US President Donald Trump has vetoed a broad defence funding bill sent to him by Congress.

The outgoing president took the decision on Wednesday, complaining that it helps Russia and China and objecting to provisions to rename military bases.

The veto of the $740 billion measure to fund the military for fiscal 2021 came a day after the US leader, with less than one month left in office, threw a separate $900 billion Covid-19 relief bill and overall funding for the government into question.

The bipartisan bill was passed by high enough margins in both chambers of Congress for lawmakers to -- in theory -- override the president’s rejection.

Trump criticised the annual National defence Authorisation Act for not responding to his demand to end liability protections for social media companies, known as Section 230 -- an issue with no relationship to the US defence Department. He also objected to a provision in the NDAA to rename military bases bearing the names of generals from the secessionist, slavery-supporting South in the 19th century US civil war.

Another point that led to his objection was a provision which could impede his decision to sharply cut US troop levels in Germany, Afghanistan and elsewhere.

The NDAA “fails to include critical national security measures, includes provisions that fail to respect our veterans and our military’s history, and contradicts efforts by my Administration to put America first in our national security and foreign policy actions,” Trump said in a statement.

Without the changes to Section 230, Trump said, the NDAA “is a ‘gift’ to China and Russia.”

Both the House and the Senate set aside time next week to vote to override the veto -- which would be the first such rebuff from Congress in his nearly four years in office.

Trump has repeatedly demanded that the NDAA include changes to Section 230, a part of US communications legislation that protects social media giants like Facebook and Twitter from responsibility for content posted by their users.

Since early this year Trump has become angered by social media for censoring or raising questions about the factuality of his own posts, especially about the coronavirus pandemic.

The veto does not immediately choke off funds to the Pentagon but if the NDAA isn’t passed soon, funding could be tightened.

(with inputs from agencies)

US President Donald Trump has vetoed a broad defence funding bill sent to him by Congress. The outgoing president took the decision on Wednesday, complaining that it helps Russia and China and objecting to provisions to rename military bases.

US President Donald Trump has vetoed a broad defence funding bill sent to him by Congress. The outgoing president took the decision on Wednesday, complaining that it helps Russia and China and objecting to provisions to rename military bases. The veto of the $740 billion measure to fund the military for fiscal 2021 came a day after the US leader, with less than one month left in office, threw a separate $900 billion Covid-19 relief bill and overall funding for the government into question. The bipartisan bill was passed by high enough margins in both chambers of Congress for lawmakers to -- in theory -- override the president’s rejection. Trump criticised the annual National defence Authorisation Act for not responding to his demand to end liability protections for social media companies, known as Section 230 -- an issue with no relationship to the US defence Department. He also objected to a provision in the NDAA to rename military bases bearing the names of generals from the secessionist, slavery-supporting South in the 19th century US civil war. Another point that led to his objection was a provision which could impede his decision to sharply cut US troop levels in Germany, Afghanistan and elsewhere. The NDAA “fails to include critical national security measures, includes provisions that fail to respect our veterans and our military’s history, and contradicts efforts by my Administration to put America first in our national security and foreign policy actions,” Trump said in a statement. Without the changes to Section 230, Trump said, the NDAA “is a ‘gift’ to China and Russia.” Both the House and the Senate set aside time next week to vote to override the veto -- which would be the first such rebuff from Congress in his nearly four years in office. Trump has repeatedly demanded that the NDAA include changes to Section 230, a part of US communications legislation that protects social media giants like Facebook and Twitter from responsibility for content posted by their users. Since early this year Trump has become angered by social media for censoring or raising questions about the factuality of his own posts, especially about the coronavirus pandemic. The veto does not immediately choke off funds to the Pentagon but if the NDAA isn’t passed soon, funding could be tightened. (with inputs from agencies)

Donald Trump vetoes sweeping US defence bill

President Donald Trump on Friday signed legislation that would kick Chinese companies off U.S. stock exchanges unless they adhere to American auditing standards, the White House said, giving the Republican one more tool to threaten Beijing with before leaving office next month.

"The Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act" bars securities of foreign companies from being listed on any U.S. exchange if they have failed to comply with the U.S. Public Accounting Oversight Board`s audits for three years in a row.

While it applies to companies from any country, the legislation`s sponsors intended it to target Chinese companies listed in the United States, such as Alibaba&nbsp;, tech firm Pinduoduo Inc and oil giant PetroChina Co Ltd.

The legislation, like many others taking a harder line on Chinese businesses, had passed Congress by large margins earlier this year. Lawmakers - both Democrats and Trump`s fellow Republicans - echo the president`s hard line against Beijing, which became fiercer this year as Trump blamed China for the coronavirus ravaging the United States.

The act would also require public companies to disclose whether they are owned or controlled by a foreign government. 
Chinese officials have dismissed the measure as a discriminatory policy that politically oppresses Chinese firms.

Chinese authorities have long been reluctant to let overseas regulators inspect local accounting firms, citing national security concerns.

President Donald Trump on Friday signed legislation that would kick Chinese companies off U.S. stock exchanges unless they adhere to American auditing standards, the White House said, giving the Republican one more tool to threaten Beijing with before leaving office next month.

President Donald Trump on Friday signed legislation that would kick Chinese companies off U.S. stock exchanges unless they adhere to American auditing standards, the White House said, giving the Republican one more tool to threaten Beijing with before leaving office next month. "The Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act" bars securities of foreign companies from being listed on any U.S. exchange if they have failed to comply with the U.S. Public Accounting Oversight Board`s audits for three years in a row. While it applies to companies from any country, the legislation`s sponsors intended it to target Chinese companies listed in the United States, such as Alibaba , tech firm Pinduoduo Inc and oil giant PetroChina Co Ltd. The legislation, like many others taking a harder line on Chinese businesses, had passed Congress by large margins earlier this year. Lawmakers - both Democrats and Trump`s fellow Republicans - echo the president`s hard line against Beijing, which became fiercer this year as Trump blamed China for the coronavirus ravaging the United States. The act would also require public companies to disclose whether they are owned or controlled by a foreign government. Chinese officials have dismissed the measure as a discriminatory policy that politically oppresses Chinese firms. Chinese authorities have long been reluctant to let overseas regulators inspect local accounting firms, citing national security concerns.

Trump signs bill that could kick Chinese firms off US stock exchanges

China's top diplomat has offered cooperation on key priorities of President-elect Joe Biden. Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Friday also warned that Beijing's many US critics were creating an atmosphere of "McCarthyism" and ignoring common interests.

Wang voiced hope for a return of talks and "mutual trust" between the world's two largest economic powers after Biden takes over on January 20.

"It is important that US policy toward China return to objectivity and sensibility as early as possible," Wang said in a virtual address to the New York-based Asia Society.

Wang said that China saw "space for cooperation" with Biden on three of the four issues he has identified as immediate priorities -- Covid-19, economic recovery and climate change. Biden's fourth stated priority is racial equity.

Wang said Beijing and Washington could collaborate in manufacturing coronavirus vaccines and assisting third countries.

"We hope that we will expand cooperation and manage differences through dialogue," Wang said.

The Trump administration says that decades of US engagement have failed with China, accusing Beijing of rampantly stealing intellectual property, widespread espionage and coercion of other nations through its blitz of infrastructure projects.

"We see McCarthyism resurging and jeopardizing normal international exchanges," Wang said, referring to the witch hunt for communists purported to be in the US government led by Republican senator Joe McCarthy following World War II.

Furthermore, Wang accused unnamed senior US officials of "irresponsible presumption of guilt and emotional lashing-out."

"They ignore the vast common interests and room for cooperation between the two countries and insist that China is a main threat," Wang said.

"This is like misaligning the buttons on clothing. They get things wrong at the very beginning."

Meanwhile, the Trump administration has shown no sign of tapering off its tough stance on China as it enters its final month.

On Friday, the Commerce Department said it was imposing restrictions on 77 entities that will need special clearance to receive advanced US technology.

The targetted entities include two prominent universities -- the Beijing Institute of Technology, which allegedly sought to secure US items to benefit China's military, and Tianjin University, which was accused of stealing trade secrets.

Four companies were also targetted for assisting China's drive to map citizens' DNA, a campaign that activists say is used to control minorities, especially Uighur Muslims.

Biden, who invested significant time in diplomacy with China as vice president, has broadly agreed that Beijing poses a global challenge and has called for a tougher response on human rights.

But he is expected to take a less bellicose tone than Trump, with his nominee for secretary of state, Antony Blinken, speaking of potential cooperation on climate change and the pandemic.

(with inputs from AFP)

China's top diplomat has offered cooperation on key priorities of President-elect Joe Biden. Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Friday also warned that Beijing's many US critics were creating an atmosphere of "McCarthyism" and ignoring common interests.

China's top diplomat has offered cooperation on key priorities of President-elect Joe Biden. Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Friday also warned that Beijing's many US critics were creating an atmosphere of "McCarthyism" and ignoring common interests. Wang voiced hope for a return of talks and "mutual trust" between the world's two largest economic powers after Biden takes over on January 20. "It is important that US policy toward China return to objectivity and sensibility as early as possible," Wang said in a virtual address to the New York-based Asia Society. Wang said that China saw "space for cooperation" with Biden on three of the four issues he has identified as immediate priorities -- Covid-19, economic recovery and climate change. Biden's fourth stated priority is racial equity. Wang said Beijing and Washington could collaborate in manufacturing coronavirus vaccines and assisting third countries. "We hope that we will expand cooperation and manage differences through dialogue," Wang said. The Trump administration says that decades of US engagement have failed with China, accusing Beijing of rampantly stealing intellectual property, widespread espionage and coercion of other nations through its blitz of infrastructure projects. "We see McCarthyism resurging and jeopardizing normal international exchanges," Wang said, referring to the witch hunt for communists purported to be in the US government led by Republican senator Joe McCarthy following World War II. Furthermore, Wang accused unnamed senior US officials of "irresponsible presumption of guilt and emotional lashing-out." "They ignore the vast common interests and room for cooperation between the two countries and insist that China is a main threat," Wang said. "This is like misaligning the buttons on clothing. They get things wrong at the very beginning." Meanwhile, the Trump administration has shown no sign of tapering off its tough stance on China as it enters its final month. On Friday, the Commerce Department said it was imposing restrictions on 77 entities that will need special clearance to receive advanced US technology. The targetted entities include two prominent universities -- the Beijing Institute of Technology, which allegedly sought to secure US items to benefit China's military, and Tianjin University, which was accused of stealing trade secrets. Four companies were also targetted for assisting China's drive to map citizens' DNA, a campaign that activists say is used to control minorities, especially Uighur Muslims. Biden, who invested significant time in diplomacy with China as vice president, has broadly agreed that Beijing poses a global challenge and has called for a tougher response on human rights. But he is expected to take a less bellicose tone than Trump, with his nominee for secretary of state, Antony Blinken, speaking of potential cooperation on climate change and the pandemic. (with inputs from AFP)

China offers to work with Biden, warns of new 'McCarthyism'

The United States is set to add dozens of Chinese companies, including the country's top chipmaker SMIC, to a trade blacklist on Friday.

The move is being seen as the latest in President Donald Trump's effort to cement his tough-on-China legacy. It comes just weeks before Democratic President-elect Joe Biden is set to take office on January 20.

In total, the United States is expected to add around 80 additional companies and affiliates to the so-called entity list, nearly all of them Chinese.

The designations by the Commerce Department are expected to name some Chinese companies that Washington says have ties to the Chinese military, including some helping it construct and militarise artificial islands in the South China Sea, as well as some involved in alleged human rights violations.

The Trump administration's entity list now includes more than 275 China-based firms and affiliates -- Huawei Technologies Co and 150 affiliates, and ZTE Corp over sanction violations, as well as surveillance camera maker Hikvision over suppression of China's Uighur minority.

SMIC, the Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp, has already been in Washington’s crosshairs.

In September, the Commerce Department mandated that suppliers of certain equipment to the company apply for export licenses after concluding there was an "unacceptable risk" that equipment supplied to it could be used for military purposes.

Last month, the Defence Department added the company to a blacklist of alleged Chinese military companies, effectively banning US investors from buying its shares starting late next year.

SMIC has repeatedly said that it has no relationship with the Chinese military.

(with inputs from Reuters)

The United States is set to add dozens of Chinese companies, including the country's top chipmaker SMIC, to a trade blacklist on Friday. The move is being seen as the latest in President Donald Trump's effort to cement his tough-on-China legacy.

The United States is set to add dozens of Chinese companies, including the country's top chipmaker SMIC, to a trade blacklist on Friday. The move is being seen as the latest in President Donald Trump's effort to cement his tough-on-China legacy. It comes just weeks before Democratic President-elect Joe Biden is set to take office on January 20. In total, the United States is expected to add around 80 additional companies and affiliates to the so-called entity list, nearly all of them Chinese. The designations by the Commerce Department are expected to name some Chinese companies that Washington says have ties to the Chinese military, including some helping it construct and militarise artificial islands in the South China Sea, as well as some involved in alleged human rights violations. The Trump administration's entity list now includes more than 275 China-based firms and affiliates -- Huawei Technologies Co and 150 affiliates, and ZTE Corp over sanction violations, as well as surveillance camera maker Hikvision over suppression of China's Uighur minority. SMIC, the Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp, has already been in Washington’s crosshairs. In September, the Commerce Department mandated that suppliers of certain equipment to the company apply for export licenses after concluding there was an "unacceptable risk" that equipment supplied to it could be used for military purposes. Last month, the Defence Department added the company to a blacklist of alleged Chinese military companies, effectively banning US investors from buying its shares starting late next year. SMIC has repeatedly said that it has no relationship with the Chinese military. (with inputs from Reuters)

US to blacklist dozens of Chinese firms including SMIC, report says

The United States and Europe should agree to cooperate in opposing any future "hurtful" subsidies used by China to build up its commercial aircraft industry, U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer told Reuters in an interview.

Lighthizer said he was working to settle a 16-year-old dispute between Washington and Brussels over past government aid to aircraft manufacturers, but expressed frustration that current World Trade Organization rules would not prevent future subsidies by the European Union or China.

"If this plays out, they can start a new subsidy tomorrow, and drag out that litigation for five or six years, and there’s nothing under the WTO that you can do about it at all," Lighthizer said in a rare interview late on Tuesday.

He said he had made several proposals to settle the matter before the Trump administration leaves office on Jan. 20.

"In every proposal I’ve made, I’ve said we have to have a clause that says, that whatever we agree to, if China starts to do massive subsidies in this area and it’s hurtful, we have to be able to work together to solve that problem," he said.

The comments address what many trade experts have long regarded as the end game of the 16-year trade dispute - a transatlantic deal that the two sides could use to curb future subsidies by China in its fast-growing aerospace industry.

The WTO has ruled against every past use of government loans to develop new airplanes, but has not outlawed future subsidies.

U.S. and European negotiators have been engaged in intensive talks about ending the dispute over government aid to Europe`s Airbus, which is politically backed by Britain, France, Germany and Spain, and U.S. aid to planemaker Boeing.

