tech to slow its technological and military advances. Without the co-operation of industry heavyweights Japan and the Netherlands, the US measures would have been ineffective and its companies would face a competitive disadvantage. Japan and the Netherlands in January agreed to join the U.S. in restricting equipment exports to China that could be used to manufacture sub-14 nanometre chips, but did not announce the pact to avoid provoking China, sources said earlier. Japan has never publicly acknowledged any agreement. A nanometre, or one-billionth of a metre, refers to a specific semiconductor industry technology, with fewer nanometres generally meaning the chip is more advanced. In the Netherlands, the government said in a letter to parliament this month that it planned to restrict chipmaking equipment exports. Dutch major ASML Holding NV dominates the market for lithography systems used to create chips' minute circuitry. China, which has accused the U.S. of "tech hegemony" because of its export restrictions, urged the Netherlands "not to follow export control measure by certain countries". ALSO READ | Nvidia tweaks flagship H100 chip for export to China amid US bans Limited Impact? Japan said it would impose export controls on six categories of equipment used in chip manufacturing, including cleaning, deposition, lithography and etching. The restrictions, effective from July, are likely to affect equipment manufactured by at least a dozen Japanese companies, such as Nikon, Tokyo Electron, Screen Holdings Co Ltd and Advantest Corp. Takamoto Suzuki, head of economic research for Marubeni in China, said the measures would be a blow to Japanese equipment makers given the absence of a strong domestic chip market. "It will undermine the market development of Japanese companies and certainly reduce their competitiveness from a regulatory aspect," he said. When asked about the impact, minister Nishimura said, without elaborating, that he expected limited impact on domestic companies. Some industry watchers point to potential sales elsewhere. "If you take a long-term view, the effect will be diminished, with new semiconductor plants coming into operation in places like the United States and Japan," said Takahiro Shinada, a professor at Japan's Tohoku University. Japan, which once dominated chip production but has seen its market share slip to about 10%, is still a major supplier of chipmaking machines and semiconductor materials. Tokyo Electron and Screen make around a fifth of the world's chipmaking tools, while Shin-Etsu Chemical Co Ltd and Sumco Corp produce most silicone wafers. Shares of Nikon and Advantest rose 0.8% and 1.9% respectively after the news, broadly in line with the wider market's 1.1% rise. Tokyo Electron and Screen were little changed. "We will continue to comply with any rules and work to maximize our results within them," a Nikon spokesperson said. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Japan to restrict export of chipmaking equipment as it aligns with curbs by US

US President Joe Biden on Thursday (March 9) proposed spending of more than USD 25 billion, mostly to be spent in the Indo-Pacific region with an eye on growing Chinese assertiveness. The huge expenditure will be focussed at critical infrastructure sector and defence sector.

The proposed expenditure includes over USD 15 billion of proposed investment in the infrastructure sector in the Indo-Pacific and USD 9 billion for shoring up American defence in the region.

“This Budget cements our commitment to confronting global challenges and keeping America safe. It outlines crucial investments to out-compete China globally and to continue support for Ukraine in the face of unprovoked Russian aggression,” Biden said in his message to the Congress.

Biden said it also continues his administration’s work to restore America’s global leadership – reviving key alliances and partnerships, strengthening the military, fostering democracy and human rights, protecting global health, honouring the veterans, fixing immigration systems at home, and advancing cybersecurity through implementation of the National Cybersecurity Strategy.

China is the United States’ only competitor with both the intent to reshape the international order and, increasingly, the economic, diplomatic, military, and technological power to do it, according to Biden’s budgetary proposals sent to the Congress Thursday noon.

During these unprecedented and extraordinary times, the Budget requests both discretionary and mandatory resources to out-compete China and advance American prosperity globally, the White House said.

(With inputs from agencies)

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US President Joe Biden on Thursday (March 9) proposed spending of more than USD 25 billion, mostly to be spent in the Indo-Pacific region with an eye on growing Chinese assertiveness.

US President Joe Biden on Thursday (March 9) proposed spending of more than USD 25 billion, mostly to be spent in the Indo-Pacific region with an eye on growing Chinese assertiveness. The huge expenditure will be focussed at critical infrastructure sector and defence sector. The proposed expenditure includes over USD 15 billion of proposed investment in the infrastructure sector in the Indo-Pacific and USD 9 billion for shoring up American defence in the region. “This Budget cements our commitment to confronting global challenges and keeping America safe. It outlines crucial investments to out-compete China globally and to continue support for Ukraine in the face of unprovoked Russian aggression,” Biden said in his message to the Congress. Biden said it also continues his administration’s work to restore America’s global leadership – reviving key alliances and partnerships, strengthening the military, fostering democracy and human rights, protecting global health, honouring the veterans, fixing immigration systems at home, and advancing cybersecurity through implementation of the National Cybersecurity Strategy. China is the United States’ only competitor with both the intent to reshape the international order and, increasingly, the economic, diplomatic, military, and technological power to do it, according to Biden’s budgetary proposals sent to the Congress Thursday noon. During these unprecedented and extraordinary times, the Budget requests both discretionary and mandatory resources to out-compete China and advance American prosperity globally, the White House said. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Biden proposes mega-spending of USD 25 billion to counter China in Indo-Pacific

WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has called on all the countries to reveal what they know about the origins of the COVID-19 virus after US government agencies claimed that a Chinese lab leak was responsible for the pandemic outbreak.

“If any country has information about the origins of the pandemic, it’s essential for that information to be shared with WHO and the international scientific community,” Ghebreyesus said on Friday, according to AFP news agency.

Tedros said that there was a moral imperative to find out how the pandemic began, for the sake of the millions who lost their lives to Covid and those living with long Covid.

The WHO chief asserted that while they did not want to play the blame game, they instead wanted to understand the origin of the pandemic so that they could&nbsp;prevent, prepare and respond better to future epidemics and pandemics.

While making the request, Tedros deplored the politicisation of the research of the Covid origin, saying that it was making the scientific work harder and the world less safe as a result.

"WHO has not abandoned any plans to identify the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic," he told reporters.

<h2>China warns Tesla CEO Elon Musk after Covid lab leak comments</h2>

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The health agency’s Covid-19 technical lead, Maria Van Kerkhove, said they have reached out to the US mission in Geneva for more information.

“So far, however, they did not have access to the data on which the US reports were based,” Kerkhove was quoted as saying.

"It remains vital that that information is shared, to help move the scientific studies forward,” she added.

The WHO’s response comes after FBI director Christopher Wray told Fox News television on Tuesday that after assessing the source of the Covid pandemic the bureau believed that it was "most likely a potential lab incident in Wuhan".

Wray was commenting in response to a report released earlier this week by the US Department of Energy which suggested that a Chinese lab leak was the most likely cause of the coronavirus outbreak.

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
&nbsp;

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WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has called on all the countries to reveal what they know about the origins of the COVID-19 virus after US government agencies claimed that a Chinese lab leak was responsible for the pandemic outbreak.

WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has called on all the countries to reveal what they know about the origins of the COVID-19 virus after US government agencies claimed that a Chinese lab leak was responsible for the pandemic outbreak. “If any country has information about the origins of the pandemic, it’s essential for that information to be shared with WHO and the international scientific community,” Ghebreyesus said on Friday, according to AFP news agency. Tedros said that there was a moral imperative to find out how the pandemic began, for the sake of the millions who lost their lives to Covid and those living with long Covid. The WHO chief asserted that while they did not want to play the blame game, they instead wanted to understand the origin of the pandemic so that they could prevent, prepare and respond better to future epidemics and pandemics. While making the request, Tedros deplored the politicisation of the research of the Covid origin, saying that it was making the scientific work harder and the world less safe as a result. "WHO has not abandoned any plans to identify the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic," he told reporters. China warns Tesla CEO Elon Musk after Covid lab leak comments The health agency’s Covid-19 technical lead, Maria Van Kerkhove, said they have reached out to the US mission in Geneva for more information. “So far, however, they did not have access to the data on which the US reports were based,” Kerkhove was quoted as saying. "It remains vital that that information is shared, to help move the scientific studies forward,” she added. The WHO’s response comes after FBI director Christopher Wray told Fox News television on Tuesday that after assessing the source of the Covid pandemic the bureau believed that it was "most likely a potential lab incident in Wuhan". Wray was commenting in response to a report released earlier this week by the US Department of Energy which suggested that a Chinese lab leak was the most likely cause of the coronavirus outbreak. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

WHO calls on countries to share information on Covid origins after US blames Chinese lab leak

Addressing his second State of the Union address, US President Joe Biden issued a warning to China that Washington will act to protect if Beijing threatens its sovereignty, as the schism between the two nations widened over the Chinese spy balloon row.

"I am committed to work with China where it can advance American interests and benefit the world. But make no mistake: as we made clear last week, if China threatens our sovereignty, we will act to protect our country. And we did," Biden said on Tuesday night.

A diplomatic crisis arose after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken cancelled his planned visit to Beijing in protest against the presence of Chinese balloon over the US skies, which Washington claims was snooping on sensitive military sites—a charge Beijing denies.

Last week, the US military shot down the suspected spy balloon over the Atlantic Ocean, drawing a strong reaction from China which on Sunday warned of repercussions over America’s use of force against its civilian unmanned airship.

<h2>State of the Union: President talks on US unemployment, gun violence and China</h2>

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The US has accused China of violating American sovereignty and international law.

“Let’s be clear: winning the competition with China should unite all of us. We face serious challenges across the world. But in the past two years, democracies have become stronger, not weaker,” Biden said before a Joint Session of the US Congress.

Biden, whose popularity has been dwindling over recent years, mentioned China over a dozen times in his speech.

Before assuming power, Biden said, the whole narrative was about how China was increasing its power and America was falling in the world.

“Not anymore. I’ve made clear with President Xi (Jinping) that we seek competition, not conflict,” he said, drawing applause from Democrats.

“I will make no apologies that we are investing to make America strong. Investing in American innovation, in industries that will define the future, and that China’s government is intent on dominating. Investing in our alliances and working with our allies to protect our advanced technologies so they’re not used against us,” he said.

<h2>China refused call with Pentagon</h2>

A US Department of Defense spokesman has claimed that China rejected a request for a secure call between Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin and his counterpart on the day the Chinese "surveillance" balloon was shot down by the American jets.

"On Saturday, 4 February, immediately after taking action to down the PRC balloon, the DOD submitted a request for a secure call between Secretary Austin and PRC Minister of National Defense Wei Fenghe," Brigadier General Pat Ryder said in a statement, referring to the People's Republic of China.

"Unfortunately, the PRC has declined our request. Our commitment to open lines of communication will continue," Ryder added.

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Addressing his second State of the Union address, US President Joe Biden issued a warning to China that Washington will act to protect if Beijing threatens its sovereignty, as the schism between the two nations widened over the Chinese spy balloon row.

