As the United States and China step up attempts to ease tensions between them, US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo will visit Beijing and Shanghai next week.

The visit announced on Tuesday is one among a slew of US officials dispatched to China in recent months.

<h2>US, China at loggerheads</h2>

The two nations have been at loggerheads over everything, from trade to human rights and Taiwan, reports AFP.

Relations between the world's largest economies have plummeted to some of their worst levels in decades. Topping the long list of disagreements between them are the United States's trade curbs, which Washington says are crucial to safeguarding its national security. China, however, views them as a limitation on its global rise.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-compares-devastating-maui-wildfire-to-a-small-house-fire-from-2004-tells-survivors-i-can-relate-628094">Biden compares devastating Maui wildfire to a small house-fire from 2004, tells survivors 'I can relate'</a>

As per a US Department of Commerce statement, "Secretary Raimondo looks forward to constructive discussions on issues relating to the US-China commercial relationship, challenges faced by US businesses, and areas for potential cooperation."

Confirming the visit, China said that the US Commerce Secretary has been invited by her Chinese counterpart, Wang Wentao.

During her August 27-30 trip, Raimondo will travel to both Beijing and Shanghai, said Washington. Her visit will reportedly build on an agreement between US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping.&nbsp;

Last year, the two leaders had agreed "to deepen communication between the US and the PRC on a range of issues."

<h2>Trip agenda</h2>

Speaking to reporters during a press briefing on Tuesday, White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said that Raimondo will carry the message that the US is not seeking to decouple from China but rather to "de-risk", which means that Washington only seeks to protect its national security.

"Contrary to claims by some voices in China that we are seeking to slow down China's economy or weaken China's economic growth, that's just not the case," he said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/where-is-xi-jinping-chinese-leaders-unusual-absence-at-brics-business-forum-raises-eyebrows-628067">Where is Xi Jinping?&nbsp;Chinese leader's unusual absence&nbsp;at BRICS Business Forum raises eyebrows</a>

"A stable Chinese economy is a good thing for the world," remarked Sullivan.

Previously, in June, the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken travelled to Beijing. During the trip, he met with Chinese President Xi Jinping. In the aftermath of the visit, he said that progress had been made on a number of key sources of contention.

(With inputs from agencies)

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As the United States and China step up attempts to ease tensions between them, US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo will visit Beijing and Shanghai next week. The visit announced on Tuesday is one among a slew of US officials dispatched to China in recent months.

As the United States and China step up attempts to ease tensions between them, US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo will visit Beijing and Shanghai next week. The visit announced on Tuesday is one among a slew of US officials dispatched to China in recent months. US, China at loggerheads The two nations have been at loggerheads over everything, from trade to human rights and Taiwan, reports AFP. Relations between the world's largest economies have plummeted to some of their worst levels in decades. Topping the long list of disagreements between them are the United States's trade curbs, which Washington says are crucial to safeguarding its national security. China, however, views them as a limitation on its global rise. Also read | Biden compares devastating Maui wildfire to a small house-fire from 2004, tells survivors 'I can relate' As per a US Department of Commerce statement, "Secretary Raimondo looks forward to constructive discussions on issues relating to the US-China commercial relationship, challenges faced by US businesses, and areas for potential cooperation." Confirming the visit, China said that the US Commerce Secretary has been invited by her Chinese counterpart, Wang Wentao. During her August 27-30 trip, Raimondo will travel to both Beijing and Shanghai, said Washington. Her visit will reportedly build on an agreement between US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Last year, the two leaders had agreed "to deepen communication between the US and the PRC on a range of issues." Trip agenda Speaking to reporters during a press briefing on Tuesday, White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said that Raimondo will carry the message that the US is not seeking to decouple from China but rather to "de-risk", which means that Washington only seeks to protect its national security. "Contrary to claims by some voices in China that we are seeking to slow down China's economy or weaken China's economic growth, that's just not the case," he said. Also read | Where is Xi Jinping? Chinese leader's unusual absence at BRICS Business Forum raises eyebrows "A stable Chinese economy is a good thing for the world," remarked Sullivan. Previously, in June, the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken travelled to Beijing. During the trip, he met with Chinese President Xi Jinping. In the aftermath of the visit, he said that progress had been made on a number of key sources of contention. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US secretary of commerce to travel to China next week, to focus on US-China commercial relationship

To hear one of America’s most experienced four-star generals tell it, the United States will be at war with China within two years. That sombre prediction, in a leaked memo to the 110,000 troops under the command of Air Force General Minihan, highlights widespread assumptions in the US military that the country will counter a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.