Emily Haber, Germany`s ambassador to the United States, on Wednesday urged quick action to resolve the dispute, calling it a distraction from bigger issues that require joint action such as climate change and the pandemic.

She said a solution was urgently needed given the harmful impact of the coronavirus pandemic on aircraft manufacturers in both regions and moves by China to develop rival models.

European diplomats said the sides remained at odds, but expected to eventually reach an agreement with Lighthizer or possibly his successor.

The U.S. side has insisted on repayment of damages, a proposal rejected by EU negotiators, according to sources familiar with the matter. Reflecting U.S. concerns about the WTO, Washington is also seeking a bilateral dispute settlement mechanism that could be modeled on the system adopted in its U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement, said one of the sources.

Both sides have imposed tariffs against each other`s aircraft and a range of food and liquor products after receiving a green light from the WTO, which found both engaged in illegal subsidies in the past. The EU in November said it would impose tariffs on $4 billion of U.S. goods, while U.S. tariffs on $7.5 billion of EU products have been in place since 2019.

The United States and Europe should agree to cooperate in opposing any future "hurtful" subsidies used by China to build up its commercial aircraft industry, U.S.

The United States and Europe should agree to cooperate in opposing any future "hurtful" subsidies used by China to build up its commercial aircraft industry, U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer told Reuters in an interview. Lighthizer said he was working to settle a 16-year-old dispute between Washington and Brussels over past government aid to aircraft manufacturers, but expressed frustration that current World Trade Organization rules would not prevent future subsidies by the European Union or China. "If this plays out, they can start a new subsidy tomorrow, and drag out that litigation for five or six years, and there’s nothing under the WTO that you can do about it at all," Lighthizer said in a rare interview late on Tuesday. He said he had made several proposals to settle the matter before the Trump administration leaves office on Jan. 20. "In every proposal I’ve made, I’ve said we have to have a clause that says, that whatever we agree to, if China starts to do massive subsidies in this area and it’s hurtful, we have to be able to work together to solve that problem," he said. The comments address what many trade experts have long regarded as the end game of the 16-year trade dispute - a transatlantic deal that the two sides could use to curb future subsidies by China in its fast-growing aerospace industry. The WTO has ruled against every past use of government loans to develop new airplanes, but has not outlawed future subsidies. U.S. and European negotiators have been engaged in intensive talks about ending the dispute over government aid to Europe`s Airbus, which is politically backed by Britain, France, Germany and Spain, and U.S. aid to planemaker Boeing. Emily Haber, Germany`s ambassador to the United States, on Wednesday urged quick action to resolve the dispute, calling it a distraction from bigger issues that require joint action such as climate change and the pandemic. She said a solution was urgently needed given the harmful impact of the coronavirus pandemic on aircraft manufacturers in both regions and moves by China to develop rival models. European diplomats said the sides remained at odds, but expected to eventually reach an agreement with Lighthizer or possibly his successor. The U.S. side has insisted on repayment of damages, a proposal rejected by EU negotiators, according to sources familiar with the matter. Reflecting U.S. concerns about the WTO, Washington is also seeking a bilateral dispute settlement mechanism that could be modeled on the system adopted in its U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement, said one of the sources. Both sides have imposed tariffs against each other`s aircraft and a range of food and liquor products after receiving a green light from the WTO, which found both engaged in illegal subsidies in the past. The EU in November said it would impose tariffs on $4 billion of U.S. goods, while U.S. tariffs on $7.5 billion of EU products have been in place since 2019.

US, EU deal on aircraft subsidies should include China clause, USTR says

China is planning to impose sanctions on US officials who have "performed badly" over Hong Kong issues.

Beijing's move has come in response to restrictions slapped on Chinese officials this week over its harsh clampdown on the city.

The financial hub was rocked by pro-democracy protests last year that were largely halted by a sweeping national security law imposed by Beijing, drawing criticism over eroding rights from countries including the US.

On Monday, the US said it would freeze any US assets and barring travel to the United States for 14 vice chairs of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, which spearheaded the tough new law.

In response, China has planned to impose "sanctions on US executive officials, congressional personnel, non-governmental organisation personnel... who have performed badly on Hong Kong-related issues," foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying told a press briefing Thursday.

Their immediate family members would also be affected.

The government had also decided to cancel "visa exemption treatment" for temporary visits to Hong Kong and Macau by US diplomatic passport holders.

The moves were "in view of the United States using Hong Kong-related issues to seriously interfere in China's internal affairs," she said, calling for the US to "stop going further down a wrong and dangerous path."

The United States has already slapped sanctions on Hong Kong's pro-Beijing leader, Carrie Lam.

China pushed through the draconian new security law in June.

While critics say it decimates the freedoms once enjoyed in Hong Kong, enshrined in an agreement made before the 1997 handover from British colonial rule back to China, Beijing says the law and prosecution of critics are needed to restore stability after last year's huge and often violent protests.

China is planning to impose sanctions on US officials who have "performed badly" over Hong Kong issues. Beijing's move has come in response to restrictions slapped on Chinese officials this week over its harsh clampdown on the city.

China is planning to impose sanctions on US officials who have "performed badly" over Hong Kong issues. Beijing's move has come in response to restrictions slapped on Chinese officials this week over its harsh clampdown on the city. The financial hub was rocked by pro-democracy protests last year that were largely halted by a sweeping national security law imposed by Beijing, drawing criticism over eroding rights from countries including the US. On Monday, the US said it would freeze any US assets and barring travel to the United States for 14 vice chairs of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, which spearheaded the tough new law. In response, China has planned to impose "sanctions on US executive officials, congressional personnel, non-governmental organisation personnel... who have performed badly on Hong Kong-related issues," foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying told a press briefing Thursday. Their immediate family members would also be affected. The government had also decided to cancel "visa exemption treatment" for temporary visits to Hong Kong and Macau by US diplomatic passport holders. The moves were "in view of the United States using Hong Kong-related issues to seriously interfere in China's internal affairs," she said, calling for the US to "stop going further down a wrong and dangerous path." The United States has already slapped sanctions on Hong Kong's pro-Beijing leader, Carrie Lam. China pushed through the draconian new security law in June. While critics say it decimates the freedoms once enjoyed in Hong Kong, enshrined in an agreement made before the 1997 handover from British colonial rule back to China, Beijing says the law and prosecution of critics are needed to restore stability after last year's huge and often violent protests.

China to impose sanctions on US officials over Hong Kong issues

A leaked list of more than 2,000 ethnic Uighur detainees in China`s Xinjiang suggests the government used an expansive data collection project to arbitrarily detain Uighurs in the region, a report says.&nbsp;

According to U.S. rights group Human Rights Watch (HRW), the list from Xinjiang`s Aksu prefecture, obtained by HRW, is of detainees flagged by a Chinese predictive policing programme, called the Integrated Joint Operations Platform (IJOP), which collects data and identifies candidates for detention.

The list from 2018 includes the names of Xinjiang Uighurs, phone numbers and reasons for detention in China`s camp system, including studying the Koran, wearing religious clothing or travelling internationally.

"The Aksu list is the first time we have seen the IJOP in action in detaining people," said HRW`s Maya Wang.

It "provides further insights into how China`s brutal repression of Xinjiang`s Turkic Muslims is being turbocharged by technology", she said.

Chinese foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

U.N. experts and advocates say at least a million ethnic Uighurs, who are mostly Muslim and speak a Turkic language, have been detained at some point in Xinjiang camps.

China maintains that the heavily guarded centres are educational and vocational institutes, and that all the people who attended have "graduated" and gone home. Access to the camps is restricted and it is not possible to independently verify whether all the camps have closed.

Human Rights Watch said it was able to confirm the identities of people on the list with Uighurs now living abroad, including the identification of 18 members of the same family.

The rights group said the list is further evidence that the government selected Xinjiang Uighurs for detention based on religion, personal relationships, contact with overseas relatives and even age.

Other reasons for detention listed include activities like repeatedly switching off a smartphone, having "unstable thoughts" or "being generally untrustworthy".

A leaked list of more than 2,000 ethnic Uighur detainees in China`s Xinjiang suggests the government used an expansive data collection project to arbitrarily detain Uighurs in the region, a report says.

A leaked list of more than 2,000 ethnic Uighur detainees in China`s Xinjiang suggests the government used an expansive data collection project to arbitrarily detain Uighurs in the region, a report says. According to U.S. rights group Human Rights Watch (HRW), the list from Xinjiang`s Aksu prefecture, obtained by HRW, is of detainees flagged by a Chinese predictive policing programme, called the Integrated Joint Operations Platform (IJOP), which collects data and identifies candidates for detention. The list from 2018 includes the names of Xinjiang Uighurs, phone numbers and reasons for detention in China`s camp system, including studying the Koran, wearing religious clothing or travelling internationally. "The Aksu list is the first time we have seen the IJOP in action in detaining people," said HRW`s Maya Wang. It "provides further insights into how China`s brutal repression of Xinjiang`s Turkic Muslims is being turbocharged by technology", she said. Chinese foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment. U.N. experts and advocates say at least a million ethnic Uighurs, who are mostly Muslim and speak a Turkic language, have been detained at some point in Xinjiang camps. China maintains that the heavily guarded centres are educational and vocational institutes, and that all the people who attended have "graduated" and gone home. Access to the camps is restricted and it is not possible to independently verify whether all the camps have closed. Human Rights Watch said it was able to confirm the identities of people on the list with Uighurs now living abroad, including the identification of 18 members of the same family. The rights group said the list is further evidence that the government selected Xinjiang Uighurs for detention based on religion, personal relationships, contact with overseas relatives and even age. Other reasons for detention listed include activities like repeatedly switching off a smartphone, having "unstable thoughts" or "being generally untrustworthy".

Leaked list gives insight into detention system in China's Xinjiang, report says

The mysterious head injuries suffered by US diplomats in China and Cuba that had been described as "sonic attacks" might have happened due to microwave energy.

A report published Saturday by the National Academy of Sciences said, "Overall, directed pulsed RF (radio frequency) energy, especially in those with the distinct early manifestations, appears to be the most plausible mechanism in explaining these cases among those that the committee considered."

A 19-person committee of medical and scientific experts produced the report at the request of the US State Department.

The government study considered possible incidents of persistent postural-perceptual dizziness as a possible secondary issue in some of those affected a contributing factor.

The report said that it considered chemical exposures, infectious diseases and psychological issues as potential causes or aggravating factors of the injuries, but the overall analysis appeared to show they were not the likely cause.

It said such action could be used for nefarious purposes, without concluding that the use of directed microwave energy in these instances was done deliberately.

"The mere consideration of such a scenario raises grave concerns about a world with disinhibited malevolent actors and new tools for causing harm to others, as if the US government does not have its hands full already with naturally occurring threats," the report said.

Most of the documented attacks came in 2016 and 2017, though there were a handful of reported incidents after that as well.

Cuban officials have consistently denied their government had any involvement with the diplomats' health problems and have said mass hysteria is the most likely cause.

(with inputs)

The mysterious head injuries suffered by US diplomats in China and Cuba that had been described as "sonic attacks" might have happened due to microwave energy. A report published Saturday by the National Academy of Sciences said, "Overall, directed pulsed RF (radio frequency) energy, especially in those with the distinct early manifestations, appears to be the most plausible mechanism in explaining these cases among those that the committee considered.

The mysterious head injuries suffered by US diplomats in China and Cuba that had been described as "sonic attacks" might have happened due to microwave energy. A report published Saturday by the National Academy of Sciences said, "Overall, directed pulsed RF (radio frequency) energy, especially in those with the distinct early manifestations, appears to be the most plausible mechanism in explaining these cases among those that the committee considered." A 19-person committee of medical and scientific experts produced the report at the request of the US State Department. The government study considered possible incidents of persistent postural-perceptual dizziness as a possible secondary issue in some of those affected a contributing factor. The report said that it considered chemical exposures, infectious diseases and psychological issues as potential causes or aggravating factors of the injuries, but the overall analysis appeared to show they were not the likely cause. It said such action could be used for nefarious purposes, without concluding that the use of directed microwave energy in these instances was done deliberately. "The mere consideration of such a scenario raises grave concerns about a world with disinhibited malevolent actors and new tools for causing harm to others, as if the US government does not have its hands full already with naturally occurring threats," the report said. Most of the documented attacks came in 2016 and 2017, though there were a handful of reported incidents after that as well. Cuban officials have consistently denied their government had any involvement with the diplomats' health problems and have said mass hysteria is the most likely cause. (with inputs)

Microwave energy caused US diplomats in China, Cuba head injuries: Govt study

The top US intelligence official has labelled China the biggest threat to democracy and freedom worldwide since World War Two, saying it was bent on global domination. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-killing-machine-how-beijing-uses-pla-to-kill-its-own-people-326684">Also read | China's killing machine: How Beijing uses PLA to kill its own people</a> 
 
In his essay, Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe Thursday also said Chinese authorities had "conducted human testing" on members of the Chinese army "in hopes of developing soldiers with biologically enhanced capabilities."

"The intelligence is clear: Beijing intends to dominate the US and the rest of the planet economically, militarily and technologically," Ratcliffe said in an opinion article on the Wall Street Journal website.

Ratcliffe's Wall Street Journal essay was the latest broadside against China from President Donald Trump's administration as it seeks to cement the outgoing president's tough-on-China legacy. It is an approach that has taken relations between the world's two largest economies to their lowest point in decades and analysts say it could limit the incoming Biden administration's room for maneuver in dealing with Beijing.

He said, "China poses the greatest threat to America today, and the greatest threat to democracy and freedom world-wide since World War Two."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-is-china-breeding-genetically-modified-soldiers-347588">WATCH|</a>

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He said he had shifted resources within the $85 billion annual federal budget allocated to intelligence to increase the focus on China.

Ratcliffe, a former Republican congressman appointed by Trump to the top US spy job last spring, said China's economic espionage approach was threefold: "Rob, Replicate and Replace."

The strategy was for Chinese entities to steal American companies' intellectual property, copy it and then supplant US companies in the global market place, he added.

Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said on Wednesday that US accusations of technology theft were "ludicrous."

Beijing has frequently called on US leaders to dial back their rhetoric on China, which it blames on fear of China's growing role in the world. Ratcliffe alluded to reports collected by US intelligence agencies that Chinese representatives have sought to interfere in US domestic politics.

He also charged that China had stolen US defense technology to fuel an aggressive military modernization plan launched by President Xi Jinping.

“The election is over. Now let’s all be honest about China,” he told Reuters after the article was published.

Among other issues, Washington and Beijing have clashed over China's handling of the coronavirus outbreak, its tightening grip on Hong Kong, its disputed claims in the South China Sea, trade and accusations of human rights crimes in Xinjiang.

China said on Thursday that politicians in the United States are fabricating news of detained Uighur Muslims being forced into labor in the Xinjiang region.