Addressing his second State of the Union address, US President Joe Biden issued a warning to China that Washington will act to protect if Beijing threatens its sovereignty, as the schism between the two nations widened over the Chinese spy balloon row. "I am committed to work with China where it can advance American interests and benefit the world. But make no mistake: as we made clear last week, if China threatens our sovereignty, we will act to protect our country. And we did," Biden said on Tuesday night. A diplomatic crisis arose after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken cancelled his planned visit to Beijing in protest against the presence of Chinese balloon over the US skies, which Washington claims was snooping on sensitive military sites—a charge Beijing denies. Last week, the US military shot down the suspected spy balloon over the Atlantic Ocean, drawing a strong reaction from China which on Sunday warned of repercussions over America’s use of force against its civilian unmanned airship. State of the Union: President talks on US unemployment, gun violence and China The US has accused China of violating American sovereignty and international law. “Let’s be clear: winning the competition with China should unite all of us. We face serious challenges across the world. But in the past two years, democracies have become stronger, not weaker,” Biden said before a Joint Session of the US Congress. Biden, whose popularity has been dwindling over recent years, mentioned China over a dozen times in his speech. Before assuming power, Biden said, the whole narrative was about how China was increasing its power and America was falling in the world. “Not anymore. I’ve made clear with President Xi (Jinping) that we seek competition, not conflict,” he said, drawing applause from Democrats. “I will make no apologies that we are investing to make America strong. Investing in American innovation, in industries that will define the future, and that China’s government is intent on dominating. Investing in our alliances and working with our allies to protect our advanced technologies so they’re not used against us,” he said. China refused call with Pentagon A US Department of Defense spokesman has claimed that China rejected a request for a secure call between Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin and his counterpart on the day the Chinese "surveillance" balloon was shot down by the American jets. "On Saturday, 4 February, immediately after taking action to down the PRC balloon, the DOD submitted a request for a secure call between Secretary Austin and PRC Minister of National Defense Wei Fenghe," Brigadier General Pat Ryder said in a statement, referring to the People's Republic of China. "Unfortunately, the PRC has declined our request. Our commitment to open lines of communication will continue," Ryder added. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

‘Make no mistake’, US will act if China threatens its sovereignty, says Joe Biden

In another act of strategic containment of the Chinese assertions in the Indo-Pacific, the United States and the Philippines announced a deal on Thursday to give US troops access to another four bases in the Southeast Asian nation. The agreement to expand cooperation in "strategic areas of the country" came into being during a visit by the US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. The announcement came as the United States reopened its embassy in the Solomon Islands after closing it in 1993 as one of its acts of strategic significance in the Indo-Pacific, in the immediate aftermath of the end of cold war.&nbsp;

Philippine defence secretary Carlito Galvez told reporters the location of the new sites would be made public after local communities and officials had been consulted. 
However, multiple reports suggest that most of the locations are on the main island of Luzon -- the closest Philippine landmass to Taiwan -- where the United States already has access to two bases.

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/the-philippines-grants-us-wider-access-to-its-military-bases-558180">The Philippines grants US wider access to its military bases</a>

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The move is also being seen as the Phillipines' strategic realignment towards the US, an area that marked&nbsp;many downs during previous president Rodrigo Duterte's tenure. The new administration of Ferdinand Marcos has been keen to reverse that.

Beijing's growing assertiveness on Taiwan and its building of bases in the disputed South China Sea have given fresh reasons to Washington and Manila to strengthen their partnership.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-bolsonaro-or-duterte-number-of-populist-leaders-at-a-20-year-low-549693">No Bolsonaro or Duterte: Number of populist leaders at a 20-year low</a>

The four new locations bring the total number of sites accessible to US forces to nine, Austin told reporters on Thursday.

Talks were ongoing for a potential 10th site, a senior Philippine official told AFP.

The United States and the Philippines have a decades-old security alliance that includes a mutual defence treaty and the 2014 Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), which allows US troops to rotate through five Philippine bases, including those near disputed waters. It also allows the US military to store defence equipment and supplies on those bases.

US-Philippines take on China's 'illegitimate claims'

Lloyd Austin said the allies were committed to "strengthening our mutual capacities to resist armed attack", as he accused China of making "illegitimate claims in the West Philippine Sea". Manila refers to waters immediately west of the country as the West Philippine Sea.

Beijing responded Thursday, saying Washington was aggravating the "regional tensions" by continuously strengthening its military deployment.

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In another act of strategic containment of the Chinese assertions in the Indo-Pacific, the United States and the Philippines announced a deal on Thursday to give US troops access to another four bases in the Southeast Asian nation.

In another act of strategic containment of the Chinese assertions in the Indo-Pacific, the United States and the Philippines announced a deal on Thursday to give US troops access to another four bases in the Southeast Asian nation. The agreement to expand cooperation in "strategic areas of the country" came into being during a visit by the US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. The announcement came as the United States reopened its embassy in the Solomon Islands after closing it in 1993 as one of its acts of strategic significance in the Indo-Pacific, in the immediate aftermath of the end of cold war. Philippine defence secretary Carlito Galvez told reporters the location of the new sites would be made public after local communities and officials had been consulted. However, multiple reports suggest that most of the locations are on the main island of Luzon -- the closest Philippine landmass to Taiwan -- where the United States already has access to two bases. ALSO WATCH | The Philippines grants US wider access to its military bases × The move is also being seen as the Phillipines' strategic realignment towards the US, an area that marked many downs during previous president Rodrigo Duterte's tenure. The new administration of Ferdinand Marcos has been keen to reverse that. Beijing's growing assertiveness on Taiwan and its building of bases in the disputed South China Sea have given fresh reasons to Washington and Manila to strengthen their partnership. ALSO READ | No Bolsonaro or Duterte: Number of populist leaders at a 20-year low The four new locations bring the total number of sites accessible to US forces to nine, Austin told reporters on Thursday. Talks were ongoing for a potential 10th site, a senior Philippine official told AFP. The United States and the Philippines have a decades-old security alliance that includes a mutual defence treaty and the 2014 Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), which allows US troops to rotate through five Philippine bases, including those near disputed waters. It also allows the US military to store defence equipment and supplies on those bases. US-Philippines take on China's 'illegitimate claims' Lloyd Austin said the allies were committed to "strengthening our mutual capacities to resist armed attack", as he accused China of making "illegitimate claims in the West Philippine Sea". Manila refers to waters immediately west of the country as the West Philippine Sea. Beijing responded Thursday, saying Washington was aggravating the "regional tensions" by continuously strengthening its military deployment. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Close to Taiwan, the Philippines grants US wider access to military bases

Chipmaker Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd (TSMC), began mass production of its most advanced chips in southern Taiwan on Thursday and the company's chairman said it would continue to expand capacity on the island.

World Business Watch: TSMC begins mass production of most advanced chips in Taiwan

China has launched a trade dispute at the World Trade Organization against the United States. The dispute is over its chip export control measures. Watch further to know more.

China challenges U.S. chip curbs at WTO

Since China rescinded its Zero-COVID policy, it has been fighting a different kind of pandemic: A misinformation pandemic. From unfounded rumours about medicine to super fruits. @PriyankaSh25 tells you more.

WION Fineprint | China battles COVID Myths

Qin Gang, the Chinese ambassador to the United States, is on his way to replace Wang Yi as Chinese foreign minister in immediate future. The development comes after Qin&nbsp;Gang was selected to the all-powerful Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party while being an ambassador in Washington D.C., an unprecedented occurrence in itself.&nbsp;

Qin’s ascension to the Chinese Communist Party’s all-powerful Central Committee puts him in the pole position as China’s next foreign minister, South China Morning Post reported.&nbsp;

Qin Gang: Sharp diplomat but cold-shouldered by White House

Qin Gang is best known for his role as Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson during which his wolfish rhetoric gained the currency of notoriety. He has also served as Director-General of the Information Department and Protocol Department before his promotion to assistant and then vice foreign minister.&nbsp;

Qin Gang arrived in the United States in July 2021 to take up his ambassadorial role for China. However, a Politico report published Thursday claimed that soon after Qin took charge of the Chinese embassy in Washington D.C., the White House had restricted Qin’s access to high-level U.S. officials for months. The White House insisted that senior officials regularly engaged with Qin.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-are-us-china-relations-thawing-530037">Gravitas: Are US-China relations thawing?</a>

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In his first public speech in the United States as Chinese ambassador in September 2021, Qin criticised what he called “the U.S. wrong beliefs” and cautioned against violating Beijing’s “red line” on Taiwan and the South China Sea, or on its treatment of the Uyghur ethnic minority in Xinjiang province.

He pointed out China’s nuclear weapons capability and warned of “disastrous consequences” if the U.S. sought to suppress China using a “Cold war playbook.”

Qin’s promotion to Chinese Communist Party Central Committee places him close to Chinese President Xi Jinping’s inner circle while putting him on the path to become China's next foreign minister.

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Qin Gang, the Chinese ambassador to the United States, is on his way to replace Wang Yi as Chinese foreign minister in immediate future. The development comes after Qin Gang was selected to the all-powerful Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party while being an ambassador in Washington D.

Qin Gang, the Chinese ambassador to the United States, is on his way to replace Wang Yi as Chinese foreign minister in immediate future. The development comes after Qin Gang was selected to the all-powerful Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party while being an ambassador in Washington D.C., an unprecedented occurrence in itself. Qin’s ascension to the Chinese Communist Party’s all-powerful Central Committee puts him in the pole position as China’s next foreign minister, South China Morning Post reported. Qin Gang: Sharp diplomat but cold-shouldered by White House Qin Gang is best known for his role as Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson during which his wolfish rhetoric gained the currency of notoriety. He has also served as Director-General of the Information Department and Protocol Department before his promotion to assistant and then vice foreign minister. Qin Gang arrived in the United States in July 2021 to take up his ambassadorial role for China. However, a Politico report published Thursday claimed that soon after Qin took charge of the Chinese embassy in Washington D.C., the White House had restricted Qin’s access to high-level U.S. officials for months. The White House insisted that senior officials regularly engaged with Qin. WATCH | Gravitas: Are US-China relations thawing? × In his first public speech in the United States as Chinese ambassador in September 2021, Qin criticised what he called “the U.S. wrong beliefs” and cautioned against violating Beijing’s “red line” on Taiwan and the South China Sea, or on its treatment of the Uyghur ethnic minority in Xinjiang province. He pointed out China’s nuclear weapons capability and warned of “disastrous consequences” if the U.S. sought to suppress China using a “Cold war playbook.” Qin’s promotion to Chinese Communist Party Central Committee places him close to Chinese President Xi Jinping’s inner circle while putting him on the path to become China's next foreign minister. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Qin Gang, China’s ambassador to US, may soon replace Wang Yi as Foreign Minister

New export controls being mulled by US President Joe Biden's administration will limit China’s access to emerging&nbsp;powerful computing technologies, Bloomberg reported. The plans are yet to materialise though and focus on the still-experimental field of quantum computing, as well as artificial intelligence (AI) software.&nbsp;

Once implemented, the controls will follow separate restrictions regarding Beijing’s ability to deploy cutting-edge semiconductors in weapons and surveillance systems. The earlier announced&nbsp;restrictions also regulate the way US citizens and residents participate in Chinese tech firms.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-us-should-create-conditions-for-dialogue-with-north-korea-523792">China: US should create conducive conditions for dialogue with North Korea</a>

The US is trying to to curb China's ability to develop certain technologies which might see them stand head-to-head. There has been no official statement from the US Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security that is responsible for designing and enforcing export controls. &nbsp;The White House National Security Council is reportedly unaware of the development.