Ratcliffe, who served only briefly on the House of Representatives Intelligence Committee before Trump appointed him to his role, has been accused by Democrats and current and former intelligence officials of politicising intelligence.

On Thursday, the Trump administration restricted travel to the United States by members of China's ruling Communist Party and their families.

On Wednesday, the House passed a law to kick Chinese companies off US stock exchanges if they do not fully comply with the country's auditing rules.

The top US intelligence official has labelled China the biggest threat to democracy and freedom worldwide since World War Two, saying it was bent on global domination.

The top US intelligence official has labelled China the biggest threat to democracy and freedom worldwide since World War Two, saying it was bent on global domination. Also read | China's killing machine: How Beijing uses PLA to kill its own people In his essay, Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe Thursday also said Chinese authorities had "conducted human testing" on members of the Chinese army "in hopes of developing soldiers with biologically enhanced capabilities." "The intelligence is clear: Beijing intends to dominate the US and the rest of the planet economically, militarily and technologically," Ratcliffe said in an opinion article on the Wall Street Journal website. Ratcliffe's Wall Street Journal essay was the latest broadside against China from President Donald Trump's administration as it seeks to cement the outgoing president's tough-on-China legacy. It is an approach that has taken relations between the world's two largest economies to their lowest point in decades and analysts say it could limit the incoming Biden administration's room for maneuver in dealing with Beijing. He said, "China poses the greatest threat to America today, and the greatest threat to democracy and freedom world-wide since World War Two." WATCH| × He said he had shifted resources within the $85 billion annual federal budget allocated to intelligence to increase the focus on China. Ratcliffe, a former Republican congressman appointed by Trump to the top US spy job last spring, said China's economic espionage approach was threefold: "Rob, Replicate and Replace." The strategy was for Chinese entities to steal American companies' intellectual property, copy it and then supplant US companies in the global market place, he added. Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said on Wednesday that US accusations of technology theft were "ludicrous." Beijing has frequently called on US leaders to dial back their rhetoric on China, which it blames on fear of China's growing role in the world. Ratcliffe alluded to reports collected by US intelligence agencies that Chinese representatives have sought to interfere in US domestic politics. He also charged that China had stolen US defense technology to fuel an aggressive military modernization plan launched by President Xi Jinping. “The election is over. Now let’s all be honest about China,” he told Reuters after the article was published. Among other issues, Washington and Beijing have clashed over China's handling of the coronavirus outbreak, its tightening grip on Hong Kong, its disputed claims in the South China Sea, trade and accusations of human rights crimes in Xinjiang. China said on Thursday that politicians in the United States are fabricating news of detained Uighur Muslims being forced into labor in the Xinjiang region. Ratcliffe, who served only briefly on the House of Representatives Intelligence Committee before Trump appointed him to his role, has been accused by Democrats and current and former intelligence officials of politicising intelligence. On Thursday, the Trump administration restricted travel to the United States by members of China's ruling Communist Party and their families. On Wednesday, the House passed a law to kick Chinese companies off US stock exchanges if they do not fully comply with the country's auditing rules.

US intel chief says China has created biologically enhanced super soldiers

The US State Department said Friday it was terminating five Chinese-funded exchange programs with the United States, calling them propaganda tools for Beijing.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement that these programs, conducted under a US law called the MECEA that permits American government employees to travel using foreign government funds, were "disguised as 'cultural exchanges.'"

"While other programs funded under the auspices of the MECEA are mutually beneficial, the five programs in question are fully funded and operated by the PRC government as soft power propaganda tools," Pompeo said, referring to the People's Republic of China.

"They provide carefully curated access to Chinese Communist Party officials, not to the Chinese people, who do not enjoy freedoms of speech and assembly."

The termination is the latest reflection of President Donald Trump's sharply antagonistic relationship with China.

Under Trump, the US launched a trade war with Beijing, has challenged Beijing's territorial ambitions in disputed Asian waters, criticized its crackdown on freedoms in Hong Kong and blamed China's handling of the initial coronavirus outbreak for the pandemic now engulfing the globe.

The US State Department said Friday it was terminating five Chinese-funded exchange programs with the United States, calling them propaganda tools for Beijing. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement that these programs, conducted under a US law called the MECEA that permits American government employees to travel using foreign government funds, were "disguised as 'cultural exchanges.

The US State Department said Friday it was terminating five Chinese-funded exchange programs with the United States, calling them propaganda tools for Beijing. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement that these programs, conducted under a US law called the MECEA that permits American government employees to travel using foreign government funds, were "disguised as 'cultural exchanges.'" "While other programs funded under the auspices of the MECEA are mutually beneficial, the five programs in question are fully funded and operated by the PRC government as soft power propaganda tools," Pompeo said, referring to the People's Republic of China. "They provide carefully curated access to Chinese Communist Party officials, not to the Chinese people, who do not enjoy freedoms of speech and assembly." The termination is the latest reflection of President Donald Trump's sharply antagonistic relationship with China. Under Trump, the US launched a trade war with Beijing, has challenged Beijing's territorial ambitions in disputed Asian waters, criticized its crackdown on freedoms in Hong Kong and blamed China's handling of the initial coronavirus outbreak for the pandemic now engulfing the globe.

US ends China-funded exchange programmes, calls them 'propaganda tools'

US prosecutors are discussing a deal with lawyers for Huawei finance chief Meng Wanzhou to resolve criminal charges against her.

Meng, 48, was arrested in Canada in December 2018 on a US warrant. She faces bank fraud charges for allegedly misleading HSBC Holdings Plc about Huawei Technologies Co Ltd's business dealings in Iran, which was subject to US sanctions.

Negotiations between Meng's attorneys and the US Justice Department picked up after the US presidential election a month ago. This signifies a potential end to a case that has strained ties between the United States, China and Canada.

Further negotiations are expected to take place on Friday.

The Wall Street Journal first reported on a possible deal. It said the case might be resolved with a "deferred prosecution agreement" under which Meng would admit to some of the allegations against her and prosecutors would defer and later drop the charges if she cooperated.

In the case, which was filed in New York, Huawei and Meng are accused of conspiring to defraud HSBC and other banks by misrepresenting Huawei's relationship with Skycom Tech Co Ltd, a suspected front company that operated in Iran.

If she were to admit wrongdoing, the Trump administration could claim victory in a thorny dispute with China, and relieve the pressure on Canada, which has found itself in the cross fire of the US-China trade war.

Huawei has said Skycom was a local business partner, but US prosecutors said it was an unofficial subsidiary used to conceal Huawei's Iran business.

US authorities say Huawei used Skycom to obtain embargoed US goods, technology and services in Iran, and to move money via the international banking system. The charges against the company include violating US sanctions on Iran.

The Trump administration has targetted Huawei's business worldwide in an effort to thwart its ambitions to supply next generation 5G networks.

Meng is due back in British Columbia Supreme Court on Monday as she fights extradition to the United States.

After Meng's arrest, China cut off imports of canola seed from Canada and detained two Canadian citizens, Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor, for alleged spying. They remain behind bars. 
&nbsp;

US prosecutors are discussing a deal with lawyers for Huawei finance chief Meng Wanzhou to resolve criminal charges against her. Meng, 48, was arrested in Canada in December 2018 on a US warrant.

US prosecutors are discussing a deal with lawyers for Huawei finance chief Meng Wanzhou to resolve criminal charges against her. Meng, 48, was arrested in Canada in December 2018 on a US warrant. She faces bank fraud charges for allegedly misleading HSBC Holdings Plc about Huawei Technologies Co Ltd's business dealings in Iran, which was subject to US sanctions. Negotiations between Meng's attorneys and the US Justice Department picked up after the US presidential election a month ago. This signifies a potential end to a case that has strained ties between the United States, China and Canada. Further negotiations are expected to take place on Friday. The Wall Street Journal first reported on a possible deal. It said the case might be resolved with a "deferred prosecution agreement" under which Meng would admit to some of the allegations against her and prosecutors would defer and later drop the charges if she cooperated. In the case, which was filed in New York, Huawei and Meng are accused of conspiring to defraud HSBC and other banks by misrepresenting Huawei's relationship with Skycom Tech Co Ltd, a suspected front company that operated in Iran. If she were to admit wrongdoing, the Trump administration could claim victory in a thorny dispute with China, and relieve the pressure on Canada, which has found itself in the cross fire of the US-China trade war. Huawei has said Skycom was a local business partner, but US prosecutors said it was an unofficial subsidiary used to conceal Huawei's Iran business. US authorities say Huawei used Skycom to obtain embargoed US goods, technology and services in Iran, and to move money via the international banking system. The charges against the company include violating US sanctions on Iran. The Trump administration has targetted Huawei's business worldwide in an effort to thwart its ambitions to supply next generation 5G networks. Meng is due back in British Columbia Supreme Court on Monday as she fights extradition to the United States. After Meng's arrest, China cut off imports of canola seed from Canada and detained two Canadian citizens, Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor, for alleged spying. They remain behind bars.

US in talks with Huawei CFO Meng on resolving criminal charges

The United States has banned cotton imports from a powerful Chinese quasi-military organisation that it says uses the forced labour of detained Uighur Muslims.

The move is among several the Trump administration has been working on in its final weeks to harden the US position against China, making it more difficult for President-elect Joe Biden to ease US-China tensions.

The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency Wednesday said the "Withhold Release Order" would ban cotton and cotton products from the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps (XPCC), one of China's largest producers.

The targetting of XPCC, which produced 30% of China's cotton in 2015, follows the US Treasury Department's move in July to ban all dollar transactions with the entity, founded in 1954 to settle China's far west.

CBP has the authority to detain shipments based on suspicion of forced-labour involvement under long-standing US laws to combat human trafficking, child labor and other human rights abuses.

In September, CBP had considered a much broader import ban on all cotton and tomato products from Xinjiang, but after dissent from within the Trump administration, it announced narrower bans on products from specific entities, including two smaller cotton and apparel producers.

The groups, which included the American Apparel and Footwear Association and the National Retail Federation, said ending forced labour and repression in China cannot be achieved with US unilateral pressure but required a "whole of world approach."

Biden has pledged to work with US allies to bring pressure on China to curb human rights and trade abuses. Trump in recent weeks has increased action against major Chinese state companies, banning access to US technology and investments.

The United Nations cites credible reports as saying 1 million Muslims held in camps have been put to work. China denies mistreatment of Uighurs and says the camps are vocational training centers needed to fight extremism.

(with inputs from agencies)

The United States has banned cotton imports from a powerful Chinese quasi-military organisation that it says uses the forced labour of detained Uighur Muslims. The move is among several the Trump administration has been working on in its final weeks to harden the US position against China, making it more difficult for President-elect Joe Biden to ease US-China tensions.

The United States has banned cotton imports from a powerful Chinese quasi-military organisation that it says uses the forced labour of detained Uighur Muslims. The move is among several the Trump administration has been working on in its final weeks to harden the US position against China, making it more difficult for President-elect Joe Biden to ease US-China tensions. The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency Wednesday said the "Withhold Release Order" would ban cotton and cotton products from the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps (XPCC), one of China's largest producers. The targetting of XPCC, which produced 30% of China's cotton in 2015, follows the US Treasury Department's move in July to ban all dollar transactions with the entity, founded in 1954 to settle China's far west. CBP has the authority to detain shipments based on suspicion of forced-labour involvement under long-standing US laws to combat human trafficking, child labor and other human rights abuses. In September, CBP had considered a much broader import ban on all cotton and tomato products from Xinjiang, but after dissent from within the Trump administration, it announced narrower bans on products from specific entities, including two smaller cotton and apparel producers. The groups, which included the American Apparel and Footwear Association and the National Retail Federation, said ending forced labour and repression in China cannot be achieved with US unilateral pressure but required a "whole of world approach." Biden has pledged to work with US allies to bring pressure on China to curb human rights and trade abuses. Trump in recent weeks has increased action against major Chinese state companies, banning access to US technology and investments. The United Nations cites credible reports as saying 1 million Muslims held in camps have been put to work. China denies mistreatment of Uighurs and says the camps are vocational training centers needed to fight extremism. (with inputs from agencies)

US bans cotton imports from Chinese producer, citing Xinjiang slave labour

Over 1,000 Chinese researchers have left the United States amid a US crackdown on alleged technology theft, top US security officials have said.

The US-China relations have deteriorated to their worst in decades during outgoing American President Donald Trump's tenure with disputes simmering over issues from trade and technology to Hong Kong and the coronavirus.

On Wednesday, John Demers, chief of the US Justice Department's National Security Division, told a discussion hosted by the Aspen Institute think tank the researchers had left the country while the department launched multiple criminal cases against Chinese operatives for industrial and technological espionage.

They were, however, a different group from those mentioned by the State Department in September, when it said the United States had revoked visas for more than 1,000 Chinese nationals under a presidential measure denying entry to students and researchers deemed security risks.

US authorities believed these researchers fled the United States after the FBI conducted interviews in more than 20 cities and the State Department closed China’s Houston consulate in July.

William Evanina, chief of the counterintelligence branch of the office of the US Director of National Intelligence, told the same event Chinese agents were already targetting personnel of the incoming administration of President-elect Joe Biden, as well as "people close" to Biden's team.

She added Chinese researchers in the United States who were under scrutiny of US agencies were "all coming here at the behest of the Chinese government."

China described the visa crackdown earlier this year as "naked" political persecution and racial discrimination that seriously violated human rights.

Over 1,000 Chinese researchers have left the United States amid a US crackdown on alleged technology theft, top US security officials have said. The US-China relations have deteriorated to their worst in decades during outgoing American President Donald Trump's tenure with disputes simmering over issues from trade and technology to Hong Kong and the coronavirus.

Over 1,000 Chinese researchers have left the United States amid a US crackdown on alleged technology theft, top US security officials have said. The US-China relations have deteriorated to their worst in decades during outgoing American President Donald Trump's tenure with disputes simmering over issues from trade and technology to Hong Kong and the coronavirus. On Wednesday, John Demers, chief of the US Justice Department's National Security Division, told a discussion hosted by the Aspen Institute think tank the researchers had left the country while the department launched multiple criminal cases against Chinese operatives for industrial and technological espionage. They were, however, a different group from those mentioned by the State Department in September, when it said the United States had revoked visas for more than 1,000 Chinese nationals under a presidential measure denying entry to students and researchers deemed security risks. US authorities believed these researchers fled the United States after the FBI conducted interviews in more than 20 cities and the State Department closed China’s Houston consulate in July. William Evanina, chief of the counterintelligence branch of the office of the US Director of National Intelligence, told the same event Chinese agents were already targetting personnel of the incoming administration of President-elect Joe Biden, as well as "people close" to Biden's team. She added Chinese researchers in the United States who were under scrutiny of US agencies were "all coming here at the behest of the Chinese government." China described the visa crackdown earlier this year as "naked" political persecution and racial discrimination that seriously violated human rights.

Chinese researchers leave US; agents target Biden team

The US House of Representatives has passed a bill that could close US stock and money markets to Chinese firms.

The bill passed Wednesday by Congress is part of a commercial and political duel between Washington and Beijing, and takes aim at opaque accounting practices used by Chinese firms listing shares for trade on US exchanges.

The measure introduced in 2019 by Louisiana Republican Senator John Kennedy would mandate that foreign companies listed on US stock exchanges comply with accounting requirements of the US Securities and Exchange Commission.

Many foreign companies already conform to the standard, but Chinese firms do not.

The "Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act" could be quickly placed on the desk of US President Donald Trump for final approval, since it was already passed by the Senate.

In addition, Chinese groups on the US Stock Exchange will have to disclose whether one or more of their board members are members of the Chinese Communist Party.

According to figures from a congressional commission, 217 Chinese companies were listed on US stock exchanges in early October, valued at a total of $2.2 trillion based on share prices.

A small number of those firms are also on the Asian markets and could fall back to these stock exchanges in the event of delisting in the United States.

One of the heavyweights on the list is e-commerce colossus Alibaba, which in 2014 had the biggest all-time initial public offering on the New York Stock Exchange, raising $25 billion.

The SEC has already crafted a proposal similar to the measure that passed the House of Representatives on Wednesday. In November, the SEC had already formulated a proposal similar to the text adopted Wednesday by the House.

(with inputs)

The US House of Representatives has passed a bill that could close US stock and money markets to Chinese firms. The bill passed Wednesday by Congress is part of a commercial and political duel between Washington and Beijing, and takes aim at opaque accounting practices used by Chinese firms listing shares for trade on US exchanges.

The US House of Representatives has passed a bill that could close US stock and money markets to Chinese firms. The bill passed Wednesday by Congress is part of a commercial and political duel between Washington and Beijing, and takes aim at opaque accounting practices used by Chinese firms listing shares for trade on US exchanges. The measure introduced in 2019 by Louisiana Republican Senator John Kennedy would mandate that foreign companies listed on US stock exchanges comply with accounting requirements of the US Securities and Exchange Commission. Many foreign companies already conform to the standard, but Chinese firms do not. The "Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act" could be quickly placed on the desk of US President Donald Trump for final approval, since it was already passed by the Senate. In addition, Chinese groups on the US Stock Exchange will have to disclose whether one or more of their board members are members of the Chinese Communist Party. According to figures from a congressional commission, 217 Chinese companies were listed on US stock exchanges in early October, valued at a total of $2.2 trillion based on share prices. A small number of those firms are also on the Asian markets and could fall back to these stock exchanges in the event of delisting in the United States. One of the heavyweights on the list is e-commerce colossus Alibaba, which in 2014 had the biggest all-time initial public offering on the New York Stock Exchange, raising $25 billion. The SEC has already crafted a proposal similar to the measure that passed the House of Representatives on Wednesday. In November, the SEC had already formulated a proposal similar to the text adopted Wednesday by the House. (with inputs)

Chinese firms may lose access to US stock markets, courtesy new bill

Joe Biden will keep Donald Trump's trade-war tariffs on China for the time being when he moves into the Oval Office next month, the president-elect has told US media.

Rancor and recrimination have defined the relationship between the world's two biggest economies over the last four years, with Trump slapping import fees on billions of dollars' worth of Chinese goods with tariffs.

Biden meanwhile has been a strident critic of China's human rights record and analysts have predicted his administration will maintain a hawkish posture towards Beijing.&nbsp;

"I'm not going to make any immediate moves, and the same applies to the tariffs," Biden told the New York Times in an interview published Wednesday.&nbsp;

"I'm not going to prejudice my options."

Since winning last month's presidential election, Biden has hinted at a trade policy that would mend Washington's alliances with Europe and the Asia-Pacific.

He has said the United States must join forces with other world democracies to present a united front in global trade policy as a counterweight to China.

Biden has targeted Beijing on several fronts and singled out Chinese President Xi Jinping during a debate with other presidential candidates in February.&nbsp;

"This is a guy who doesn't have a democratic — with a small d — bone in his body," he said then. "This is a guy who is a thug."

His campaign also referred to the crackdown on the Muslim Uighur minority in China's Xinjiang province as a "genocide," provocative language to Beijing with potential ramifications under international law.

Joe Biden will keep Donald Trump's trade-war tariffs on China for the time being when he moves into the Oval Office next month, the president-elect has told US media.

Joe Biden will keep Donald Trump's trade-war tariffs on China for the time being when he moves into the Oval Office next month, the president-elect has told US media. Rancor and recrimination have defined the relationship between the world's two biggest economies over the last four years, with Trump slapping import fees on billions of dollars' worth of Chinese goods with tariffs. Biden meanwhile has been a strident critic of China's human rights record and analysts have predicted his administration will maintain a hawkish posture towards Beijing. "I'm not going to make any immediate moves, and the same applies to the tariffs," Biden told the New York Times in an interview published Wednesday. "I'm not going to prejudice my options." Since winning last month's presidential election, Biden has hinted at a trade policy that would mend Washington's alliances with Europe and the Asia-Pacific. He has said the United States must join forces with other world democracies to present a united front in global trade policy as a counterweight to China. Biden has targeted Beijing on several fronts and singled out Chinese President Xi Jinping during a debate with other presidential candidates in February. "This is a guy who doesn't have a democratic — with a small d — bone in his body," he said then. "This is a guy who is a thug." His campaign also referred to the crackdown on the Muslim Uighur minority in China's Xinjiang province as a "genocide," provocative language to Beijing with potential ramifications under international law.

Biden vows no quick rollback of Trump's China tariffs

After provoking India militarily, China recently claimed that COVID-19 originated in India.&nbsp;Now, it is trying to build dams to control water supply.

What is driving China's behaviour? Has the incoming Biden administration and its promise to work with India against China rattled Beijing?

In the United States, Democrats and Republicans don’t agree on much these days. But they agree on one thing. They believe that China under Xi Jinping presents a threat to global security. Beijing, well aware of this has been cautious about dealing with US President-elect Joe Biden.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/china-prepares-to-build-dam-on-brahmaputra-river-in-tibet-india-raises-concern-346417" hreflang="en">China prepares to build dam on Brahmaputra river in Tibet; India raises concern</a>

Xi Jinping waited for weeks before sending his congratulations. The Biden administration is making plans to contain China, and it wants India's help.

Joe Biden's candidate to replace Mike Pompeo is Antony Blinken, who wants India to be a key American partner in dealing with China from a position of strength.

While speaking to Indian Americans earlier this year, Blinken said that India and the US "have a common challenge which is to deal with an increasingly assertive china across the board, including its aggression toward India at the line of actual control, but also using its economic might to coerce others”.

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That statement is a reflection of the hard line that Biden has taken against the dragon. The president-elect, during his campaign called Xi Jinping a thug, and backed India over China in the ongoing border standoff.

Considering this, Chinese state media is warning that relations may not improve under Joe Biden. Last week, Chinese ministry of foreign affairs adopted a cautious tone, calling for "no conflict" or "confrontation" with US.

The tensions at the border haven't simmered, with Beijing doubling down on its aggression. India and the United States are expected to mount a strong anti-China front and take the dragon head on.

After provoking India militarily, China recently claimed that COVID-19 originated in India. Now, it is trying to build dams to control water supply. What is driving China's behaviour?

After provoking India militarily, China recently claimed that COVID-19 originated in India. Now, it is trying to build dams to control water supply. What is driving China's behaviour? Has the incoming Biden administration and its promise to work with India against China rattled Beijing? In the United States, Democrats and Republicans don’t agree on much these days. But they agree on one thing. They believe that China under Xi Jinping presents a threat to global security. Beijing, well aware of this has been cautious about dealing with US President-elect Joe Biden. Also read: China prepares to build dam on Brahmaputra river in Tibet; India raises concern Xi Jinping waited for weeks before sending his congratulations. The Biden administration is making plans to contain China, and it wants India's help. Joe Biden's candidate to replace Mike Pompeo is Antony Blinken, who wants India to be a key American partner in dealing with China from a position of strength. While speaking to Indian Americans earlier this year, Blinken said that India and the US "have a common challenge which is to deal with an increasingly assertive china across the board, including its aggression toward India at the line of actual control, but also using its economic might to coerce others”. × That statement is a reflection of the hard line that Biden has taken against the dragon. The president-elect, during his campaign called Xi Jinping a thug, and backed India over China in the ongoing border standoff. Considering this, Chinese state media is warning that relations may not improve under Joe Biden. Last week, Chinese ministry of foreign affairs adopted a cautious tone, calling for "no conflict" or "confrontation" with US. The tensions at the border haven't simmered, with Beijing doubling down on its aggression. India and the United States are expected to mount a strong anti-China front and take the dragon head on.

Has US President-elect Biden's promise to work with India rattled China?

Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam has said she keeps “piles of cash” at home because she has no bank account after the United States imposed sanctions on her.

The move by Washington freezes the US assets of the officials and criminalises any financial transactions in the US.

Lam was targetted with sanctions, along with 14 other senior city officials, in the toughest US action on Hong Kong yet since Beijing imposed the new law on the territory in late June.

In an interview with local English TV channel HKIBC aired on Friday night, Lam said she was “using cash every day for all the things” after being sanctioned.

“Sitting in front of you is a chief executive of the Hong Kong SAR [Special Administrative Region] who has no banking services made available to her. I’m using cash for all the things,” Lam told HKIBC. “I have piles of cash at home, the government is paying me cash for my salary because I don’t have a bank account.”

But Lam said she was keen to avoid deterring anyone from serving in public office, adding: “To be so unjustifiably sanctioned by the US government, it’s an honour.”

In August, Lam had told media that she faced “a little bit of inconvenience” as a result of the sanctions which hampered her use of credit cards.

Lam earns HK$5.21m (US$672,000) a year, and is one of the highest paid leaders in the world.

Her remarks sparked a public backlash, with social media users posting photos of coins in their piggy banks at home to contrast with Lam’s wealth. Others questioned how her large salary would be transported to her residence in cash.

Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam has said she keeps “piles of cash” at home because she has no bank account after the United States imposed sanctions on her. The move by Washington freezes the US assets of the officials and criminalises any financial transactions in the US.

Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam has said she keeps “piles of cash” at home because she has no bank account after the United States imposed sanctions on her. The move by Washington freezes the US assets of the officials and criminalises any financial transactions in the US. Lam was targetted with sanctions, along with 14 other senior city officials, in the toughest US action on Hong Kong yet since Beijing imposed the new law on the territory in late June. In an interview with local English TV channel HKIBC aired on Friday night, Lam said she was “using cash every day for all the things” after being sanctioned. “Sitting in front of you is a chief executive of the Hong Kong SAR [Special Administrative Region] who has no banking services made available to her. I’m using cash for all the things,” Lam told HKIBC. “I have piles of cash at home, the government is paying me cash for my salary because I don’t have a bank account.” But Lam said she was keen to avoid deterring anyone from serving in public office, adding: “To be so unjustifiably sanctioned by the US government, it’s an honour.” In August, Lam had told media that she faced “a little bit of inconvenience” as a result of the sanctions which hampered her use of credit cards. Lam earns HK$5.21m (US$672,000) a year, and is one of the highest paid leaders in the world. Her remarks sparked a public backlash, with social media users posting photos of coins in their piggy banks at home to contrast with Lam’s wealth. Others questioned how her large salary would be transported to her residence in cash.

Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam keeps 'piles of cash' at home due to US sanctions

The US has announced economic sanctions on Chinese and Russian companies that it said had supported the development of Iran's missile programme.

The four firms, accused of "transferring sensitive technology and items to Iran's missile programme," will be subject to restrictions on US government aid and on their exports for two years, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement on Friday.

The sanctions, imposed Wednesday, were against two Chinese-based companies, Chengdu Best New Materials and Zibo Elim Trade, as well as Russia-based Nilco Group and Joint Stock Company Elecon.

"We will continue to work to impede Iran's missile development efforts and use our sanctions authorities to spotlight the foreign suppliers, such as these entities in the PRC (China) and Russia, that provide missile-related materials and technology to Iran," Pompeo added.

President Donald Trump withdrew the US in 2018 from the Iran nuclear deal established three years prior under then-president Barack Obama. Trump has since reimposed crippling sanctions on the Islamic republic in what he calls a campaign of "maximum pressure."

The Trump administration has also since shown its determination to sanction any foreign country or company that does not comply with its Iran policies. 
&nbsp;

The US has announced economic sanctions on Chinese and Russian companies that it said had supported the development of Iran's missile programme. The four firms, accused of "transferring sensitive technology and items to Iran's missile programme," will be subject to restrictions on US government aid and on their exports for two years, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement on Friday.

The US has announced economic sanctions on Chinese and Russian companies that it said had supported the development of Iran's missile programme. The four firms, accused of "transferring sensitive technology and items to Iran's missile programme," will be subject to restrictions on US government aid and on their exports for two years, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement on Friday. The sanctions, imposed Wednesday, were against two Chinese-based companies, Chengdu Best New Materials and Zibo Elim Trade, as well as Russia-based Nilco Group and Joint Stock Company Elecon. "We will continue to work to impede Iran's missile development efforts and use our sanctions authorities to spotlight the foreign suppliers, such as these entities in the PRC (China) and Russia, that provide missile-related materials and technology to Iran," Pompeo added. President Donald Trump withdrew the US in 2018 from the Iran nuclear deal established three years prior under then-president Barack Obama. Trump has since reimposed crippling sanctions on the Islamic republic in what he calls a campaign of "maximum pressure." The Trump administration has also since shown its determination to sanction any foreign country or company that does not comply with its Iran policies.

US sanctions Chinese, Russian firms that supported Iran missile programme

India and the US face a common challenge in the form of an "increasingly assertive" China and New Delhi has to be a key partner in engaging with Beijing from a position of strength, believes long-time national security and foreign policy expert Antony Blinken, who could be President-elect Joe Biden's probable pick for the post of the Secretary of State. &nbsp;

Blinken made these comments during a community outreach programme with the Indian-Americans organised by the Biden campaign on the occasion of India's Independence Day on August 15. &nbsp;

He alleged that US President Donald Trump has helped China advance key strategic goals by weakening American alliances, leaving a vacuum in the world for China to fill, and abandoning American values and giving Beijing a green light to trample on democracy in Hong Kong. &nbsp;

"We have a common challenge which is to deal with an increasingly assertive China across the board, including its aggression toward India at the Line of Actual Control, but also using its economic might to coerce others and … to its advantage, ignoring international rules to advance its own interests, asserting unfounded maritime and territorial claims that threaten a freedom of navigation in some of the most important seas in the world," Blinken told the Indian-Americans during the virtual panel discussion on "US-India Relations and Indian Americans in Joe Biden Administration." &nbsp;

India and China are engaged in a bitter stand-off on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Eastern Ladakh since May. &nbsp;

Blinken, who then was the top foreign policy advisor to former vice president Biden, had also referred to the Chinese actions in Hong Kong as repression of the rights of its own people and democracy in the former British colony. &nbsp;

"We have to sort of take a step back and start by putting ourselves in a position of strength from which to engage China so that the relationship moves forward more on our terms, not theirs," Blinken had said. &nbsp;"India has to be a key partner in that effort," Blinken then said. &nbsp;

If Blinken is tapped by President-elect Biden and confirmed by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, he would replace Mike Pompeo as the next Secretary of State.