National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, had last month acknowledged that “computing-related technologies, including microelectronics, quantum information systems and AI” will gain prominence in the coming decade. He also noted that export controls are important to “maintain as large of a lead as possible” over adversaries.

What is Quantum computing?

An experimental field, quantum computing has the potential to increase the power and speed of computing, enabling machines to solve problems beyond the capacity of the current generation of computers. Quantum machines can even decode passwords and circumvent encryption security features.

Top companies like Microsoft and Alphabet Inc’s Google, Intel and International Business Machines Corp (IBM) are spending millions of dollars on quantum research projects.

While conventional computers interpret data in “ones” and “zeros”, a quantum machine can store information in multiple states. This means information can be stored as one, zero, both or something in between. This&nbsp;principle is known as “superposition”. That allows a quantum system to multitask in ways today’s binary equipment can’t.

(With inputs from agencies)

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New export controls being mulled by US President Joe Biden's administration will limit China’s access to emerging powerful computing technologies, Bloomberg reported.

New export controls being mulled by US President Joe Biden's administration will limit China’s access to emerging powerful computing technologies, Bloomberg reported. The plans are yet to materialise though and focus on the still-experimental field of quantum computing, as well as artificial intelligence (AI) software. Once implemented, the controls will follow separate restrictions regarding Beijing’s ability to deploy cutting-edge semiconductors in weapons and surveillance systems. The earlier announced restrictions also regulate the way US citizens and residents participate in Chinese tech firms. Also Read | China: US should create conducive conditions for dialogue with North Korea The US is trying to to curb China's ability to develop certain technologies which might see them stand head-to-head. There has been no official statement from the US Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security that is responsible for designing and enforcing export controls. The White House National Security Council is reportedly unaware of the development. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, had last month acknowledged that “computing-related technologies, including microelectronics, quantum information systems and AI” will gain prominence in the coming decade. He also noted that export controls are important to “maintain as large of a lead as possible” over adversaries. What is Quantum computing? An experimental field, quantum computing has the potential to increase the power and speed of computing, enabling machines to solve problems beyond the capacity of the current generation of computers. Quantum machines can even decode passwords and circumvent encryption security features. Top companies like Microsoft and Alphabet Inc’s Google, Intel and International Business Machines Corp (IBM) are spending millions of dollars on quantum research projects. While conventional computers interpret data in “ones” and “zeros”, a quantum machine can store information in multiple states. This means information can be stored as one, zero, both or something in between. This principle is known as “superposition”. That allows a quantum system to multitask in ways today’s binary equipment can’t. (With inputs from agencies)

US mulling expanding Chinese tech ban to quantum computing

A second US delegation has arrived in Taiwan on an unannounced two-day visit. They are all set to meet Taiwan's president Tsai Ing-wen on Monday.

This is the second time that the delegation from the US Congress arrived in Taipei in a month, after Speaker House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to the region, which created a huge uproar in China.

According to the Taiwanese media, the new five-member delegation arrived for the talks, but details of the meeting were not immediately released. The delegation was due to depart later Monday on a US government plane.

Massachusetts Democratic Senator Ed Markey, who is part of the delegation, in a statement, said that the US team is visiting “the self-governing island in an effort to reaffirm the United States' support for Taiwan" and "will encourage stability and peace across the Taiwan Strait," reports CNN.

The delegation includes Democratic Reps. John Garamendi, Alan Lowenthal and Don Beyer, and Republican Rep. Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen.

Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the delegation will meet with Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen and Foreign Minister Joseph Wu and will also hold discussions with the Taiwanese parliament's Foreign Affairs and National Defence committee on security and trade issues, reports CNN.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-whitepaper-on-taiwan-reunification-and-respond-with-the-use-of-force-505428">China's 'whitepaper' on Taiwan: 'Reunification' and 'respond with the use of force'</a>

It added hailed the visit as another sign of a friendship between Taipei and Washington "that is not afraid of China's threats and intimidation".

Following the legislators’ arrival, state news agency Xinhua published a commentary with the headline ‘US&nbsp;politicians should stop playing with fire on Taiwan&nbsp;question’.

Also read |&nbsp;'<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-cares-nancy-pelosi-laughs-at-chinas-decision-to-sanction-her-and-her-family-505746">Who cares?', Nancy Pelosi laughs at China's decision to sanction her and her family</a>

"Those US politicians who are playing with fire on the&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;question should drop their wishful thinking," the agency said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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A second US delegation has arrived in Taiwan on an unannounced two-day visit. They are all set to meet Taiwan's president Tsai Ing-wen on Monday. This is the second time that the delegation from the US Congress arrived in Taipei in a month, after Speaker House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to the region, which created a huge uproar in China.

A second US delegation has arrived in Taiwan on an unannounced two-day visit. They are all set to meet Taiwan's president Tsai Ing-wen on Monday. This is the second time that the delegation from the US Congress arrived in Taipei in a month, after Speaker House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s visit to the region, which created a huge uproar in China. According to the Taiwanese media, the new five-member delegation arrived for the talks, but details of the meeting were not immediately released. The delegation was due to depart later Monday on a US government plane. Massachusetts Democratic Senator Ed Markey, who is part of the delegation, in a statement, said that the US team is visiting “the self-governing island in an effort to reaffirm the United States' support for Taiwan" and "will encourage stability and peace across the Taiwan Strait," reports CNN. The delegation includes Democratic Reps. John Garamendi, Alan Lowenthal and Don Beyer, and Republican Rep. Aumua Amata Coleman Radewagen. Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the delegation will meet with Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen and Foreign Minister Joseph Wu and will also hold discussions with the Taiwanese parliament's Foreign Affairs and National Defence committee on security and trade issues, reports CNN. Also read | China's 'whitepaper' on Taiwan: 'Reunification' and 'respond with the use of force' It added hailed the visit as another sign of a friendship between Taipei and Washington "that is not afraid of China's threats and intimidation". Following the legislators’ arrival, state news agency Xinhua published a commentary with the headline ‘US politicians should stop playing with fire on Taiwan question’. Also read | 'Who cares?', Nancy Pelosi laughs at China's decision to sanction her and her family "Those US politicians who are playing with fire on the Taiwan question should drop their wishful thinking," the agency said. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

US Congress delegation visits Taiwan, second high-profile visit in a month

Concern has been raised by China's decision to stop working with the US on the climate catastrophe, and seasoned climate diplomats are calling for a quick restart of negotiations to help prevent worsening global warming.

Beijing revealed a number of actions on Friday in response to Nancy Pelosi, the speaker of the US House of Representatives, visiting Taiwan, which it called a "egregious provocation." China, which claims Taiwan as part of its territory and has conducted extensive military drills close to the island, has announced that it will no longer cooperate with the US on important matters like climate change.

With only a few months until the pivotal UN Cop27 in Egypt this fall, China's exit from climate negotiations—the amount of which is still unclear—threatens to undermine the already precarious cooperation between the world's two greatest carbon emitters. Without robust action from the US and China, which together account for nearly 40% of the world's greenhouse gas emissions, experts say there is little chance of preventing catastrophic global warming.

A summer of climate change-related calamities, including record heatwaves and wildfires sweeping the US and Europe, punishingly high temperatures sweltering India and China, and disastrous flooding plaguing the US, south Asia, and Africa, has contributed to the breakdown in relations.

The US is about to enact historic climate legislation at home, but the world's nations as a whole are still not doing enough to prevent exceeding set temperature goals. António Guterres, the UN secretary-general, warned last month that the objective of keeping warming to 1.5C is "on life support" and that its pulse is deteriorating.

“US-China relations have always been a rollercoaster and we often witness flare-ups, but while you can freeze talks, you cannot freeze climate impacts,” said Laurence Tubiana, chief executive of the European Climate Foundation and a key architect of the Paris climate accords for the Guardian.&nbsp;

“It’s in the self-interest of China and the US to act on climate and start talking. Indeed, China recognizes its own self-interest to act; it is still committed to Paris and is moving forward on domestic pledges around methane and coal phasedown.”

At various moments in recent years, the US and China have accused one another of failing to do enough to reduce emissions that contribute to global warming. When then-president Donald Trump repealed a number of environmental regulations in 2017, China criticised the US for its "selfishness," and Joe Biden, Trump's successor, said last year that Chinese president Xi Jinping had made a "huge mistake" by skipping the Cop26 climate summit in Scotland.

However, at the same negotiations in Glasgow in November, the two countries made progress when they decided on a surprise plan to collaborate "with urgency" on reducing emissions. The delegation leader for China, Xie Zhenhua, stated that both nations must "accelerate a green and low carbon transition." The US climate envoy, John Kerry, acknowledged that there was "no shortage of differences" between the countries but insisted that "cooperation is the only way to get this work done." This is a discussion of physics and science.

According to Nate Hultman, a former Kerry adviser who is now the director of the Center for Global Sustainability at the University of Maryland, this rapprochement on climate has aided in fostering partnership between US and Chinese organisations as well as offering leadership to other nations.

According to Hultman, "the US and China cooperating is a crucial facet of addressing climate change; it has the ability to inspire others to do more."

"The overall relationship is quite complicated, but both nations recognise that this issue has a global component in addition to a bilateral one. I'm hoping that will reunite them once more. Hopefully this break won't last long, and they'll be able to resume negotiations as soon as possible.

High-level climate negotiations may now be scaled back, according to Hultman, but other bilateral cooperation may continue despite the lack of information at this time. He argued that the Cop27 discussions in Egypt may still result in progress, regardless of the state of relations between the US and China.

“This has been challenging and at times we are going to stall out,” Hultman said. “But Cop27 won’t just crash out if the US and China don’t iron out their differences. We would have to focus on what else can be done as an international community.”

(With inputs from the Guardian)

&nbsp;

Concern has been raised by China's decision to stop working with the US on the climate catastrophe, and seasoned climate diplomats are calling for a quick restart of negotiations to help prevent worsening global warming.