"Unfortunately, right now by virtually every key metric. China's strategic position is stronger and ours is weaker as a result of President Trump's failed leadership," he said. &nbsp;More importantly, he alleged that Trump had undermined US democracy. &nbsp;

"In many ways, as we think about dealing with the challenges that China poses, it's almost less about their strength and more about some of our self-inflicted weaknesses," he said. &nbsp;

"Put another way, this is really about us in the first instance, the competitiveness of our own economy and workers.

"The strength of our own democracy and political system, the vibrancy of our own alliances and partnerships. And of course, the assertion of our own values, all of which President Trump has done so much to undermine," Blinken said. &nbsp;

Relations between Washington and Beijing have spiralled downward since the outbreak of the novel coronavirus. The two countries have also sparred over trade issues, a new national security law in Hong Kong, restrictions on American journalists, treatment of Uyghurs Muslims and security measures in Tibet. &nbsp;

Responding to a question from Richard Verma, the former US Ambassador to India, who was moderating the panel discussion, Blinken said that Biden as President would be investing "in ourselves renewing our democracy, working with our close partners like India, asserting our values, and so engaging China from a position of strength." &nbsp;

"During the Obama-Biden administration, we worked very hard to establish India as a key contributing member of the Indo-Pacific strategy. And that includes India's role in working with like minded partners to strengthen and uphold a rules-based order in the Indo Pacific, in which no country, including China can threaten its neighbours with impunity," Blinken said. &nbsp;

"That role needs to extend even beyond the region as vast as it is to the world at large. In a Biden administration we would be an advocate for India to play a leading role in international institutions and that includes helping India get a seat on a reformed United Nations Security Council," he said. &nbsp;

"We would work together to strengthen India's defence, and also add its capabilities as a counterterrorism partner," he added. &nbsp;

A Biden administration will also have no tolerance for terrorism in South Asia, he said in response to another question. &nbsp;

"On the question of terrorism, specifically, we have no tolerance for terrorism, in South Asia or anywhere else: cross border or otherwise," he said.

Asserting that Biden is a champion of the US-India relations, Blinken had said that the former vice president had a vision for the US-India relations. &nbsp;

Referring to a 2006 statement by Biden that by 2020, US and India should be closest friends, Blinken said that that has not happened yet, but Biden will make it a reality. &nbsp;

Former Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Nisha Desai Biswal was the other panelist at the event in August.

India and the US face a common challenge in the form of an "increasingly assertive" China and New Delhi has to be a key partner in engaging with Beijing from a position of strength, believes long-time national security and foreign policy expert Antony Blinken, who could be President-elect Joe Biden's probable pick for the post of the Secretary of State.

India and the US face a common challenge in the form of an "increasingly assertive" China and New Delhi has to be a key partner in engaging with Beijing from a position of strength, believes long-time national security and foreign policy expert Antony Blinken, who could be President-elect Joe Biden's probable pick for the post of the Secretary of State. Blinken made these comments during a community outreach programme with the Indian-Americans organised by the Biden campaign on the occasion of India's Independence Day on August 15. He alleged that US President Donald Trump has helped China advance key strategic goals by weakening American alliances, leaving a vacuum in the world for China to fill, and abandoning American values and giving Beijing a green light to trample on democracy in Hong Kong. "We have a common challenge which is to deal with an increasingly assertive China across the board, including its aggression toward India at the Line of Actual Control, but also using its economic might to coerce others and … to its advantage, ignoring international rules to advance its own interests, asserting unfounded maritime and territorial claims that threaten a freedom of navigation in some of the most important seas in the world," Blinken told the Indian-Americans during the virtual panel discussion on "US-India Relations and Indian Americans in Joe Biden Administration." India and China are engaged in a bitter stand-off on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Eastern Ladakh since May. Blinken, who then was the top foreign policy advisor to former vice president Biden, had also referred to the Chinese actions in Hong Kong as repression of the rights of its own people and democracy in the former British colony. "We have to sort of take a step back and start by putting ourselves in a position of strength from which to engage China so that the relationship moves forward more on our terms, not theirs," Blinken had said. "India has to be a key partner in that effort," Blinken then said. If Blinken is tapped by President-elect Biden and confirmed by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, he would replace Mike Pompeo as the next Secretary of State. "Unfortunately, right now by virtually every key metric. China's strategic position is stronger and ours is weaker as a result of President Trump's failed leadership," he said. More importantly, he alleged that Trump had undermined US democracy. "In many ways, as we think about dealing with the challenges that China poses, it's almost less about their strength and more about some of our self-inflicted weaknesses," he said. "Put another way, this is really about us in the first instance, the competitiveness of our own economy and workers. "The strength of our own democracy and political system, the vibrancy of our own alliances and partnerships. And of course, the assertion of our own values, all of which President Trump has done so much to undermine," Blinken said. Relations between Washington and Beijing have spiralled downward since the outbreak of the novel coronavirus. The two countries have also sparred over trade issues, a new national security law in Hong Kong, restrictions on American journalists, treatment of Uyghurs Muslims and security measures in Tibet. Responding to a question from Richard Verma, the former US Ambassador to India, who was moderating the panel discussion, Blinken said that Biden as President would be investing "in ourselves renewing our democracy, working with our close partners like India, asserting our values, and so engaging China from a position of strength." "During the Obama-Biden administration, we worked very hard to establish India as a key contributing member of the Indo-Pacific strategy. And that includes India's role in working with like minded partners to strengthen and uphold a rules-based order in the Indo Pacific, in which no country, including China can threaten its neighbours with impunity," Blinken said. "That role needs to extend even beyond the region as vast as it is to the world at large. In a Biden administration we would be an advocate for India to play a leading role in international institutions and that includes helping India get a seat on a reformed United Nations Security Council," he said. "We would work together to strengthen India's defence, and also add its capabilities as a counterterrorism partner," he added. A Biden administration will also have no tolerance for terrorism in South Asia, he said in response to another question. "On the question of terrorism, specifically, we have no tolerance for terrorism, in South Asia or anywhere else: cross border or otherwise," he said. Asserting that Biden is a champion of the US-India relations, Blinken had said that the former vice president had a vision for the US-India relations. Referring to a 2006 statement by Biden that by 2020, US and India should be closest friends, Blinken said that that has not happened yet, but Biden will make it a reality. Former Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia Nisha Desai Biswal was the other panelist at the event in August.

India has to be a key partner in engaging China from a position of strength: Antony Blinken

One of China’s top political scientists, Zheng Yongnian has said that China must drop its illusion that its relations with the United States will automatically improve under President-elect Joe Biden's administration. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/us-china-trade-war-in-10-dates-241155">In pictures: US-China trade war in 10 dates</a> 
 
Zheng, a Chinese government advisor has said that Beijing should be prepared for a tough stance from Washington.

He recently said that the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) trade pact would make it “challenging” for the US to form a new united trade front against China.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-is-mulling-joining-trade-pact-dumped-by-trump-344669">Also read: China is mulling joining trade pact dumped by Trump</a>

"Chinese government should utilise every opportunity to mend ties with the US," said Yongnian.

Zheng is the Dean of the Advanced Institute of Global and Contemporary China Studies, a Shenzhen-based think tank.

"The good old days are over... the Cold War hawks in the US have been in a highly mobilised state for several years, and they will not disappear overnight," Zheng said in an interview on the sidelines of the Understanding China Conference in Guangzhou recently.

Zheng, who attended a symposium hosted by President Xi Jinping in August to offer advice on China's long-term strategy, said there was now a bipartisan consensus in the US on containing China.

Zheng said President-elect Joe Biden might take advantage of the public resentment towards China after he entered the White House. "American society is torn apart. I don't think Biden can do anything about it," Zheng said.

"He is certainly a very weak President, if he can't sort out domestic issues, then he will do something on the diplomatic front, do something against China. If we say Trump is not interested in promoting democracy and freedom, Biden is. (President Donald) Trump is not interested in war... but a Democratic President could start wars."

The relationship between China and the United States has deteriorated under President Trump over a variety of reasons, including COVID-19 handling, trade and human rights.

Over 300 separate Bills targeting China have been drawn up by both Democrats and Republicans in the Congress, and the important ones addressing the catastrophes in Hong Kong and Xinjiang enjoyed full bipartisan support. The most potentially effective law, the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act, which Trump only reluctantly signed, was co-sponsored by Republican Marco Rubio and Kamala Harris, the Democrats' Vice-President-elect.

Chinese foreign policy specialists have said they expect tensions between the US and China to continue under the Biden presidency.

At times during the election campaign, Biden took a tough line on China, calling Xi a "thug".

(With inputs from agencies)

One of China’s top political scientists, Zheng Yongnian has said that China must drop its illusion that its relations with the United States will automatically improve under President-elect Joe Biden's administration.

One of China’s top political scientists, Zheng Yongnian has said that China must drop its illusion that its relations with the United States will automatically improve under President-elect Joe Biden's administration. In pictures: US-China trade war in 10 dates Zheng, a Chinese government advisor has said that Beijing should be prepared for a tough stance from Washington. He recently said that the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) trade pact would make it “challenging” for the US to form a new united trade front against China. Also read: China is mulling joining trade pact dumped by Trump "Chinese government should utilise every opportunity to mend ties with the US," said Yongnian. Zheng is the Dean of the Advanced Institute of Global and Contemporary China Studies, a Shenzhen-based think tank. "The good old days are over... the Cold War hawks in the US have been in a highly mobilised state for several years, and they will not disappear overnight," Zheng said in an interview on the sidelines of the Understanding China Conference in Guangzhou recently. Zheng, who attended a symposium hosted by President Xi Jinping in August to offer advice on China's long-term strategy, said there was now a bipartisan consensus in the US on containing China. Zheng said President-elect Joe Biden might take advantage of the public resentment towards China after he entered the White House. "American society is torn apart. I don't think Biden can do anything about it," Zheng said. "He is certainly a very weak President, if he can't sort out domestic issues, then he will do something on the diplomatic front, do something against China. If we say Trump is not interested in promoting democracy and freedom, Biden is. (President Donald) Trump is not interested in war... but a Democratic President could start wars." The relationship between China and the United States has deteriorated under President Trump over a variety of reasons, including COVID-19 handling, trade and human rights. Over 300 separate Bills targeting China have been drawn up by both Democrats and Republicans in the Congress, and the important ones addressing the catastrophes in Hong Kong and Xinjiang enjoyed full bipartisan support. The most potentially effective law, the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act, which Trump only reluctantly signed, was co-sponsored by Republican Marco Rubio and Kamala Harris, the Democrats' Vice-President-elect. Chinese foreign policy specialists have said they expect tensions between the US and China to continue under the Biden presidency. At times during the election campaign, Biden took a tough line on China, calling Xi a "thug". (With inputs from agencies)

Joe Biden is a very weak President, could start wars: China’s top political scientist

At the end of a desolate road rimmed by prisons, deep within a complex bristling with cameras, U.S. technology is powering one of the most invasive parts of China’s surveillance state.

The computers inside the complex, known as the Urumqi Cloud Computing Center, are among the world’s most powerful. They can watch more surveillance footage in a day than one person could in a year. They look for faces and patterns of human behavior. They track cars. They monitor phones.

The Chinese government uses these computers to watch untold numbers of people in Xinjiang, a western region of China where Beijing has unleashed a campaign of surveillance and suppression in the name of combating terrorism.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/if-you-are-still-using-123456-as-your-password-change-it-research-344266">If you are still using '123456' as your password, change it: Research</a>

Chips made by Intel and Nvidia, U.S. semiconductor companies, have powered the complex since it opened in 2016. By 2019, at a time when reports said that Beijing was using advanced technology to imprison and track Xinjiang’s mostly Muslim minorities, new U.S.-made chips helped it join the list of the world’s fastest supercomputers. Both Intel and Nvidia say they were unaware of what they called misuse of their technology.

Powerful technology and its potential misuse cut to the heart of the decisions the Biden administration must face. The Trump administration banned the sale of advanced semiconductors and other technology to Chinese companies implicated in national security or humans rights issues. A crucial question for President-elect Joe Biden will be whether to firm up, loosen or rethink those restrictions.

Some figures in the technology industry argue that the ban went too far, cutting off valuable sales of U.S. products with plenty of harmless uses and spurring China to create its own advanced semiconductors. Indeed, China is spending billions of dollars to develop high-end chips.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/canada-facing-cyber-security-threat-from-china-russia-state-sponsored-programs-report-343994" hreflang="en">Canada facing cyber security threat from China, Russia state-sponsored programs: Report</a>

By contrast, critics of the use of U.S. technology in repressive systems say that buyers exploit workarounds and that the industry and officials should track sales and usage more closely.

Companies often point out that they have little say over where their products end up. The chips in the Urumqi complex, for example, were sold by Intel and Nvidia to Sugon, the Chinese company backing the center. Sugon is an important supplier to Chinese military and security forces, but it also makes computers for ordinary companies.

That argument is not good enough anymore, said Jason Matheny, founding director of Georgetown University’s Center for Security and Emerging Technology and a former U.S. intelligence official.

“Government and industry need to be more thoughtful now that technologies are advancing to a point where you could be doing real-time surveillance using a single supercomputer on millions of people, potentially,” he said.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/apple-to-reduce-its-app-store-fees-for-small-developers-343975" hreflang="en">Apple to reduce its App Store fees for small developers</a>

There is no evidence the sale of Nvidia or Intel chips, which predate the Trump order, broke any laws. Intel said it no longer sells semiconductors for supercomputers to Sugon. Still, both continue to sell chips to the Chinese firm.

The Urumqi complex’s existence and use of U.S. chips are no secret, and there was no shortage of clues that Beijing was using it for surveillance. Since 2015, when the complex began development, state media and Sugon had boasted of its ties to the police.

In 5-year-old marketing materials distributed in China, Nvidia promoted the Urumqi complex’s capabilities and boasted that the “high-capacity video surveillance application” had won customer satisfaction.

Nvidia said that the materials referred to older versions of its products and that video surveillance then was a normal part of the discussion around “smart cities,” an effort in China to use technology to solve urban issues like pollution, traffic and crime. A spokesperson for Nvidia said the company had no reason to believe its products would be used “for any improper purpose.”

The spokesperson added that Sugon “hasn’t been a significant Nvidia customer” since last year’s ban. He also said that Nvidia had not provided technical assistance for Sugon since then.

A spokesperson for Intel, which still sells Sugon lower-end chips, said it would restrict or stop business with any customer that it found had used its products to violate human rights.

Advances in technology have given authorities around the world substantial power to watch and sort people. In China, leaders have pushed technology to an even greater extreme. Artificial intelligence and genetic testing are used to screen people to see whether they are Uighurs, one of Xinjiang’s minority groups. Chinese companies and authorities claim their systems can detect religious extremism or opposition to the Communist Party.

The Urumqi Cloud Computing Center — also sometimes called the Xinjiang Supercomputing Center — broke onto the list of the world’s fastest computers in 2018, ranking No. 221. In November 2019, new chips helped push its computer to No. 135.

Two data centers run by Chinese security forces sit next door, a way to potentially cut down on lag time, according to experts. Also nearby are six prisons and reeducation centers.

When a New York Times reporter tried to visit the center in 2019, he was followed by plainclothes police officers. A guard turned him away.

The official Chinese media and Sugon’s previous statements depict the complex as a surveillance center. In August 2017, local officials said that the center would support a Chinese police surveillance project called Sharp Eyes and that it could search 100 million photos in a second. By 2018, according to company disclosures, its computers could connect to 10,000 video feeds and analyze 1,000 simultaneously, using artificial intelligence.

In Xinjiang, predictive policing often serves as shorthand for preemptive arrests aimed at behavior deemed disloyal to the party. That could include a show of Muslim piety, links to family living overseas, owning two phones or not owning a phone, according to Uighur testimony and official Chinese policy documents.

Technology helps sort vast amounts of data that humans cannot process, said Jack Poulson, a former Google engineer and founder of the advocacy group Tech Inquiry.

“When you have something approaching a surveillance state, your primary limitation is on your ability to identify events of interest within your feeds,” he said. “The way you scale up your surveillance is through machine learning and large-scale AI.”

The Urumqi complex went into development before reports of abuses in Xinjiang were widespread. By 2019, governments around the world were protesting China’s conduct in Xinjiang. That year, the Sugon computer appeared on the international supercomputing rankings, using Intel Xeon Gold 5118 processors and Nvidia Tesla V100 advanced artificial intelligence chips.

It is not clear how or whether Sugon will obtain chips powerful enough keep the Urumqi complex on that list. But lesser technology typically used to run harmless tasks can also be used for surveillance and suppression. Customers can also use resellers in other countries or chips made by U.S. companies overseas.

Last year, police in two Xinjiang counties, Yanqi and Qitai, purchased surveillance systems that ran on lower-level Intel chips, according to government procurement documents. The Kizilsu Kyrgyz autonomous prefecture public security bureau in April purchased a computing platform that used servers running less-powerful Intel chips, according to the documents, though the agency had been placed on a Trump administration blacklist last year for its involvement in surveillance.

China’s dependence on U.S. chips has, for now, helped the world push back, said Maya Wang, a China researcher with Human Rights Watch.

“I’m afraid in a few years’ time, Chinese companies and government will find their own way to develop chips and these capabilities,” Wang said. “Then there will be no way to get a handle on trying to stop these abuses.”

At the end of a desolate road rimmed by prisons, deep within a complex bristling with cameras, U.S. technology is powering one of the most invasive parts of China’s surveillance state.

At the end of a desolate road rimmed by prisons, deep within a complex bristling with cameras, U.S. technology is powering one of the most invasive parts of China’s surveillance state. The computers inside the complex, known as the Urumqi Cloud Computing Center, are among the world’s most powerful. They can watch more surveillance footage in a day than one person could in a year. They look for faces and patterns of human behavior. They track cars. They monitor phones. The Chinese government uses these computers to watch untold numbers of people in Xinjiang, a western region of China where Beijing has unleashed a campaign of surveillance and suppression in the name of combating terrorism. Also read| If you are still using '123456' as your password, change it: Research Chips made by Intel and Nvidia, U.S. semiconductor companies, have powered the complex since it opened in 2016. By 2019, at a time when reports said that Beijing was using advanced technology to imprison and track Xinjiang’s mostly Muslim minorities, new U.S.-made chips helped it join the list of the world’s fastest supercomputers. Both Intel and Nvidia say they were unaware of what they called misuse of their technology. Powerful technology and its potential misuse cut to the heart of the decisions the Biden administration must face. The Trump administration banned the sale of advanced semiconductors and other technology to Chinese companies implicated in national security or humans rights issues. A crucial question for President-elect Joe Biden will be whether to firm up, loosen or rethink those restrictions. Some figures in the technology industry argue that the ban went too far, cutting off valuable sales of U.S. products with plenty of harmless uses and spurring China to create its own advanced semiconductors. Indeed, China is spending billions of dollars to develop high-end chips. Also read| Canada facing cyber security threat from China, Russia state-sponsored programs: Report By contrast, critics of the use of U.S. technology in repressive systems say that buyers exploit workarounds and that the industry and officials should track sales and usage more closely. Companies often point out that they have little say over where their products end up. The chips in the Urumqi complex, for example, were sold by Intel and Nvidia to Sugon, the Chinese company backing the center. Sugon is an important supplier to Chinese military and security forces, but it also makes computers for ordinary companies. That argument is not good enough anymore, said Jason Matheny, founding director of Georgetown University’s Center for Security and Emerging Technology and a former U.S. intelligence official. “Government and industry need to be more thoughtful now that technologies are advancing to a point where you could be doing real-time surveillance using a single supercomputer on millions of people, potentially,” he said. Also read| Apple to reduce its App Store fees for small developers There is no evidence the sale of Nvidia or Intel chips, which predate the Trump order, broke any laws. Intel said it no longer sells semiconductors for supercomputers to Sugon. Still, both continue to sell chips to the Chinese firm. The Urumqi complex’s existence and use of U.S. chips are no secret, and there was no shortage of clues that Beijing was using it for surveillance. Since 2015, when the complex began development, state media and Sugon had boasted of its ties to the police. In 5-year-old marketing materials distributed in China, Nvidia promoted the Urumqi complex’s capabilities and boasted that the “high-capacity video surveillance application” had won customer satisfaction. Nvidia said that the materials referred to older versions of its products and that video surveillance then was a normal part of the discussion around “smart cities,” an effort in China to use technology to solve urban issues like pollution, traffic and crime. A spokesperson for Nvidia said the company had no reason to believe its products would be used “for any improper purpose.” The spokesperson added that Sugon “hasn’t been a significant Nvidia customer” since last year’s ban. He also said that Nvidia had not provided technical assistance for Sugon since then. A spokesperson for Intel, which still sells Sugon lower-end chips, said it would restrict or stop business with any customer that it found had used its products to violate human rights. Advances in technology have given authorities around the world substantial power to watch and sort people. In China, leaders have pushed technology to an even greater extreme. Artificial intelligence and genetic testing are used to screen people to see whether they are Uighurs, one of Xinjiang’s minority groups. Chinese companies and authorities claim their systems can detect religious extremism or opposition to the Communist Party. The Urumqi Cloud Computing Center — also sometimes called the Xinjiang Supercomputing Center — broke onto the list of the world’s fastest computers in 2018, ranking No. 221. In November 2019, new chips helped push its computer to No. 135. Two data centers run by Chinese security forces sit next door, a way to potentially cut down on lag time, according to experts. Also nearby are six prisons and reeducation centers. When a New York Times reporter tried to visit the center in 2019, he was followed by plainclothes police officers. A guard turned him away. The official Chinese media and Sugon’s previous statements depict the complex as a surveillance center. In August 2017, local officials said that the center would support a Chinese police surveillance project called Sharp Eyes and that it could search 100 million photos in a second. By 2018, according to company disclosures, its computers could connect to 10,000 video feeds and analyze 1,000 simultaneously, using artificial intelligence. In Xinjiang, predictive policing often serves as shorthand for preemptive arrests aimed at behavior deemed disloyal to the party. That could include a show of Muslim piety, links to family living overseas, owning two phones or not owning a phone, according to Uighur testimony and official Chinese policy documents. Technology helps sort vast amounts of data that humans cannot process, said Jack Poulson, a former Google engineer and founder of the advocacy group Tech Inquiry. “When you have something approaching a surveillance state, your primary limitation is on your ability to identify events of interest within your feeds,” he said. “The way you scale up your surveillance is through machine learning and large-scale AI.” The Urumqi complex went into development before reports of abuses in Xinjiang were widespread. By 2019, governments around the world were protesting China’s conduct in Xinjiang. That year, the Sugon computer appeared on the international supercomputing rankings, using Intel Xeon Gold 5118 processors and Nvidia Tesla V100 advanced artificial intelligence chips. It is not clear how or whether Sugon will obtain chips powerful enough keep the Urumqi complex on that list. But lesser technology typically used to run harmless tasks can also be used for surveillance and suppression. Customers can also use resellers in other countries or chips made by U.S. companies overseas. Last year, police in two Xinjiang counties, Yanqi and Qitai, purchased surveillance systems that ran on lower-level Intel chips, according to government procurement documents. The Kizilsu Kyrgyz autonomous prefecture public security bureau in April purchased a computing platform that used servers running less-powerful Intel chips, according to the documents, though the agency had been placed on a Trump administration blacklist last year for its involvement in surveillance. China’s dependence on U.S. chips has, for now, helped the world push back, said Maya Wang, a China researcher with Human Rights Watch. “I’m afraid in a few years’ time, Chinese companies and government will find their own way to develop chips and these capabilities,” Wang said. “Then there will be no way to get a handle on trying to stop these abuses.”

China’s surveillance state sucks up data. US tech is key to sorting it.

The head of the Tibetan government in exile visited the US White House for the first time in six decades. It is being anticipated that this move could further infuriate China, which has time and again accused the United States of trying to destabilise the region.

Lobsang Sangay, President of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), was invited to the White House to meet with officials on Friday, the CTA said in a press release.

"This unprecedented meeting perhaps will set an optimistic tone for CTA participation with US officials and be more formalised in the coming years," said the CTA, which is based in India's Dharamshala.

Tibet has become one of the areas of dispute between the United States and China, with relations between the world's two biggest economies at their lowest point in decades.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo accused Beijing in July of violating Tibetan human rights and said Washington supported "meaningful autonomy" for the region.

Beijing officials have since accused the United States of using Tibet to try to promote "splittism" in China. China has also refused to engage with the newly appointed US Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues, Robert Destro.

China seized control over Tibet in 1950 in what it described as a "peaceful liberation" that helped it throw off its "feudalist past", but critics led by the exiled spiritual leader the Dalai Lama say Beijing`s rule amounts to "cultural genocide".

Chinese President Xi Jinping said in August that China needed to build an "impregnable fortress" in Tibet in order to protect national unity.

(with inputs)

The head of the Tibetan government in exile visited the US White House for the first time in six decades. It is being anticipated that this move could further infuriate China, which has time and again accused the United States of trying to destabilise the region.

The head of the Tibetan government in exile visited the US White House for the first time in six decades. It is being anticipated that this move could further infuriate China, which has time and again accused the United States of trying to destabilise the region. Lobsang Sangay, President of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA), was invited to the White House to meet with officials on Friday, the CTA said in a press release. "This unprecedented meeting perhaps will set an optimistic tone for CTA participation with US officials and be more formalised in the coming years," said the CTA, which is based in India's Dharamshala. Tibet has become one of the areas of dispute between the United States and China, with relations between the world's two biggest economies at their lowest point in decades. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo accused Beijing in July of violating Tibetan human rights and said Washington supported "meaningful autonomy" for the region. Beijing officials have since accused the United States of using Tibet to try to promote "splittism" in China. China has also refused to engage with the newly appointed US Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues, Robert Destro. China seized control over Tibet in 1950 in what it described as a "peaceful liberation" that helped it throw off its "feudalist past", but critics led by the exiled spiritual leader the Dalai Lama say Beijing`s rule amounts to "cultural genocide". Chinese President Xi Jinping said in August that China needed to build an "impregnable fortress" in Tibet in order to protect national unity. (with inputs)

Top Tibetan leader visits White House for the first time in six decades

Chinese telecom giant Huawei announced Tuesday it has sold its Honor budget phone line to a domestic consortium in a move it said was necessary to keep the brand alive amid "tremendous" supply chain pressures caused by US sanctions.

Honor has been purchased by a group of 40 companies comprised of agents, distributors and other businesses dependent on the brand's survival, Huawei and the consortium said in separate statements.

Huawei, which earlier this year became the world's top mobile phone seller, said its consumer business "has been under tremendous pressure" due to a growing inability to acquire components as the US seeks to cut the company off from the global supply chain.

The sale appears aimed at getting Honor out from under the Huawei umbrella, thereby allowing the brand to source components without being affected by the US sanctions.

"This sale will help Honor's channel sellers and suppliers make it through this difficult time," said Huawei, based in the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen.

The sale is the latest sign that Huawei -- also the world's largest supplier of telecommunications networking equipment -- is being squeezed hard by the US campaign against it.

The administration of President Trump alleges that Huawei has close ties to China's government and military and that the equipment it has installed globally could be used by Beijing for espionage.

Both China's government and the company deny the accusation and say that the United States has never produced any evidence backing up its allegations.

Washington has taken steps to bar Huawei from the US market and prevent US companies doing business with it, has moved to cut off its access to global supplies of semiconductors and other components, and pressured other countries to shun Huawei telecom gear.

Huawei officials have said the attacks are motivated more by a US desire to bring down a successful business rival.

- 'Saving' Honor -

The sale of Honor -- whose shipments were included in Huawei's overall totals -- looks certain to weigh Huawei down in the race with Samsung and Apple to lead world mobile phone sales.&nbsp;

Huawei overtook Samsung as the world's largest mobile phone seller in the second quarter of this year, only to drop back to number two in the third quarter, followed by Apple.

Honor is a line aimed primarily at younger or more budget-conscious buyers and contributes more than 70 million phone sales annually to Huawei's overall totals, according to Huawei.

Huawei sold 51.9 million handsets in the third quarter, according to industry trackers IDC.&nbsp;

"This acquisition represents a market-driven investment made to save Honor's industry chain," said the consortium of buyers, Shenzhen Zhixin New Information Technology Co.

"It is the best solution to protect the interests of Honor's consumers, channel sellers, suppliers, partners, and employees."

The buyers include a handful of listed companies, most notably Chinese retail giant Suning.com Group.

Huawei said it will no longer "hold any shares or be involved in any business management or decision-making activities in the new Honor company".

In recent weeks, Huawei reported unusually slow revenue growth for the first nine months of the year and Sweden joined the list of European countries banning the use of the company's equipment, though a Swedish court subsequently suspended the ban pending a legal review.

 
Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou has meanwhile suffered a series of legal setbacks in her fight against extradition from Canada to the United States.

Meng was arrested in 2018 on a warrant issued by the United States, where she is wanted on fraud charges related to Huawei violations of US sanctions on Iran.&nbsp;

Her extradition hearings are expected to wrap up in April 2021.

Chinese telecom giant Huawei announced Tuesday it has sold its Honor budget phone line to a domestic consortium in a move it said was necessary to keep the brand alive amid "tremendous" supply chain pressures caused by US sanctions.