Concern has been raised by China's decision to stop working with the US on the climate catastrophe, and seasoned climate diplomats are calling for a quick restart of negotiations to help prevent worsening global warming. Beijing revealed a number of actions on Friday in response to Nancy Pelosi, the speaker of the US House of Representatives, visiting Taiwan, which it called a "egregious provocation." China, which claims Taiwan as part of its territory and has conducted extensive military drills close to the island, has announced that it will no longer cooperate with the US on important matters like climate change. With only a few months until the pivotal UN Cop27 in Egypt this fall, China's exit from climate negotiations—the amount of which is still unclear—threatens to undermine the already precarious cooperation between the world's two greatest carbon emitters. Without robust action from the US and China, which together account for nearly 40% of the world's greenhouse gas emissions, experts say there is little chance of preventing catastrophic global warming. A summer of climate change-related calamities, including record heatwaves and wildfires sweeping the US and Europe, punishingly high temperatures sweltering India and China, and disastrous flooding plaguing the US, south Asia, and Africa, has contributed to the breakdown in relations. The US is about to enact historic climate legislation at home, but the world's nations as a whole are still not doing enough to prevent exceeding set temperature goals. António Guterres, the UN secretary-general, warned last month that the objective of keeping warming to 1.5C is "on life support" and that its pulse is deteriorating. “US-China relations have always been a rollercoaster and we often witness flare-ups, but while you can freeze talks, you cannot freeze climate impacts,” said Laurence Tubiana, chief executive of the European Climate Foundation and a key architect of the Paris climate accords for the Guardian. “It’s in the self-interest of China and the US to act on climate and start talking. Indeed, China recognizes its own self-interest to act; it is still committed to Paris and is moving forward on domestic pledges around methane and coal phasedown.” At various moments in recent years, the US and China have accused one another of failing to do enough to reduce emissions that contribute to global warming. When then-president Donald Trump repealed a number of environmental regulations in 2017, China criticised the US for its "selfishness," and Joe Biden, Trump's successor, said last year that Chinese president Xi Jinping had made a "huge mistake" by skipping the Cop26 climate summit in Scotland. However, at the same negotiations in Glasgow in November, the two countries made progress when they decided on a surprise plan to collaborate "with urgency" on reducing emissions. The delegation leader for China, Xie Zhenhua, stated that both nations must "accelerate a green and low carbon transition." The US climate envoy, John Kerry, acknowledged that there was "no shortage of differences" between the countries but insisted that "cooperation is the only way to get this work done." This is a discussion of physics and science. According to Nate Hultman, a former Kerry adviser who is now the director of the Center for Global Sustainability at the University of Maryland, this rapprochement on climate has aided in fostering partnership between US and Chinese organisations as well as offering leadership to other nations. According to Hultman, "the US and China cooperating is a crucial facet of addressing climate change; it has the ability to inspire others to do more." "The overall relationship is quite complicated, but both nations recognise that this issue has a global component in addition to a bilateral one. I'm hoping that will reunite them once more. Hopefully this break won't last long, and they'll be able to resume negotiations as soon as possible. High-level climate negotiations may now be scaled back, according to Hultman, but other bilateral cooperation may continue despite the lack of information at this time. He argued that the Cop27 discussions in Egypt may still result in progress, regardless of the state of relations between the US and China. “This has been challenging and at times we are going to stall out,” Hultman said. “But Cop27 won’t just crash out if the US and China don’t iron out their differences. We would have to focus on what else can be done as an international community.” (With inputs from the Guardian)

Explained: What does the US-China disagreement mean for climate change? 

There have been growing concerns among the US leadership that Taiwan might be targeted next by China as the Russian invasion of Ukraine unfolds.

The anxiety was reflected when former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, one of former president Donald Trump's most hawkish advisors on China, arrived in arrived in Taipei on Wednesday for a visit.

During his meeting with Taiwanese leader Tsai Ing-wen, Pompeo said that Taiwan must not be allowed to go the same way as Ukraine.

"If any of us were mistaken or complacent about the risk to that freedom, I think we need only watch what's taking place in Europe today to see that this continues to demand deep concerted focus leadership from those of us who cherish freedom," he said.

"I think these days call for the simple reminder that it is not provocative to say that one demands freedom," he added warning that "those who desire to destroy freedom, to change human lives" will see silence as "their opportunity".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/just-watch-taiwan-is-going-to-be-next-trump-warns-as-russia-ukraine-war-rages-on-458579">‘Just watch, Taiwan is going to be next’: Trump warns as Russia-Ukraine war rages on</a>

The visit has sparked anger in China, calling on the US to shed any of its intentions on supporting Taiwan’s independence.

“The attempt by the US to show support to Taiwan will be in vain, no matter who the US sends,” Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said in Beijing on Wednesday.

“The Chinese people are firmly determined and resolved to defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity,” he said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-told-russia-to-delay-ukraine-invasion-until-end-of-winter-olympics-report-458556" hreflang="en">China told Russia to delay Ukraine invasion until end of Winter Olympics: Report</a>

Reacting to the visit, state media tabloid the&nbsp;Global Times&nbsp;in a tweet said, “It is an obvious provocation. Let’s keep calm and don’t be fooled. They are waiting for China to jump into the trap,” one commenter wrote.

Last year in January, Pompeo announced that Washington was ending restrictions on official contacts with China-claimed Taiwan in a move that angered Beijing.

Watch |&nbsp;Taiwan cautious of Chinese aggression amid ongoing Russia-Ukraine tensions

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(With inputs from agencies)

There have been growing concerns among the US leadership that Taiwan might be targeted next by China as the Russian invasion of Ukraine unfolds. The anxiety was reflected when former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, one of former president Donald Trump's most hawkish advisors on China, arrived in arrived in Taipei on Wednesday for a visit.

There have been growing concerns among the US leadership that Taiwan might be targeted next by China as the Russian invasion of Ukraine unfolds. The anxiety was reflected when former US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, one of former president Donald Trump's most hawkish advisors on China, arrived in arrived in Taipei on Wednesday for a visit. During his meeting with Taiwanese leader Tsai Ing-wen, Pompeo said that Taiwan must not be allowed to go the same way as Ukraine. "If any of us were mistaken or complacent about the risk to that freedom, I think we need only watch what's taking place in Europe today to see that this continues to demand deep concerted focus leadership from those of us who cherish freedom," he said. "I think these days call for the simple reminder that it is not provocative to say that one demands freedom," he added warning that "those who desire to destroy freedom, to change human lives" will see silence as "their opportunity". Also read | ‘Just watch, Taiwan is going to be next’: Trump warns as Russia-Ukraine war rages on The visit has sparked anger in China, calling on the US to shed any of its intentions on supporting Taiwan’s independence. “The attempt by the US to show support to Taiwan will be in vain, no matter who the US sends,” Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said in Beijing on Wednesday. “The Chinese people are firmly determined and resolved to defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity,” he said. Also read | China told Russia to delay Ukraine invasion until end of Winter Olympics: Report Reacting to the visit, state media tabloid the Global Times in a tweet said, “It is an obvious provocation. Let’s keep calm and don’t be fooled. They are waiting for China to jump into the trap,” one commenter wrote. Last year in January, Pompeo announced that Washington was ending restrictions on official contacts with China-claimed Taiwan in a move that angered Beijing. Watch | Taiwan cautious of Chinese aggression amid ongoing Russia-Ukraine tensions (With inputs from agencies)

Pompeo voices concern over Taiwan as Russian invasion of Ukraine unfolds

The White House Indo-Pacific Coordinator, Kurt Campbell, has said that the world is most likely to see a “strategic surprise” in the Pacific while referring to China’s growing influence in the region.

Speaking at Washington’s Center for Strategic and International Studies, Campbell pointed out that the United States has not done enough despite its “enormous moral, strategic, historical interests” in the Pacific.

“If you look and if you ask me, where are the places where we are most likely to see certain kinds of strategic surprise – basing or certain kinds of agreements or arrangements – it may well be in the Pacific,” he told an Australia-focused panel.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/significant-risk-of-war-as-chinas-power-declines-in-indo-pacific-report-434359">&nbsp;'Significant' risk of war as China's power declines in Indo-Pacific: Report</a>

&nbsp;“And we have a very short amount of time, working with partners like Australia, like New Zealand, like Japan, like France, who have an interest in the Pacific, to step up our game across the board,” Campbell added.

Campbell also said that the Quad initiative between US, Australia, India and Japan and the so-called the AUKUS pact, under which Washington and Britain have agreed to help Australia acquire nuclear submarines, are causing China “heartburn”.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indo-pacific-represents-a-return-of-history-indias-eam-jaishankar-396283">Indo-Pacific represents a return of history: India's EAM Jaishankar</a>

Some Indo-Pacific countries, many of whom have China as their largest trading partner, have been lamenting on the insufficient. economic engagement from the US following former president Donald Trump’s decision to pull out of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership.

Biden told Asian leaders in October Washington would launch talks on creating an Indo-Pacific economic framework, but few details have emerged, and his administration has avoided moves towards rejoining trade deals critics say threaten US&nbsp;jobs, reports Reuters.

(With inputs from agencies)

The White House Indo-Pacific Coordinator, Kurt Campbell, has said that the world is most likely to see a “strategic surprise” in the Pacific while referring to China’s growing influence in the region.

The White House Indo-Pacific Coordinator, Kurt Campbell, has said that the world is most likely to see a “strategic surprise” in the Pacific while referring to China’s growing influence in the region. Speaking at Washington’s Center for Strategic and International Studies, Campbell pointed out that the United States has not done enough despite its “enormous moral, strategic, historical interests” in the Pacific. “If you look and if you ask me, where are the places where we are most likely to see certain kinds of strategic surprise – basing or certain kinds of agreements or arrangements – it may well be in the Pacific,” he told an Australia-focused panel. Also read | 'Significant' risk of war as China's power declines in Indo-Pacific: Report “And we have a very short amount of time, working with partners like Australia, like New Zealand, like Japan, like France, who have an interest in the Pacific, to step up our game across the board,” Campbell added. Campbell also said that the Quad initiative between US, Australia, India and Japan and the so-called the AUKUS pact, under which Washington and Britain have agreed to help Australia acquire nuclear submarines, are causing China “heartburn”. Also read | Indo-Pacific represents a return of history: India's EAM Jaishankar Some Indo-Pacific countries, many of whom have China as their largest trading partner, have been lamenting on the insufficient. economic engagement from the US following former president Donald Trump’s decision to pull out of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership. Biden told Asian leaders in October Washington would launch talks on creating an Indo-Pacific economic framework, but few details have emerged, and his administration has avoided moves towards rejoining trade deals critics say threaten US jobs, reports Reuters. (With inputs from agencies)

World likely to see ‘strategic surprise’ in Pacific, says US official, referring to China

A far-reaching bill aimed at barring products made with forced labour in China became law after President Joe Biden signed the bill Thursday.

But the next four months — during which the Biden administration will convene hearings to investigate how pervasive forced labour is and what to do about it — will be crucial in determining how far the legislation goes in altering the behaviour of companies that source products from China.

While it is against U.S. law to knowingly import goods made with slave labour, the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act shifts the burden of proof to companies from customs officials. Firms will have to proactively prove that their factories, and those of all their suppliers, do not use slavery or coercion.

The law, which passed the House and Senate nearly unanimously, is Washington’s first comprehensive effort to police supply chains that the United States says exploit persecuted minorities, and its impact could be sweeping. A wide range of products and raw materials — such as petroleum, cotton, minerals and sugar — flow from the Xinjiang region of China, where accusations of forced labour proliferate. Those materials are often used in Chinese factories that manufacture products for global companies.

“I anticipate that there will be many companies — even entire industries — that will be taken by surprise when they realize that their supply chains can also be traced back to the Uyghur region,” said Laura Murphy, a professor of human rights and contemporary slavery at Sheffield Hallam University in Britain.

If the law is enforced as written, it could force many companies to rework how they do business or risk having products blocked at the U.S. border. Those high stakes are expected to set off a crush of lobbying by companies trying to ease the burden on their industries as the government writes the guidelines that importers must follow.

“Genuine, effective enforcement will most likely mean there will be pushback by corporations and an attempt to create loopholes,” said Cathy Feingold, the international director of the AFL-CIO. “So the implementation will be key.”

Behind-the-scenes negotiations before the bill’s passage provided an early indication of how consequential the legislation could be for some of America’s biggest companies, as business groups like the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and brand names like Nike and Coca-Cola worked to limit the bill’s scope.