Chinese telecom giant Huawei announced Tuesday it has sold its Honor budget phone line to a domestic consortium in a move it said was necessary to keep the brand alive amid "tremendous" supply chain pressures caused by US sanctions. Honor has been purchased by a group of 40 companies comprised of agents, distributors and other businesses dependent on the brand's survival, Huawei and the consortium said in separate statements. Huawei, which earlier this year became the world's top mobile phone seller, said its consumer business "has been under tremendous pressure" due to a growing inability to acquire components as the US seeks to cut the company off from the global supply chain. The sale appears aimed at getting Honor out from under the Huawei umbrella, thereby allowing the brand to source components without being affected by the US sanctions. "This sale will help Honor's channel sellers and suppliers make it through this difficult time," said Huawei, based in the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen. The sale is the latest sign that Huawei -- also the world's largest supplier of telecommunications networking equipment -- is being squeezed hard by the US campaign against it. The administration of President Trump alleges that Huawei has close ties to China's government and military and that the equipment it has installed globally could be used by Beijing for espionage. Both China's government and the company deny the accusation and say that the United States has never produced any evidence backing up its allegations. Washington has taken steps to bar Huawei from the US market and prevent US companies doing business with it, has moved to cut off its access to global supplies of semiconductors and other components, and pressured other countries to shun Huawei telecom gear. Huawei officials have said the attacks are motivated more by a US desire to bring down a successful business rival. - 'Saving' Honor - The sale of Honor -- whose shipments were included in Huawei's overall totals -- looks certain to weigh Huawei down in the race with Samsung and Apple to lead world mobile phone sales. Huawei overtook Samsung as the world's largest mobile phone seller in the second quarter of this year, only to drop back to number two in the third quarter, followed by Apple. Honor is a line aimed primarily at younger or more budget-conscious buyers and contributes more than 70 million phone sales annually to Huawei's overall totals, according to Huawei. Huawei sold 51.9 million handsets in the third quarter, according to industry trackers IDC. "This acquisition represents a market-driven investment made to save Honor's industry chain," said the consortium of buyers, Shenzhen Zhixin New Information Technology Co. "It is the best solution to protect the interests of Honor's consumers, channel sellers, suppliers, partners, and employees." The buyers include a handful of listed companies, most notably Chinese retail giant Suning.com Group. Huawei said it will no longer "hold any shares or be involved in any business management or decision-making activities in the new Honor company". In recent weeks, Huawei reported unusually slow revenue growth for the first nine months of the year and Sweden joined the list of European countries banning the use of the company's equipment, though a Swedish court subsequently suspended the ban pending a legal review. Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou has meanwhile suffered a series of legal setbacks in her fight against extradition from Canada to the United States. Meng was arrested in 2018 on a warrant issued by the United States, where she is wanted on fraud charges related to Huawei violations of US sanctions on Iran. Her extradition hearings are expected to wrap up in April 2021.

Huawei sells off budget phone brand as US pressure bites

Even as 15 countries of the region sign mega Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) trade pact, they have announced that India can participate in the group's activities as an observer member and left a window open for India to joint it in a future date.&nbsp;

The joint statement after the signing of the mega pact had a special Ministers’ Declaration on India's participation in the pact.

It said, 'Any time prior to its accession to the Agreement, India may participate in RCEP meetings as an observer" and in "economic cooperation activities undertaken by the RCEP Signatory States" under the RCEP Agreement, "on terms and conditions to be jointly decided upon by the RCEP Signatory States."

India was one of the original 16 participating countries of the RCEP but had withdrawn last year over several reasons, of which was Chinese goods flooding the Indian market.

"Acknowledging the strategic importance of India eventually becoming a party of to RCEP," the special minister's statement said," RCEP Signatory States will commence negotiations with India at any time after the signing of the RCEP Agreement once India submits a request in writing of its intention to accede to" it.

In fact, the summary of the agreement leaves a special exception for India to join the pact later. Chapter 20 of the pact says, "This Agreement is open for accession by India, as an original negotiating State, from the date of its entry into force".

Earlier this week, when asked if India will join RECP, Secretary East in Ministry of External Affairs Riva Ganguly Das said,"Our position is well known, as far as India is concerned we did not join RCEP as it does not address the outstanding issues and concerns of India, however, we remain committed to deepening our trade relations with ASEAN".

The pact has Australia, China, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand and all 10 members of the ASEAN grouping as its members. The pact will account for 30% of global GDP or US$26.2 trillion and 30% of the global population but is dominated by China. The Agreement has 20 Chapters, 17 Annexes and 54 schedules of commitments covering market access, rules and disciplines, and economic and technical cooperation.

Even as 15 countries of the region sign mega Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) trade pact, they have announced that India can participate in the group's activities as an observer member and left a window open for India to joint it in a future date.

Even as 15 countries of the region sign mega Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) trade pact, they have announced that India can participate in the group's activities as an observer member and left a window open for India to joint it in a future date. The joint statement after the signing of the mega pact had a special Ministers’ Declaration on India's participation in the pact. It said, 'Any time prior to its accession to the Agreement, India may participate in RCEP meetings as an observer" and in "economic cooperation activities undertaken by the RCEP Signatory States" under the RCEP Agreement, "on terms and conditions to be jointly decided upon by the RCEP Signatory States." India was one of the original 16 participating countries of the RCEP but had withdrawn last year over several reasons, of which was Chinese goods flooding the Indian market. "Acknowledging the strategic importance of India eventually becoming a party of to RCEP," the special minister's statement said," RCEP Signatory States will commence negotiations with India at any time after the signing of the RCEP Agreement once India submits a request in writing of its intention to accede to" it. In fact, the summary of the agreement leaves a special exception for India to join the pact later. Chapter 20 of the pact says, "This Agreement is open for accession by India, as an original negotiating State, from the date of its entry into force". Earlier this week, when asked if India will join RECP, Secretary East in Ministry of External Affairs Riva Ganguly Das said,"Our position is well known, as far as India is concerned we did not join RCEP as it does not address the outstanding issues and concerns of India, however, we remain committed to deepening our trade relations with ASEAN". The pact has Australia, China, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand and all 10 members of the ASEAN grouping as its members. The pact will account for 30% of global GDP or US$26.2 trillion and 30% of the global population but is dominated by China. The Agreement has 20 Chapters, 17 Annexes and 54 schedules of commitments covering market access, rules and disciplines, and economic and technical cooperation.

RCEP invites India to take part as an observer member

Fifteen countries on Sunday signed a sprawling Asian trade deal seen as a huge coup for China in extending its influence.

The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) -- which includes&nbsp;10 Southeast Asian economies along with China, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand and Australia -- is the world's largest trade pact in terms of GDP, analysts say.&nbsp;It aims in coming years to progressively lower tariffs across many areas.

India pulled out of RCEP talks in November last year, but ASEAN leaders said the door remained open for it to join.

These 15 countries had left a rival Asia-Pacific grouping under incumbent US president Donald Trump.

The deal was signed on the sidelines of an online ASEAN summit held as Asian leaders address tensions in the South China Sea and tackle plans for a post-pandemic economic recovery in a region where US-China rivalry has been rising.

The signing of RCEP will be a further blow to the group pushed by former US president Barack Obama, which his successor Trump exited in 2017.

Furthermore, the RCEP may cement China's position more firmly as an economic partner with Southeast Asia, Japan and Korea, putting the world's second-biggest economy in a better position to shape the region's trade rules.

The United States is absent from both RCEP and the successor to the Obama-led Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), leaving the world's biggest economy out of two trade groups that span the fastest-growing region on earth.

RCEP could also help Beijing cut its dependence on overseas markets and technology. It will account for 30% of the global economy, 30% of the global population and reach 2.2 billion consumers, host Vietnam said on Sunday.

Despite being outside RCEP and having been in the administration that propelled the TPP, President-elect Joe Biden - Obama's vice president - is unlikely to rejoin the TPP anytime soon, analysts said, as his government will have to prioritise handling the COVID-19 outbreak at home.

The pact will take effect once enough participating countries ratify the agreement domestically within the next two years, Indonesia's trade minister said last week.

(with inputs from agencies)

Fifteen countries on Sunday signed a sprawling Asian trade deal seen as a huge coup for China in extending its influence. The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) -- which includes 10 Southeast Asian economies along with China, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand and Australia -- is the world's largest trade pact in terms of GDP, analysts say.

Fifteen countries on Sunday signed a sprawling Asian trade deal seen as a huge coup for China in extending its influence. The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) -- which includes 10 Southeast Asian economies along with China, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand and Australia -- is the world's largest trade pact in terms of GDP, analysts say. It aims in coming years to progressively lower tariffs across many areas. India pulled out of RCEP talks in November last year, but ASEAN leaders said the door remained open for it to join. These 15 countries had left a rival Asia-Pacific grouping under incumbent US president Donald Trump. The deal was signed on the sidelines of an online ASEAN summit held as Asian leaders address tensions in the South China Sea and tackle plans for a post-pandemic economic recovery in a region where US-China rivalry has been rising. The signing of RCEP will be a further blow to the group pushed by former US president Barack Obama, which his successor Trump exited in 2017. Furthermore, the RCEP may cement China's position more firmly as an economic partner with Southeast Asia, Japan and Korea, putting the world's second-biggest economy in a better position to shape the region's trade rules. The United States is absent from both RCEP and the successor to the Obama-led Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), leaving the world's biggest economy out of two trade groups that span the fastest-growing region on earth. RCEP could also help Beijing cut its dependence on overseas markets and technology. It will account for 30% of the global economy, 30% of the global population and reach 2.2 billion consumers, host Vietnam said on Sunday. Despite being outside RCEP and having been in the administration that propelled the TPP, President-elect Joe Biden - Obama's vice president - is unlikely to rejoin the TPP anytime soon, analysts said, as his government will have to prioritise handling the COVID-19 outbreak at home. The pact will take effect once enough participating countries ratify the agreement domestically within the next two years, Indonesia's trade minister said last week. (with inputs from agencies)

Asian nations sign RCEP, a China-backed trade pact, excluding India and US

The Trump administration has unveiled an executive order prohibiting US investments in Chinese firms.&nbsp;

The order ramps up pressure on Beijing after the US election, banning investments in firms that are owned or controlled by the Chinese military.

The move is designed to deter US investment firms, pension funds and others from buying shares of 31 Chinese companies that were designated by the Defence Department as backed by the Chinese military earlier this year.

The order, to this end, could impact some of China's biggest companies, including telecoms firms China Telecom Corp Ltd, China Mobile Ltd and surveillance equipment maker Hikvision.

Starting January 11, the order will prohibit purchases by US investors of the securities of those companies. Transactions made in order to divest ownership in the companies will be permitted until November 11, 2021.

"China is increasingly exploiting United States capital to resource and to enable the development and modernization of its military, intelligence, and other security apparatuses," said the order released by the White House.

White House trade advisor Peter Navarro estimated that at least half a trillion dollars in market capitalisation was represented by the Chinese companies and their subsidiaries.

The move is the first major policy initiative by President Donald Trump since losing the November 3 election to Democratic rival Joe Biden and indicates that he is seeking to take advantage of the waning months of his administration to crack down on China, even as he has appeared laser-focused on challenging the election result.

Biden has won enough battleground states to surpass the 270 electoral votes needed in the state-by-state Electoral College that determines the next president, but Republican Trump has so far refused to concede, citing unsubstantiated claims of voting fraud.

Thursday's action is likely to further weigh on already fraught ties between the world's top two economies, which are at loggerheads over China's handling of the coronavirus pandemic and its move to impose security legislation on Hong Kong.

Biden has not laid out a detailed China strategy but all the indications are that he will continue a tough approach to Beijing, with whom Trump has become increasingly confrontational in his last year in office.

The order echoes a bill filed by Republican senator Marco Rubio last month which sought to block access to US capital markets for Chinese companies that have been blacklisted by Washington, including those added to the Defense Department list.

In August, US Securities and Exchange Commission and Treasury officials urged Trump to delist Chinese companies that trade on US exchanges and fail to meet its auditing requirements by January 2022.

Thursday's move received a cool reception on Wall Street, where shares were already pulling back from recent gains. The iShares China Large-Cap ETF extended falls.

Still, it was unclear how investors would react. The order bans transactions, which it defined as "purchases," so investors would technically be able to hold onto current investments.

While the document does not spell out specific penalties for violations, it gives the Treasury Department the ability to invoke "all powers" granted by the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, which authorizes the use of tough sanctions.

Questions also remain about whether Biden, who is set to take office just nine days after the order goes into effect, would enforce it or simply revoke it.

Below is a list of those companies based on Department of Defense data found --

Aviation Industry Corporation of China 
China Aerospace Science and Technology Corp 
China Aerospace Science and Industry Corp 
China Electronics Technology Group Corp 
China South Industries Group Corp 
China State Shipbuilding Corp 
China North Industries Group Corp (Norinco Group) 
Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology 
Huawei Technologies 
Inspur Group 
Aero Engine Corporation of China 
China Railway Construction Corp 
CRRC Corp 
Panda Electronics Group 
Dawning Information Industry Co 
China Mobile Communications Group 
China General Nuclear Power Group 
China National Nuclear Corp 
China Telecommunications Corp 
China Communications Technology 
China Communications Construction Company (CCCC) 
China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT) 
China Spacesat 
China United Network Communications Group 
China Electronics Corporation 
China National Chemical Engineering Group Co Ltd 
China National Chemical Corporation (ChemChina) 
SinoChem Group Co Ltd 
China State Construction Group 
China Three Gorges Corporation 
China Nuclear Engineering &amp; Construction Corporation

(with inputs)

The Trump administration has unveiled an executive order prohibiting US investments in Chinese firms. The order ramps up pressure on Beijing after the US election, banning investments in firms that are owned or controlled by the Chinese military.