The Biden administration has labelled the Chinese government’s actions in Xinjiang — including the detention of more than 1 million Uyghurs and other predominantly Muslim minorities, as well as forced conversions, sterilization and arbitrary or unlawful killings — as genocide.

Human rights experts say that Beijing’s policies of moving Uyghurs into farms and factories that feed the global supply chain is an integral part of its repression in Xinjiang, an attempt to assimilate minorities and strip them of their culture and religion.

In a statement last week, Jen Psaki, the White House press secretary, said that Biden welcomed the bill’s passage and agreed with Congress “that action can and must be taken to hold the People’s Republic of China accountable for genocide and human rights abuses and to address forced labour in Xinjiang.” She added that the administration would “work closely with Congress to implement this bill to ensure global supply chains are free of forced labour.”

Yet some members of the administration argued behind closed doors that the bill’s scope could overwhelm U.S. regulators and lead to further supply chain disruptions at a time when inflation is accelerating at a nearly 40-year high, according to interviews with more than two dozen government officials, members of Congress and their staff. Some officials also expressed concerns that an aggressive ban on Chinese imports could put the administration’s goals for fighting climate change at risk, given China’s dominance of solar panels and components to make them, people familiar with the discussions said.

John Kerry, Biden’s special envoy for climate change, and Wendy R. Sherman, the deputy secretary of state, separately conveyed some of those concerns in calls to Democratic members of Congress in recent months, according to four people familiar with the discussions.

Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., one of the bill’s lead authors, criticized those looking to limit its impact, saying that companies that want to continue to import products and officials who are reluctant to rock the boat with China “are not just going to give up.” He added, “They’re all going to try to weigh in on how it’s implemented.”

One reason the stakes are so high is because of the critical role that Xinjiang may play in many supply chains. The region, twice the size of Texas, is rich in raw materials like coal and oil and crops like tomatoes, lavender and hops; it is also a significant producer of electronics, sneakers and clothing. By some estimates, it provides one-fifth of the world’s cotton and 45% of the world’s polysilicon, a key ingredient for solar panels.

Xinjiang’s substantial presence in the solar supply chain has been a key source of tension in the Biden administration, which is counting on solar power to help the United States reach its goal of significantly cutting carbon emissions by the end of the decade.

In meetings this year, Biden administration officials weighed how difficult it would be for importers to bypass Xinjiang and relocate supply chains for solar goods and other products, according to three government officials. Officials from the Labor Department and the United States trade representative were more sympathetic to a far-reaching ban on Xinjiang goods, according to three people familiar with the discussions. Some officials in charge of climate, energy and the economy argued against a sweeping ban, saying it would wreak havoc on supply chains or compromise the fight against climate change, those people said.

Ana Hinojosa, who was the executive director of Customs and Border Protection and led the government’s enforcement of forced labour provisions until she left the post in October, said that agencies responsible for “competing priorities” like climate change had voiced concerns about the legislation’s impact. Companies and various government agencies became nervous that the law’s broad authorities could prove “devastating to the U.S. economy,” she said.

“The need to improve our clean energy is real and important, but not something that the government or the U.S. should do on the backs of people who are working under conditions of modern-day slavery,” Hinojosa added.

In a call with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California this year, Kerry conveyed concerns about disrupting solar supply chains while Sherman shared her concerns with Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., according to people familiar with the conversations.

Merkley, one of the lead sponsors of the bill, said in an interview that Sherman told him she was concerned the legislation was not duly “targeted and deliberative.” The conversation was first reported by The Washington Post.

“I think this is a targeted and deliberative approach,” Merkley said. “And I think the administration is starting to see how strongly Republicans and Democrats in both chambers feel about this.”

A State Department official said that Sherman did not initiate the call and did not express opposition to the bill. Whitney Smith, a spokesperson for Kerry, said any accusations he lobbied against the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act were “false.” Pelosi declined to discuss private conversations.

Nury Turkel, a Uyghur American lawyer who is the vice chairman of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, said the United States must “tackle both genocide and ecocide.”

“Policymakers and climate activists are making it a choice between saving the world and turning a blind eye to the enslavement of Uyghurs,” he said. “It is false, and we cannot allow ourselves to be forced into it.”

Administration officials have also argued that the United States can take a strong stance against forced labour while developing a robust solar supply chain. Emily Horne, a spokesperson for the National Security Council, said that Biden “believes what is going on in Xinjiang is genocide” and that the administration had taken a range of actions to combat human rights abuses in the region, including financial sanctions, visa restrictions, export controls, import restrictions and a diplomatic boycott of the 2022 Beijing Olympics in February.

“We have taken action to hold the PRC accountable for its human rights abuses and to address forced labour in Xinjiang,” Horne said, using the abbreviation for the People’s Republic of China. “And we will continue to do so.”

The law highlights the delicate U.S.-China relationship, in which policymakers must figure out how to confront anti-Democratic practices while the United States is economically dependent on Chinese factories. China remains the largest supplier of goods to the United States.

One of the biggest hurdles for U.S. businesses is determining whether their products touched Xinjiang at any point in the supply chain. Many companies complain that beyond their direct suppliers, they lack the leverage to demand information from the Chinese firms that manufacture raw materials and parts.

Government restrictions that bar foreigners from unfettered access to sites in Xinjiang have made it difficult for many businesses to investigate their supply chains. New Chinese anti-sanctions rules, which threaten penalties against companies that comply with U.S. restrictions, have made vetting even more difficult.

The Chinese government denies forced labour is used in Xinjiang. Zhao Lijian, a government spokesperson, said U.S. politicians were “seeking to contain China and hold back China’s development through political manipulation and economic bullying in the name of ‘human rights.’” He promised a “resolute response” if the bill became law.

Lawmakers struggled over the past year to reconcile a more aggressive House version of the legislation with one in the Senate, which gave companies longer timelines to make changes and stripped out the SEC reporting requirement, among other differences.

The final bill included a mechanism to create lists of entities and products that use forced labour or aid in the transfer of persecuted workers to factories around China. Businesses like Apple had lobbied for the creation of such lists, believing they would provide more certainty for businesses seeking to avoid entities of concern.

A far-reaching bill aimed at barring products made with forced labour in China became law after President Joe Biden signed the bill Thursday. But the next four months — during which the Biden administration will convene hearings to investigate how pervasive forced labour is and what to do about it — will be crucial in determining how far the legislation goes in altering the behaviour of companies that source products from China.

A far-reaching bill aimed at barring products made with forced labour in China became law after President Joe Biden signed the bill Thursday. But the next four months — during which the Biden administration will convene hearings to investigate how pervasive forced labour is and what to do about it — will be crucial in determining how far the legislation goes in altering the behaviour of companies that source products from China. While it is against U.S. law to knowingly import goods made with slave labour, the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act shifts the burden of proof to companies from customs officials. Firms will have to proactively prove that their factories, and those of all their suppliers, do not use slavery or coercion. The law, which passed the House and Senate nearly unanimously, is Washington’s first comprehensive effort to police supply chains that the United States says exploit persecuted minorities, and its impact could be sweeping. A wide range of products and raw materials — such as petroleum, cotton, minerals and sugar — flow from the Xinjiang region of China, where accusations of forced labour proliferate. Those materials are often used in Chinese factories that manufacture products for global companies. “I anticipate that there will be many companies — even entire industries — that will be taken by surprise when they realize that their supply chains can also be traced back to the Uyghur region,” said Laura Murphy, a professor of human rights and contemporary slavery at Sheffield Hallam University in Britain. If the law is enforced as written, it could force many companies to rework how they do business or risk having products blocked at the U.S. border. Those high stakes are expected to set off a crush of lobbying by companies trying to ease the burden on their industries as the government writes the guidelines that importers must follow. “Genuine, effective enforcement will most likely mean there will be pushback by corporations and an attempt to create loopholes,” said Cathy Feingold, the international director of the AFL-CIO. “So the implementation will be key.” Behind-the-scenes negotiations before the bill’s passage provided an early indication of how consequential the legislation could be for some of America’s biggest companies, as business groups like the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and brand names like Nike and Coca-Cola worked to limit the bill’s scope. The Biden administration has labelled the Chinese government’s actions in Xinjiang — including the detention of more than 1 million Uyghurs and other predominantly Muslim minorities, as well as forced conversions, sterilization and arbitrary or unlawful killings — as genocide. Human rights experts say that Beijing’s policies of moving Uyghurs into farms and factories that feed the global supply chain is an integral part of its repression in Xinjiang, an attempt to assimilate minorities and strip them of their culture and religion. In a statement last week, Jen Psaki, the White House press secretary, said that Biden welcomed the bill’s passage and agreed with Congress “that action can and must be taken to hold the People’s Republic of China accountable for genocide and human rights abuses and to address forced labour in Xinjiang.” She added that the administration would “work closely with Congress to implement this bill to ensure global supply chains are free of forced labour.” Yet some members of the administration argued behind closed doors that the bill’s scope could overwhelm U.S. regulators and lead to further supply chain disruptions at a time when inflation is accelerating at a nearly 40-year high, according to interviews with more than two dozen government officials, members of Congress and their staff. Some officials also expressed concerns that an aggressive ban on Chinese imports could put the administration’s goals for fighting climate change at risk, given China’s dominance of solar panels and components to make them, people familiar with the discussions said. John Kerry, Biden’s special envoy for climate change, and Wendy R. Sherman, the deputy secretary of state, separately conveyed some of those concerns in calls to Democratic members of Congress in recent months, according to four people familiar with the discussions. Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., one of the bill’s lead authors, criticized those looking to limit its impact, saying that companies that want to continue to import products and officials who are reluctant to rock the boat with China “are not just going to give up.” He added, “They’re all going to try to weigh in on how it’s implemented.” One reason the stakes are so high is because of the critical role that Xinjiang may play in many supply chains. The region, twice the size of Texas, is rich in raw materials like coal and oil and crops like tomatoes, lavender and hops; it is also a significant producer of electronics, sneakers and clothing. By some estimates, it provides one-fifth of the world’s cotton and 45% of the world’s polysilicon, a key ingredient for solar panels. Xinjiang’s substantial presence in the solar supply chain has been a key source of tension in the Biden administration, which is counting on solar power to help the United States reach its goal of significantly cutting carbon emissions by the end of the decade. In meetings this year, Biden administration officials weighed how difficult it would be for importers to bypass Xinjiang and relocate supply chains for solar goods and other products, according to three government officials. Officials from the Labor Department and the United States trade representative were more sympathetic to a far-reaching ban on Xinjiang goods, according to three people familiar with the discussions. Some officials in charge of climate, energy and the economy argued against a sweeping ban, saying it would wreak havoc on supply chains or compromise the fight against climate change, those people said. Ana Hinojosa, who was the executive director of Customs and Border Protection and led the government’s enforcement of forced labour provisions until she left the post in October, said that agencies responsible for “competing priorities” like climate change had voiced concerns about the legislation’s impact. Companies and various government agencies became nervous that the law’s broad authorities could prove “devastating to the U.S. economy,” she said. “The need to improve our clean energy is real and important, but not something that the government or the U.S. should do on the backs of people who are working under conditions of modern-day slavery,” Hinojosa added. In a call with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of California this year, Kerry conveyed concerns about disrupting solar supply chains while Sherman shared her concerns with Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., according to people familiar with the conversations. Merkley, one of the lead sponsors of the bill, said in an interview that Sherman told him she was concerned the legislation was not duly “targeted and deliberative.” The conversation was first reported by The Washington Post. “I think this is a targeted and deliberative approach,” Merkley said. “And I think the administration is starting to see how strongly Republicans and Democrats in both chambers feel about this.” A State Department official said that Sherman did not initiate the call and did not express opposition to the bill. Whitney Smith, a spokesperson for Kerry, said any accusations he lobbied against the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act were “false.” Pelosi declined to discuss private conversations. Nury Turkel, a Uyghur American lawyer who is the vice chairman of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, said the United States must “tackle both genocide and ecocide.” “Policymakers and climate activists are making it a choice between saving the world and turning a blind eye to the enslavement of Uyghurs,” he said. “It is false, and we cannot allow ourselves to be forced into it.” Administration officials have also argued that the United States can take a strong stance against forced labour while developing a robust solar supply chain. Emily Horne, a spokesperson for the National Security Council, said that Biden “believes what is going on in Xinjiang is genocide” and that the administration had taken a range of actions to combat human rights abuses in the region, including financial sanctions, visa restrictions, export controls, import restrictions and a diplomatic boycott of the 2022 Beijing Olympics in February. “We have taken action to hold the PRC accountable for its human rights abuses and to address forced labour in Xinjiang,” Horne said, using the abbreviation for the People’s Republic of China. “And we will continue to do so.” The law highlights the delicate U.S.-China relationship, in which policymakers must figure out how to confront anti-Democratic practices while the United States is economically dependent on Chinese factories. China remains the largest supplier of goods to the United States. One of the biggest hurdles for U.S. businesses is determining whether their products touched Xinjiang at any point in the supply chain. Many companies complain that beyond their direct suppliers, they lack the leverage to demand information from the Chinese firms that manufacture raw materials and parts. Government restrictions that bar foreigners from unfettered access to sites in Xinjiang have made it difficult for many businesses to investigate their supply chains. New Chinese anti-sanctions rules, which threaten penalties against companies that comply with U.S. restrictions, have made vetting even more difficult. The Chinese government denies forced labour is used in Xinjiang. Zhao Lijian, a government spokesperson, said U.S. politicians were “seeking to contain China and hold back China’s development through political manipulation and economic bullying in the name of ‘human rights.’” He promised a “resolute response” if the bill became law. Lawmakers struggled over the past year to reconcile a more aggressive House version of the legislation with one in the Senate, which gave companies longer timelines to make changes and stripped out the SEC reporting requirement, among other differences. The final bill included a mechanism to create lists of entities and products that use forced labour or aid in the transfer of persecuted workers to factories around China. Businesses like Apple had lobbied for the creation of such lists, believing they would provide more certainty for businesses seeking to avoid entities of concern.