The Trump administration has unveiled an executive order prohibiting US investments in Chinese firms. The order ramps up pressure on Beijing after the US election, banning investments in firms that are owned or controlled by the Chinese military. The move is designed to deter US investment firms, pension funds and others from buying shares of 31 Chinese companies that were designated by the Defence Department as backed by the Chinese military earlier this year. The order, to this end, could impact some of China's biggest companies, including telecoms firms China Telecom Corp Ltd, China Mobile Ltd and surveillance equipment maker Hikvision. Starting January 11, the order will prohibit purchases by US investors of the securities of those companies. Transactions made in order to divest ownership in the companies will be permitted until November 11, 2021. "China is increasingly exploiting United States capital to resource and to enable the development and modernization of its military, intelligence, and other security apparatuses," said the order released by the White House. White House trade advisor Peter Navarro estimated that at least half a trillion dollars in market capitalisation was represented by the Chinese companies and their subsidiaries. The move is the first major policy initiative by President Donald Trump since losing the November 3 election to Democratic rival Joe Biden and indicates that he is seeking to take advantage of the waning months of his administration to crack down on China, even as he has appeared laser-focused on challenging the election result. Biden has won enough battleground states to surpass the 270 electoral votes needed in the state-by-state Electoral College that determines the next president, but Republican Trump has so far refused to concede, citing unsubstantiated claims of voting fraud. Thursday's action is likely to further weigh on already fraught ties between the world's top two economies, which are at loggerheads over China's handling of the coronavirus pandemic and its move to impose security legislation on Hong Kong. Biden has not laid out a detailed China strategy but all the indications are that he will continue a tough approach to Beijing, with whom Trump has become increasingly confrontational in his last year in office. The order echoes a bill filed by Republican senator Marco Rubio last month which sought to block access to US capital markets for Chinese companies that have been blacklisted by Washington, including those added to the Defense Department list. In August, US Securities and Exchange Commission and Treasury officials urged Trump to delist Chinese companies that trade on US exchanges and fail to meet its auditing requirements by January 2022. Thursday's move received a cool reception on Wall Street, where shares were already pulling back from recent gains. The iShares China Large-Cap ETF extended falls. Still, it was unclear how investors would react. The order bans transactions, which it defined as "purchases," so investors would technically be able to hold onto current investments. While the document does not spell out specific penalties for violations, it gives the Treasury Department the ability to invoke "all powers" granted by the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, which authorizes the use of tough sanctions. Questions also remain about whether Biden, who is set to take office just nine days after the order goes into effect, would enforce it or simply revoke it. Below is a list of those companies based on Department of Defense data found -- Aviation Industry Corporation of China China Aerospace Science and Technology Corp China Aerospace Science and Industry Corp China Electronics Technology Group Corp China South Industries Group Corp China State Shipbuilding Corp China North Industries Group Corp (Norinco Group) Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology Huawei Technologies Inspur Group Aero Engine Corporation of China China Railway Construction Corp CRRC Corp Panda Electronics Group Dawning Information Industry Co China Mobile Communications Group China General Nuclear Power Group China National Nuclear Corp China Telecommunications Corp China Communications Technology China Communications Construction Company (CCCC) China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology (CALT) China Spacesat China United Network Communications Group China Electronics Corporation China National Chemical Engineering Group Co Ltd China National Chemical Corporation (ChemChina) SinoChem Group Co Ltd China State Construction Group China Three Gorges Corporation China Nuclear Engineering & Construction Corporation (with inputs)

Outgoing Trump administration bans investments in firms linked to Chinese military

China has finally congratulated US President-elect Joe Biden -- nearly a week after he&nbsp;was declared winner of the American election by the media networks.

China was previously among a handful of major countries including Russia and Mexico that had not congratulated the president-elect.&nbsp;

Beijing had initially only commented that it had "noticed Mr Biden declared he is the winner".

US-China ties have grown increasingly strained in recent years under the administration of incumbent president Donald Trump.

"We respect the choice of the American people. We express our congratulations to Mr Biden and Ms Harris," foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said Friday at a regular press briefing, referring to incoming vice president Kamala Harris.

Wang added, "China understands the result of the US election will be determined in accordance with US laws and procedures."

Meanwhile, since US media called the presidential race, Trump has not conceded to Biden as is traditional practice once a winner is projected.

Under his "America First" banner, Trump had portrayed China as the greatest threat to the United States and global democracy. His four years in the White House have been marked by a costly trade war between the two powers, with Beijing and Washington also sparring over blame for the Covid-19 pandemic and China's human rights record in Xinjiang and Hong Kong.

Biden, who leads by more than five million in the popular vote, cemented his victory late Thursday by winning Arizona, US networks said.

President Trump has repeatedly claimed that the election has been hindered by fraud, and Thursday retweeted a baseless claim that an election equipment maker "deleted" 2.7 million votes for him nationwide.

US election officials said there is no evidence of compromised ballots or corrupt voting systems in the US election.

China has finally congratulated US President-elect Joe Biden -- nearly a week after he was declared winner of the American election by the media networks. China was previously among a handful of major countries including Russia and Mexico that had not congratulated the president-elect.

China has finally congratulated US President-elect Joe Biden -- nearly a week after he was declared winner of the American election by the media networks. China was previously among a handful of major countries including Russia and Mexico that had not congratulated the president-elect. Beijing had initially only commented that it had "noticed Mr Biden declared he is the winner". US-China ties have grown increasingly strained in recent years under the administration of incumbent president Donald Trump. "We respect the choice of the American people. We express our congratulations to Mr Biden and Ms Harris," foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said Friday at a regular press briefing, referring to incoming vice president Kamala Harris. Wang added, "China understands the result of the US election will be determined in accordance with US laws and procedures." Meanwhile, since US media called the presidential race, Trump has not conceded to Biden as is traditional practice once a winner is projected. Under his "America First" banner, Trump had portrayed China as the greatest threat to the United States and global democracy. His four years in the White House have been marked by a costly trade war between the two powers, with Beijing and Washington also sparring over blame for the Covid-19 pandemic and China's human rights record in Xinjiang and Hong Kong. Biden, who leads by more than five million in the popular vote, cemented his victory late Thursday by winning Arizona, US networks said. President Trump has repeatedly claimed that the election has been hindered by fraud, and Thursday retweeted a baseless claim that an election equipment maker "deleted" 2.7 million votes for him nationwide. US election officials said there is no evidence of compromised ballots or corrupt voting systems in the US election.

China finally congratulates Joe Biden for US election win

US President-elect Joe Biden in phone calls with the leaders of Australia, Japan and South Korea emphasised on maintaining a secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.

Joe Biden's call to Asian leaders amid growing China threat

A Beijing restaurant owner congratulated her “old friend” and one-time customer Joe Biden on Monday after the US Democratic candidate emerged victorious in a tightly fought US presidential election, and invited him back to try some pork liver.

The publicity following Biden’s visit nine years ago boosted business for quite a while, with many customers coming in and asking for the “Biden set,” said owner Yao Yan, 66.

Biden had dined on noodles and steamed buns for lunch in August 2011 at the Yaoji Chaogan restaurant in the Chinese capital’s Drum Tower district, during an official visit to Beijing as US vice-president.

His victory in the 2020 election has given her restaurant another lift, with one of Monday’s patrons, 58-year-old lawyer Shi Longmin, admitting he decided to “tick this place off the list” after learning of Biden’s previous visit.

Yao, meanwhile, hoped Biden could promote “friendly” relations between the United States and China - currently at their lowest point in decades - during his time in office.

But she also wanted the US president-elect to return to her restaurant to sample some of the food he had missed out on first time around, such as its signature dish - stewed pork liver.

“There are lots of delicious flavours awaiting his arrival,” Yao said.

A Beijing restaurant owner congratulated her “old friend” and one-time customer Joe Biden on Monday after the US Democratic candidate emerged victorious in a tightly fought US presidential election, and invited him back to try some pork liver.

A Beijing restaurant owner congratulated her “old friend” and one-time customer Joe Biden on Monday after the US Democratic candidate emerged victorious in a tightly fought US presidential election, and invited him back to try some pork liver. The publicity following Biden’s visit nine years ago boosted business for quite a while, with many customers coming in and asking for the “Biden set,” said owner Yao Yan, 66. Biden had dined on noodles and steamed buns for lunch in August 2011 at the Yaoji Chaogan restaurant in the Chinese capital’s Drum Tower district, during an official visit to Beijing as US vice-president. His victory in the 2020 election has given her restaurant another lift, with one of Monday’s patrons, 58-year-old lawyer Shi Longmin, admitting he decided to “tick this place off the list” after learning of Biden’s previous visit. Yao, meanwhile, hoped Biden could promote “friendly” relations between the United States and China - currently at their lowest point in decades - during his time in office. But she also wanted the US president-elect to return to her restaurant to sample some of the food he had missed out on first time around, such as its signature dish - stewed pork liver. “There are lots of delicious flavours awaiting his arrival,” Yao said.

Beijing restaurant recalls visit from US President-elect Biden

Chinese state media struck an optimistic tone in Monday in editorials reacting to Democrat Joe Biden`s win of the U.S. presidential elections, saying relations could be restored to a state of greater predictability and could start with trade.

While acknowledging the United States was unlikely ease pressure on China on issues such as Xinjiang and Hong Kong, state-backed newspaper Global Times said Beijing should work to communicate with the Biden team as thoroughly as it can.

The Trump administration had deliberately created tensions in China-U.S. relations, especially after adopting a campaign strategy of pressuring China, which led to "bubbles" occurring in U.S.-China policy, it said.

"We believe it is possible to pop those bubbles," it said. "It`s in the common interests of people from both countries and of international community that China-U.S. relations become eased and controllable."

The Global Times is a tabloid published by the People`s Daily, the official newspaper of China`s ruling Communist Party, but does not speak on behalf of the party and government.

The China Daily newspaper said in a separate editorial it was "obvious" improving ties with China could start from trade, and reviving trade talks was critical to restore some understanding and trust in China-U.S. relations.

"It is one of the last threads linking the two sides. It is notable that neither Beijing nor Washington has ventured to scrap the hard-earned so-called phase one deal they negotiated," said the China Daily, the country`s official English language newspaper.

Tensions between the world`s two largest economies have intensified over the past year, shaking up technology supply chains and trade relations, and stoking fears that a financial war between the two countries could be brewing.

The U.S. pressure, along with the global pandemic, have set China on a mission to reduce its reliance on overseas markets and technology for its economic development, as part of a new "dual circulation" model of growth to steer its economy.

"China must become a country the U.S. cannot suppress or destabilize, and make it that cooperation with China is the best option for the U.S. to realize its national interests," the Global Times added.

Chinese state media struck an optimistic tone in Monday in editorials reacting to Democrat Joe Biden`s win of the U.S. presidential elections, saying relations could be restored to a state of greater predictability and could start with trade.

Chinese state media struck an optimistic tone in Monday in editorials reacting to Democrat Joe Biden`s win of the U.S. presidential elections, saying relations could be restored to a state of greater predictability and could start with trade. While acknowledging the United States was unlikely ease pressure on China on issues such as Xinjiang and Hong Kong, state-backed newspaper Global Times said Beijing should work to communicate with the Biden team as thoroughly as it can. The Trump administration had deliberately created tensions in China-U.S. relations, especially after adopting a campaign strategy of pressuring China, which led to "bubbles" occurring in U.S.-China policy, it said. "We believe it is possible to pop those bubbles," it said. "It`s in the common interests of people from both countries and of international community that China-U.S. relations become eased and controllable." The Global Times is a tabloid published by the People`s Daily, the official newspaper of China`s ruling Communist Party, but does not speak on behalf of the party and government. The China Daily newspaper said in a separate editorial it was "obvious" improving ties with China could start from trade, and reviving trade talks was critical to restore some understanding and trust in China-U.S. relations. "It is one of the last threads linking the two sides. It is notable that neither Beijing nor Washington has ventured to scrap the hard-earned so-called phase one deal they negotiated," said the China Daily, the country`s official English language newspaper. Tensions between the world`s two largest economies have intensified over the past year, shaking up technology supply chains and trade relations, and stoking fears that a financial war between the two countries could be brewing. The U.S. pressure, along with the global pandemic, have set China on a mission to reduce its reliance on overseas markets and technology for its economic development, as part of a new "dual circulation" model of growth to steer its economy. "China must become a country the U.S. cannot suppress or destabilize, and make it that cooperation with China is the best option for the U.S. to realize its national interests," the Global Times added.

Biden win opens door for improved predictability in China-US relations, state media says

The United States has removed from its list of terror groups a shadowy faction regularly blamed by China to justify its harsh crackdown in the Muslim-majority Xinjiang region.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said he was revoking the designation of the East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM) as a "terrorist organisation" -- in a notice in the Federal Register, which publishes new US laws and rules.

Beijing has regularly blamed ETIM for attacks as it justifies its measures in Xinjiang, where rights groups say that one million or more Uighurs or other Turkic-speaking, mostly Muslim people are incarcerated in camps.

"ETIM&nbsp;was removed from the list because, for more than a decade, there has been no credible evidence that&nbsp;ETIM&nbsp;continues to exist," a State Department spokesperson said.

The administration of George W Bush in 2004 added ETIM, also sometimes called the Turkestan Islamic Party, to a blacklist as it found common cause with China in the US-led "war on terror."

Scholars, however, say that China has produced little evidence ETIM was an organised group or that it is to blame for attacks in Xinjiang, which separatists call East Turkestan.

The Washington-based Uighur Human Rights Project called the State Department decision "long overdue" and a "definitive rejection of China's claims."

But China's foreign ministry spokesman on Friday expressed China's "strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition to the US decision", urging the US to "stop&nbsp;backpedaling on&nbsp;international counter-terrorism cooperation".

China has acknowledged camps in Xinjiang but describes them as vocational centers meant to reduce the allure of Islamic radicalism.

While experts have doubted a role of ETIM, China has suffered a series of attacks that authorities blamed on Uighur separatists.

Activists say that China is trying to forcibly integrate Uighurs by indoctrinating them with communist ideology and making them renounce Islamic customs.

ETIM was listed on the US Terrorism Exclusion List, which affects entry of people into the country, but was never hit with the tougher designation of Foreign Terrorist Organisation.

(with inputs from AFP)

The United States has removed from its list of terror groups a shadowy faction regularly blamed by China to justify its harsh crackdown in the Muslim-majority Xinjiang region.

The United States has removed from its list of terror groups a shadowy faction regularly blamed by China to justify its harsh crackdown in the Muslim-majority Xinjiang region. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said he was revoking the designation of the East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM) as a "terrorist organisation" -- in a notice in the Federal Register, which publishes new US laws and rules. Beijing has regularly blamed ETIM for attacks as it justifies its measures in Xinjiang, where rights groups say that one million or more Uighurs or other Turkic-speaking, mostly Muslim people are incarcerated in camps. "ETIM was removed from the list because, for more than a decade, there has been no credible evidence that ETIM continues to exist," a State Department spokesperson said. The administration of George W Bush in 2004 added ETIM, also sometimes called the Turkestan Islamic Party, to a blacklist as it found common cause with China in the US-led "war on terror." Scholars, however, say that China has produced little evidence ETIM was an organised group or that it is to blame for attacks in Xinjiang, which separatists call East Turkestan. The Washington-based Uighur Human Rights Project called the State Department decision "long overdue" and a "definitive rejection of China's claims." But China's foreign ministry spokesman on Friday expressed China's "strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition to the US decision", urging the US to "stop backpedaling on international counter-terrorism cooperation". China has acknowledged camps in Xinjiang but describes them as vocational centers meant to reduce the allure of Islamic radicalism. While experts have doubted a role of ETIM, China has suffered a series of attacks that authorities blamed on Uighur separatists. Activists say that China is trying to forcibly integrate Uighurs by indoctrinating them with communist ideology and making them renounce Islamic customs. ETIM was listed on the US Terrorism Exclusion List, which affects entry of people into the country, but was never hit with the tougher designation of Foreign Terrorist Organisation. (with inputs from AFP)

US removes shadowy group condemned by China from terror list

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