US effort to combat forced labour targets corporate China ties

The head of EMP Task Force has warned that the United States’ electric grid and other key infrastructure are vulnerable to electromagnetic pulse (EMP) attacks from countries like China and Russia and called for renewed efforts to upgrade the country’s defences to avoid a doomsday scenario.

During a virtual forum hosted by the Universal Peace Federation, the security expert warned of a potential threat from an EMP attack that could hit America's&nbsp;communications, water and sewer services, transportation systems&nbsp;and other key infrastructures.

“That poses a real threat of possibly being able to win a war with a single blow by means of an EMP attack," said Peter Vincent Pry, the executive director of Task Force on National and Homeland Security, a congressional advisory board.

“Moreover … they don’t envision employing an EMP by itself. It would be used in conjunction with cyberattacks and physical sabotage, and non-nuclear EMP.,” he added.

Combining EMP attacks with other modern unconventional military tactics could be even more devastating, he said.

The EMP Task Force had earlier sent out a report to the Congress, informing that China possesses so-called “super EMPs,” or weapons designed to create bursts of energy much stronger than past&nbsp;versions,

“This is regarded by&nbsp;Russia,&nbsp;China,&nbsp;North Korea&nbsp;and Iran as potentially the most decisive military revolution in history,” Pry&nbsp;said.

“By attacking the technological Achilles heel of a nation like the United States, you could bring us to our knees and not even have to do battle with the Marines or the Navy or the Air Force, and win a war in 24 hours with a single blow — a combined&nbsp;EMP&nbsp;cyberattack,” he added.

The Pentagon had warned that electronic warfare is an increasingly important piece of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) arsenal and its preparations for a potential clash with the US.

(With inputs from agencies)

The head of EMP Task Force has warned that the United States’ electric grid and other key infrastructure are vulnerable to electromagnetic pulse (EMP) attacks from countries like China and Russia and called for renewed efforts to upgrade the country’s defences to avoid a doomsday scenario.

The head of EMP Task Force has warned that the United States’ electric grid and other key infrastructure are vulnerable to electromagnetic pulse (EMP) attacks from countries like China and Russia and called for renewed efforts to upgrade the country’s defences to avoid a doomsday scenario. During a virtual forum hosted by the Universal Peace Federation, the security expert warned of a potential threat from an EMP attack that could hit America's communications, water and sewer services, transportation systems and other key infrastructures. “That poses a real threat of possibly being able to win a war with a single blow by means of an EMP attack," said Peter Vincent Pry, the executive director of Task Force on National and Homeland Security, a congressional advisory board. “Moreover … they don’t envision employing an EMP by itself. It would be used in conjunction with cyberattacks and physical sabotage, and non-nuclear EMP.,” he added. Combining EMP attacks with other modern unconventional military tactics could be even more devastating, he said. The EMP Task Force had earlier sent out a report to the Congress, informing that China possesses so-called “super EMPs,” or weapons designed to create bursts of energy much stronger than past versions, “This is regarded by Russia, China, North Korea and Iran as potentially the most decisive military revolution in history,” Pry said. “By attacking the technological Achilles heel of a nation like the United States, you could bring us to our knees and not even have to do battle with the Marines or the Navy or the Air Force, and win a war in 24 hours with a single blow — a combined EMP cyberattack,” he added. The Pentagon had warned that electronic warfare is an increasingly important piece of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) arsenal and its preparations for a potential clash with the US. (With inputs from agencies)

Expert warns of impending ‘doomsday’, says US vulnerable to China’s electromagnetic pulse attack

Earlier this week Joe Biden and his Chinese counterpart XI Jinping sat down in a virtual meet and spoke for 3 and a half-hour meeting. This meeting was hailed to be an ice breaker between the 2 countries.

Washington still reluctant to completely trust Beijing

The virtual meeting between President Joe Biden and China’s leader, Xi Jinping, produced no breakthroughs in a relationship that has spiraled dangerously downward. That was not the intent.

Instead, the two leaders sought to keep the many disputes between the two countries from escalating into a broader conflict. If they can translate their words into a kind of détente, it would count as a diplomatic success.

“It seems clear to me we need to establish some common-sense guardrails,” Biden told Xi in opening remarks, speaking over what amounted to the equivalent of a Zoom call from the Roosevelt Room at the White House and the East Hall in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

Xi, for his part, called Biden “my old friend” and used a nautical metaphor, comparing the two countries to ships that must together navigate the ocean’s wind and waves without colliding.

Bubbling under the surface, though, was acrimony that could prove difficult to resolve.

At the end of 3 1/2 hours of talks, the two did not even cobble together the sort of joint statement that has typically punctuated summits between the United States and China over the decades. Xi’s last meeting with a U.S. president, Donald Trump in 2019, also ended with no joint statement, marking the deterioration in ties.

Nor did the meeting end with any agreement to have groups of officials from both sides hold further talks on strategic nuclear issues and conflicts in cyberspace — the way Biden did in his summit in June with another quarrelsome geopolitical rival, President Vladimir Putin of Russia.

“We were not expecting a breakthrough,” a senior administration official told reporters shortly after the talks with Xi ended. “There were none.”

Instead, the two sides issued their own statements, each emphasizing the points of long-standing contention. They amounted to catalogs of mutual grievances that offered little room for compromise.

Biden raised concerns about human rights abuses in Xinjiang, Tibet and Hong Kong, and about China’s “unfair trade and economic policies” harming American workers, the White House statement said. Xi, according to China’s own readout, said that U.S. support for Taiwan was “playing with fire,” and explicitly warned that the world risked slipping back into the superpower confrontations of a half-century ago.

“Engaging in ideological demarcation, camp division, group confrontation, will inevitably bring disaster to the world,” Xi said, a clear reference to a pillar of the new administration’s strategy for challenging China by teaming up with like-minded nations that fear China or oppose its authoritarian model. “The consequence of the Cold War are not far away.”

With that reference, Xi plunged directly into the debate now underway in Washington about whether the two powers are descending into something akin to the Cold War, or whether the deep economic, trade and technological links between China and the U.S. make any comparison to the old U.S.-Soviet Union relationship impossible.

The tone of the meeting was a reminder that China, perhaps inevitably, remains what Biden and his top advisers have cast as the greatest geopolitical challenge to the United States in its history. They have rejected the Cold War comparisons as overly simplistic, and as Biden’s national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, put it, “We have the choice not to do that.”

“China is going to be a factor in the international system for the foreseeable future — it’s not going anywhere,” Sullivan said last week during a speech to the Lowy Institute in Australia. “And the United States is not going anywhere, and we’re not going anywhere in the Indo-Pacific either. And so we’re going to have to learn how to deal with that reality.”

Although the two leaders have spoken by telephone twice this year, the conference was intended to replicate the more thorough discussion of issues in previous summits between the United States and China — something that has not been possible because pandemic and political preoccupations have kept Xi from traveling since January 2020.

The White House had hoped to hold the meeting in person, possibly at the Group of 20 meeting in Rome last month, but concluded that it was better to meet remotely than to let tensions fester into next year. Xi is sure to be preoccupied then with the Winter Olympics in Beijing in February and a Communist Party congress in November that is expected to extend his rule.

Biden has repeatedly suggested that it should be possible for the United States to engage in vigorous competition with China and to confront it over certain issues, without risking clashes — whether in the disputed waters off China’s coast or in the murky shadows of cyberspace.

He also wanted to hold the meeting after he had begun to shore up American competitiveness at home. Just hours before meeting Xi, he signed the bipartisan infrastructure bill, which his aides cited as an example of refocusing on international competitiveness. He also recently signed other legislation that bans some key Chinese technology players, like telecommunications giant Huawei, from operating inside the United States.

What is perceived as a move to strengthen the economy in one capital can seem aggressive in the other.

“Both leaders are dissatisfied with the state of the relationship and the behavior of the other country,” said Danny Russel, a former assistant secretary of state who participated in talks with Xi during the Obama administration. “Both are also mindful of the risk of an incident between our militaries that could quickly spin out of control.”

No one meeting could have resolved the enormous divisions that have grown between the two countries.

The trade war that Trump started remains unresolved, with China still more than $180 billion short of a pledge to purchase $380 billion in American products before a deadline of Dec. 31. Problems have also emerged or gotten worse, including a Pentagon assessment that China is rapidly expanding its strategic nuclear arsenal, and may be abandoning its decadeslong strategy of maintaining a “minimum deterrent.”

Administration officials declined to discuss what was said about the nuclear buildup, beyond a vague statement that Biden “underscored the importance of managing strategic risks.”

Other topics that analysts thought would come up did not, according to the senior administration official. They included disputes over granting visas for diplomats, journalists and others, as well as a possible invitation to attend the Winter Olympics in Beijing in February.

Many also expected an effort to create a forum for discussing disputes.

The two sides did agree to talks among lower-level officials. That, and the leaders’ tone in their published statements, raised hopes that tensions could ease at least a bit.

“All the right things were said by both sides to stabilize a relationship marked by mutual mistrust,” said Rorry Daniels, a security specialist with the National Committee on American Foreign Policy in New York. “The question moving forward is how each side will adjust policy to meet this change of direction.”

On Tuesday, Biden suggested that officials from both sides would meet in working groups, though he did not specify on which issues. “We got a lot to follow up on,” he said.

After Biden’s last telephone call with the Chinese leader in September, the tone of the relationship, at least, improved considerably.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken and his counterpart, Wang Yi, met on the sidelines of the G-20 gathering and spoke by phone again last weekend. Biden’s envoy on climate change, John Kerry, and Xi’s, Xie Zhenhua, reached a surprise agreement on the issue at the talks this month in Glasgow, Scotland.

Xi, according to the Chinese description of the talks, suggested that cooperation on issues like climate change was conditional on stability across the spectrum of the relationship — a stance at odds with Biden’s view.

“China and the United States are entering a period of détente, but we don’t know how long it will be and to what extent,” said Cheng Xiaohe, an associate professor of international studies at Renmin University in Beijing. “We have a lot of uncertainties now.”

Even as the two leaders met virtually, another meeting was taking place in Beijing, commemorating the American pilots known as the Flying Tigers who aided China during its war against Japan in 1941 and 1942.

“The story of the Flying Tigers undergirds the profound friendship forged by the lives and blood of the Chinese and American people,” Qin Gang, China’s ambassador to the United States, said during the event. Acknowledging the tensions in the relationship, he added that the two countries “should inherit the friendly friendship tempered by war.”

The virtual meeting between President Joe Biden and China’s leader, Xi Jinping, produced no breakthroughs in a relationship that has spiraled dangerously downward.

The virtual meeting between President Joe Biden and China’s leader, Xi Jinping, produced no breakthroughs in a relationship that has spiraled dangerously downward. That was not the intent. Instead, the two leaders sought to keep the many disputes between the two countries from escalating into a broader conflict. If they can translate their words into a kind of détente, it would count as a diplomatic success. “It seems clear to me we need to establish some common-sense guardrails,” Biden told Xi in opening remarks, speaking over what amounted to the equivalent of a Zoom call from the Roosevelt Room at the White House and the East Hall in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Xi, for his part, called Biden “my old friend” and used a nautical metaphor, comparing the two countries to ships that must together navigate the ocean’s wind and waves without colliding. Bubbling under the surface, though, was acrimony that could prove difficult to resolve. At the end of 3 1/2 hours of talks, the two did not even cobble together the sort of joint statement that has typically punctuated summits between the United States and China over the decades. Xi’s last meeting with a U.S. president, Donald Trump in 2019, also ended with no joint statement, marking the deterioration in ties. Nor did the meeting end with any agreement to have groups of officials from both sides hold further talks on strategic nuclear issues and conflicts in cyberspace — the way Biden did in his summit in June with another quarrelsome geopolitical rival, President Vladimir Putin of Russia. “We were not expecting a breakthrough,” a senior administration official told reporters shortly after the talks with Xi ended. “There were none.” Instead, the two sides issued their own statements, each emphasizing the points of long-standing contention. They amounted to catalogs of mutual grievances that offered little room for compromise. Biden raised concerns about human rights abuses in Xinjiang, Tibet and Hong Kong, and about China’s “unfair trade and economic policies” harming American workers, the White House statement said. Xi, according to China’s own readout, said that U.S. support for Taiwan was “playing with fire,” and explicitly warned that the world risked slipping back into the superpower confrontations of a half-century ago. “Engaging in ideological demarcation, camp division, group confrontation, will inevitably bring disaster to the world,” Xi said, a clear reference to a pillar of the new administration’s strategy for challenging China by teaming up with like-minded nations that fear China or oppose its authoritarian model. “The consequence of the Cold War are not far away.” With that reference, Xi plunged directly into the debate now underway in Washington about whether the two powers are descending into something akin to the Cold War, or whether the deep economic, trade and technological links between China and the U.S. make any comparison to the old U.S.-Soviet Union relationship impossible. The tone of the meeting was a reminder that China, perhaps inevitably, remains what Biden and his top advisers have cast as the greatest geopolitical challenge to the United States in its history. They have rejected the Cold War comparisons as overly simplistic, and as Biden’s national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, put it, “We have the choice not to do that.” “China is going to be a factor in the international system for the foreseeable future — it’s not going anywhere,” Sullivan said last week during a speech to the Lowy Institute in Australia. “And the United States is not going anywhere, and we’re not going anywhere in the Indo-Pacific either. And so we’re going to have to learn how to deal with that reality.” Although the two leaders have spoken by telephone twice this year, the conference was intended to replicate the more thorough discussion of issues in previous summits between the United States and China — something that has not been possible because pandemic and political preoccupations have kept Xi from traveling since January 2020. The White House had hoped to hold the meeting in person, possibly at the Group of 20 meeting in Rome last month, but concluded that it was better to meet remotely than to let tensions fester into next year. Xi is sure to be preoccupied then with the Winter Olympics in Beijing in February and a Communist Party congress in November that is expected to extend his rule. Biden has repeatedly suggested that it should be possible for the United States to engage in vigorous competition with China and to confront it over certain issues, without risking clashes — whether in the disputed waters off China’s coast or in the murky shadows of cyberspace. He also wanted to hold the meeting after he had begun to shore up American competitiveness at home. Just hours before meeting Xi, he signed the bipartisan infrastructure bill, which his aides cited as an example of refocusing on international competitiveness. He also recently signed other legislation that bans some key Chinese technology players, like telecommunications giant Huawei, from operating inside the United States. What is perceived as a move to strengthen the economy in one capital can seem aggressive in the other. “Both leaders are dissatisfied with the state of the relationship and the behavior of the other country,” said Danny Russel, a former assistant secretary of state who participated in talks with Xi during the Obama administration. “Both are also mindful of the risk of an incident between our militaries that could quickly spin out of control.” No one meeting could have resolved the enormous divisions that have grown between the two countries. The trade war that Trump started remains unresolved, with China still more than $180 billion short of a pledge to purchase $380 billion in American products before a deadline of Dec. 31. Problems have also emerged or gotten worse, including a Pentagon assessment that China is rapidly expanding its strategic nuclear arsenal, and may be abandoning its decadeslong strategy of maintaining a “minimum deterrent.” Administration officials declined to discuss what was said about the nuclear buildup, beyond a vague statement that Biden “underscored the importance of managing strategic risks.” Other topics that analysts thought would come up did not, according to the senior administration official. They included disputes over granting visas for diplomats, journalists and others, as well as a possible invitation to attend the Winter Olympics in Beijing in February. Many also expected an effort to create a forum for discussing disputes. The two sides did agree to talks among lower-level officials. That, and the leaders’ tone in their published statements, raised hopes that tensions could ease at least a bit. “All the right things were said by both sides to stabilize a relationship marked by mutual mistrust,” said Rorry Daniels, a security specialist with the National Committee on American Foreign Policy in New York. “The question moving forward is how each side will adjust policy to meet this change of direction.” On Tuesday, Biden suggested that officials from both sides would meet in working groups, though he did not specify on which issues. “We got a lot to follow up on,” he said. After Biden’s last telephone call with the Chinese leader in September, the tone of the relationship, at least, improved considerably. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and his counterpart, Wang Yi, met on the sidelines of the G-20 gathering and spoke by phone again last weekend. Biden’s envoy on climate change, John Kerry, and Xi’s, Xie Zhenhua, reached a surprise agreement on the issue at the talks this month in Glasgow, Scotland. Xi, according to the Chinese description of the talks, suggested that cooperation on issues like climate change was conditional on stability across the spectrum of the relationship — a stance at odds with Biden’s view. “China and the United States are entering a period of détente, but we don’t know how long it will be and to what extent,” said Cheng Xiaohe, an associate professor of international studies at Renmin University in Beijing. “We have a lot of uncertainties now.” Even as the two leaders met virtually, another meeting was taking place in Beijing, commemorating the American pilots known as the Flying Tigers who aided China during its war against Japan in 1941 and 1942. “The story of the Flying Tigers undergirds the profound friendship forged by the lives and blood of the Chinese and American people,” Qin Gang, China’s ambassador to the United States, said during the event. Acknowledging the tensions in the relationship, he added that the two countries “should inherit the friendly friendship tempered by war.”

US-China summit produces little more than polite words, but they help

US President Joe Biden and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping exchanged strong views on issues like Taiwan and human rights during a one-on-one online summit.

The three-and-half-hour session lasted “longer than expected”, a US official told reporters, adding, “the conversation was respectful and straightforward.”

During the meet, Biden told Xi that the US strongly opposes “unilateral efforts” to change the status quo or undermine peace across Taiwan—a remark not taken well by China.

According to Chinese state media, Xi warned Biden that US support for Taiwanese independence would be “like playing with fire”.

“Taiwanese authorities have repeatedly tried to rely on the US for independence,” Xi was quoted as saying by state media agency Xinhua.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-china-virtual-summit-biden-seeks-guardrails-against-conflict-xi-calls-for-better-communication-429645">US-China virtual summit: Biden seeks 'guardrails' against conflict, Xi calls for better communication</a>

“Some people in the US intend to use Taiwan to control China. This trend is very dangerous and is like playing with fire, and those who play with fire will get burned,” he said.

Biden also raised “concerns” over wider issues of human rights abuses and mass repression against the Uyghurs in the northwest region of Xinjiang.

Xi called on the two countries to respect each other's social systems and development paths, respect each other's core interests and major concerns, and respect each other's right to development.

“We need to treat each other as equals, keep differences under control, and seek common ground while reserving differences,” Xinhua news agency quoted Xi as saying.

Xi stressed peaceful coexistence between the two countries, saying that no conflict and no confrontation is a line that both sides must hold.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/insisting-china-play-by-the-rules-of-the-road-biden-xi-virtual-summit-seeks-to-settle-tense-relationship-429637">Insisting China 'play by the rules of the road', Biden-Xi virtual summit seeks to settle tense relationship</a>

Both Biden and Xi emphasized the need for working together on major global issues, especially Covid-19 and climate change.

Speaking from the White House to Xi on a television screen, Biden said it was their "responsibility as leaders of China and the United States to ensure that the competition between our countries does not veer into conflict, whether intended or unintended."

Xi, speaking from Beijing, called Biden "my old friend," but said their countries had to work more closely.

"We face multiple challenges together. As the world's two largest economies and permanent members of the UN Security Council, China and the United States need to increase communication and cooperation," he said, speaking through an interpreter in brief public remarks, before they went behind closed doors.

The two leaders have spoken by phone twice since Biden's inauguration in January but with Xi refusing to travel abroad because of the pandemic, an online video meeting was the only option short of an in-person summit.

(With inputs from agencies)

US President Joe Biden and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping exchanged strong views on issues like Taiwan and human rights during a one-on-one online summit. The three-and-half-hour session lasted “longer than expected”, a US official told reporters, adding, “the conversation was respectful and straightforward.

US President Joe Biden and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping exchanged strong views on issues like Taiwan and human rights during a one-on-one online summit. The three-and-half-hour session lasted “longer than expected”, a US official told reporters, adding, “the conversation was respectful and straightforward.” During the meet, Biden told Xi that the US strongly opposes “unilateral efforts” to change the status quo or undermine peace across Taiwan—a remark not taken well by China. According to Chinese state media, Xi warned Biden that US support for Taiwanese independence would be “like playing with fire”. “Taiwanese authorities have repeatedly tried to rely on the US for independence,” Xi was quoted as saying by state media agency Xinhua. Also read | US-China virtual summit: Biden seeks 'guardrails' against conflict, Xi calls for better communication “Some people in the US intend to use Taiwan to control China. This trend is very dangerous and is like playing with fire, and those who play with fire will get burned,” he said. Biden also raised “concerns” over wider issues of human rights abuses and mass repression against the Uyghurs in the northwest region of Xinjiang. Xi called on the two countries to respect each other's social systems and development paths, respect each other's core interests and major concerns, and respect each other's right to development. “We need to treat each other as equals, keep differences under control, and seek common ground while reserving differences,” Xinhua news agency quoted Xi as saying. Xi stressed peaceful coexistence between the two countries, saying that no conflict and no confrontation is a line that both sides must hold. Also read | Insisting China 'play by the rules of the road', Biden-Xi virtual summit seeks to settle tense relationship Both Biden and Xi emphasized the need for working together on major global issues, especially Covid-19 and climate change. Speaking from the White House to Xi on a television screen, Biden said it was their "responsibility as leaders of China and the United States to ensure that the competition between our countries does not veer into conflict, whether intended or unintended." Xi, speaking from Beijing, called Biden "my old friend," but said their countries had to work more closely. "We face multiple challenges together. As the world's two largest economies and permanent members of the UN Security Council, China and the United States need to increase communication and cooperation," he said, speaking through an interpreter in brief public remarks, before they went behind closed doors. The two leaders have spoken by phone twice since Biden's inauguration in January but with Xi refusing to travel abroad because of the pandemic, an online video meeting was the only option short of an in-person summit. (With inputs from agencies)

Biden raises Taiwan issue during virtual meet, Xi warns don’t 'play with fire'

China has been lobbying US businessmen, executives and companies to fight against China-specific bills in the US Congress.

The report by news agency Reuters, which has quoted sources, said the Chinese officials have warned companies that they would risk losing market share or revenue in China if the legislation becomes law.

The Chinese embassy in Washington has been pressing executives to urge members of Congress to alter or drop specific bills that seek to enhance US competitiveness, according to the Reuters report which claimed to have access to a letter of the embassy’s economic and commercial office.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/defying-china-us-announces-24-billion-sale-of-coastal-defense-systems-to-taiwan-338183">Defying China, US announces $2.4 billion sale of coastal defense systems to Taiwan</a>

The United States has been wary of China’s dominance in its markets, especially in the field of technology research, semiconductor development and manufacturing.

The US has been working hard to break away the supply chain from China by asking the American companies to shift their manufacturing base to the US.

Earlier this year, a US House of Representatives committee advanced legislation intended to boost competitiveness with China.

It authorises roughly $250 billion in funding for technology research, semiconductor development and manufacturing, as well as subsidies for robot makers and chipmakers amid a shortage of computer chips worldwide.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/chinese-spy-agency-playing-active-role-to-destabilise-nepals-relations-with-other-nations-report-428958">Chinese spy agency playing active role to destabilise Nepal’s relations with other nations: Report</a>

Many US lawmakers said the package is one of the largest industrial bills in US history and the biggest investment in scientific research that the country has seen in decades.

The bill includes a number of China-specific provisions, including the prohibition of the social media app TikTok from being downloaded on government devices.

The purchase of drones manufactured and sold by Chinese state enterprises would also be blocked under the legislation.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-media-outlets-received-millions-of-dollars-from-china-to-sell-its-propaganda-report-396678">US media outlets received millions of dollars from China to sell its propaganda: Report</a>

Chinese organisations engaged in US cyber-attacks or theft of US intellectual property from US firms would face sanctions too, once the bill is passed.

Apart from trade issues, the tensions between the White House and Beijing also span over human rights concerns, national security, and the deplorable conditions of Uyghur Muslims in Xinjian province.&nbsp;

Earlier this year, the US intelligence community named China as the top national security threat.

China's military actions in the South China Sea have led the US to focus on partners and allies in the Indo-Pacific region, including a White House summit in September with the other leaders of the Quad&nbsp;countries: Japan, Australia and India.

(With inputs from agencies)

China has been lobbying US businessmen, executives and companies to fight against China-specific bills in the US Congress. The report by news agency Reuters, which has quoted sources, said the Chinese officials have warned companies that they would risk losing market share or revenue in China if the legislation becomes law.

China has been lobbying US businessmen, executives and companies to fight against China-specific bills in the US Congress. The report by news agency Reuters, which has quoted sources, said the Chinese officials have warned companies that they would risk losing market share or revenue in China if the legislation becomes law. The Chinese embassy in Washington has been pressing executives to urge members of Congress to alter or drop specific bills that seek to enhance US competitiveness, according to the Reuters report which claimed to have access to a letter of the embassy’s economic and commercial office. Also read | Defying China, US announces $2.4 billion sale of coastal defense systems to Taiwan The United States has been wary of China’s dominance in its markets, especially in the field of technology research, semiconductor development and manufacturing. The US has been working hard to break away the supply chain from China by asking the American companies to shift their manufacturing base to the US. Earlier this year, a US House of Representatives committee advanced legislation intended to boost competitiveness with China. It authorises roughly $250 billion in funding for technology research, semiconductor development and manufacturing, as well as subsidies for robot makers and chipmakers amid a shortage of computer chips worldwide. Also read | Chinese spy agency playing active role to destabilise Nepal’s relations with other nations: Report Many US lawmakers said the package is one of the largest industrial bills in US history and the biggest investment in scientific research that the country has seen in decades. The bill includes a number of China-specific provisions, including the prohibition of the social media app TikTok from being downloaded on government devices. The purchase of drones manufactured and sold by Chinese state enterprises would also be blocked under the legislation. Also read | US media outlets received millions of dollars from China to sell its propaganda: Report Chinese organisations engaged in US cyber-attacks or theft of US intellectual property from US firms would face sanctions too, once the bill is passed. Apart from trade issues, the tensions between the White House and Beijing also span over human rights concerns, national security, and the deplorable conditions of Uyghur Muslims in Xinjian province. Earlier this year, the US intelligence community named China as the top national security threat. China's military actions in the South China Sea have led the US to focus on partners and allies in the Indo-Pacific region, including a White House summit in September with the other leaders of the Quad countries: Japan, Australia and India. (With inputs from agencies)

China urging US businessmen to lobby against anti-China bills: Report

China’s new and third aircraft carrier whose technology could potentially rival US could be launched “roughly in three to six months”, a report by a Washington-based think tank has stated after analysing recent satellite images.

In images provided by Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), the carrier —which is simply known as the Type 003 —was seen on the edge of completion on October 23, in the Jiangnan shipyard in Shanghai.

The CSIS has said that the installation of the carrier’s main external components including the vessel’s catapults, which will assist with launching aircraft, is nearing completion.

Work on other military vessels at Jiangnan appears to have slowed as the shipyard works to fill commercial orders, it added.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/to-steer-chinas-future-xi-is-rewriting-its-past-427513">To steer China’s future, Xi is rewriting its past</a>

Only a few additional items -- such as radar and weapon systems -- remain to be installed before the vessel can slip into the Yangtze River, the analysts said.

The new launchers will allow China to launch a wider variety of planes from the Type 003 faster and with more ammunition.

“The inclusion of catapults on the Type 003 is a major leap forward for the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN). China’s two existing aircraft carriers, the&nbsp;Liaoning&nbsp;and&nbsp;Shandong, rely on less advanced ski jump-style takeoff systems,” the analysts said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-uses-fake-us-aircraft-carrier-navy-ships-for-missile-target-practice-427621">China uses fake US aircraft carrier Navy ships for missile target practice</a>

“The Type 003’s new Catapult Assisted Take-Off But Arrested Recovery (CATOBAR) launch system will enable the PLAN to launch fixed-wing aircraft with heavier payloads and more fuel, as well as larger aircraft that have a lower thrust-to-weight ratio. Most CATOBAR systems are steam driven, but it is widely rumored that China has developed an electromagnetic launch system similar to the one developed for the US Navy’s new Gerald R. Ford class of carriers,” they added.

Matthew Funaiole, senior fellow at the CSIS's China Project, said Type 003 would be the Chinese military's “first foray into a modern aircraft carrier.”

“This is a pretty significant step forward. They’ve really committed to building out a carrier program, and they continue to push the boundaries of what they're able to do,” he said.

(With inputs from agencies)

China’s new and third aircraft carrier whose technology could potentially rival US could be launched “roughly in three to six months”, a report by a Washington-based think tank has stated after analysing recent satellite images.

China’s new and third aircraft carrier whose technology could potentially rival US could be launched “roughly in three to six months”, a report by a Washington-based think tank has stated after analysing recent satellite images. In images provided by Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), the carrier —which is simply known as the Type 003 —was seen on the edge of completion on October 23, in the Jiangnan shipyard in Shanghai. The CSIS has said that the installation of the carrier’s main external components including the vessel’s catapults, which will assist with launching aircraft, is nearing completion. Work on other military vessels at Jiangnan appears to have slowed as the shipyard works to fill commercial orders, it added. Also read | To steer China’s future, Xi is rewriting its past Only a few additional items -- such as radar and weapon systems -- remain to be installed before the vessel can slip into the Yangtze River, the analysts said. The new launchers will allow China to launch a wider variety of planes from the Type 003 faster and with more ammunition. “The inclusion of catapults on the Type 003 is a major leap forward for the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN). China’s two existing aircraft carriers, the Liaoning and Shandong, rely on less advanced ski jump-style takeoff systems,” the analysts said. Also read | China uses fake US aircraft carrier Navy ships for missile target practice “The Type 003’s new Catapult Assisted Take-Off But Arrested Recovery (CATOBAR) launch system will enable the PLAN to launch fixed-wing aircraft with heavier payloads and more fuel, as well as larger aircraft that have a lower thrust-to-weight ratio. Most CATOBAR systems are steam driven, but it is widely rumored that China has developed an electromagnetic launch system similar to the one developed for the US Navy’s new Gerald R. Ford class of carriers,” they added. Matthew Funaiole, senior fellow at the CSIS's China Project, said Type 003 would be the Chinese military's “first foray into a modern aircraft carrier.” “This is a pretty significant step forward. They’ve really committed to building out a carrier program, and they continue to push the boundaries of what they're able to do,” he said. (With inputs from agencies)

China’s new aircraft carrier, rivalling US, could be launched in 3 to 6 months: Analysts

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