Minihan’s memo made its way on the internet before being published by the Air&amp;Space Forces magazine in January said: “I hope I’m wrong. My gut tells me we will fight in 2025…Taiwan’s presidential elections are in 2024 and will offer (Chinese President) Xi Jinping a reason (to invade). United States’ presidential elections are in 2024 and will offer Xi a distracted America. Xi’s team, reason and opportunity are all aligned for 2025.”

The Pentagon distanced itself from the memo, saying it did not reflect the Defense Department’s views. China reacted angrily, warning of “reckless and provocative” statements. Minihan shrugged off criticism of his memo, which made international headlines early in the year, telling a reporter late in July it had been an internal communication meant to prepare his Air Mobility Command for difficult conditions.

Predictions of the timing of conflict with China vary. But war has become “a broad narrative in the national security community,” according to an analysis by the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies, a think tank well-connected with the military.

In January, CSIS published a report titled "The First Battle of the Next War" on what would happen if China attempted an amphibious invasion of Taiwan. It played out a wide range of scenarios - most of which combined forces of the United States, Taiwan and Japan to defeat the invaders.

But the battle, the war gamers found, came at a high cost. “The United States and its allies lost dozens of ships, hundreds of aircraft and tens of thousands of service members. Taiwan saw its economy devastated. Further, the high losses damaged the US global position for many years. China also lost heavily and failure to occupy Taiwan might destabilize Chinese Communist Party rule.”

Senior military officials commenting on the outcome of the exercise and its assumptions included the former and present commanders of America’s Indo-Pacific Command, Admiral Philip S. Davison, who ran it until April 2021, and his successor, Admiral John C Aquilino. Davison said the threat of a Chinese invasion may "manifest…in the next six years.” For Aquilino, “This problem is much closer to us than many of us think.”

One of the reasons for the belated realisation that war may be closer than many expected is that the military was late in switching its focus on China and Russia – i.e. large-scale conflicts – after decades of fighting insurgencies, partly from 30,000 feet with precision weapons controlled by drone operators in the US, thousands of miles from their targets.

The emphasis on smart weapons for push-button war contributed to the decline of the military-industrial complex which began after the end of the Cold War. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine served as a sharp reminder of how much the US defence has shrunk over the years. There is not a single American factory which can produce 155mm artillery shells as fast as the Ukrainians are using them up.

According to the National Defense Industrial Association, 17,045 companies have left the “defence ecosystem” and today’s defence workforce is roughly a third of what it was in the final stages of the Cold War.

All this does not mean that the United States is no longer the world’s pre-eminent military power it became after the end of World War II but it does mean that its antagonists are catching up – China at a faster pace than any other.

The most widely gauged measure of relative military strength around the globe is defence spending, monitored annually by the authoritative Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). Its latest report shows that the US accounted for 39.5 per cent of all spending. That is as much as the combined spending of the next ten countries in the rankings.

They are China, Russia, India, Saudi Arabia, Britain, Germany, France, South Korea, Japan and Ukraine. Though China does not come close to the US overall in military power, it exceeded the US Navy in sheer size several years ago and now operates the world’s largest fleet of warships.

Whether military spending necessarily translates into dominance is a matter of dispute. A thoughtful analysis a few years ago on War on the Rocks, a website of expert debate on national security, argued that “defence spending does not directly correlate with military effectiveness. Tactical proficiency is significantly more important than, and not directly related to defence spending.”

Over the past few years, dozens of war games similar to exercise by CSIS have been conducted, the latest in April by the House Select Committee on competition with China. The outcomes varied but they all had a common end, with the US running out of long-range air-to-surface missiles within days and dozens of its aircraft wrecked on the ground.

This is why the CSIS report concluded that “victory is not enough. The United States needs to strengthen its deterrence immediately.”

In the flurry of debates over how to prevent war between the United States and an increasingly assertive China, one remark stands out and is worth remembering. It came from Henry Kissinger, whose deep knowledge of China dates back to his role in the 1972 rapprochement between China and the US&nbsp;prompted by President Richard Nixon’s breakthrough visit to Beijing.

In a lengthy interview with The Economist in May, just before his 100th birthday, Kissinger suggested that the future of humanity depended on averting war between China and the US. What was needed, he said, was lowering the temperature, building confidence and eventually having a meeting between the two countries' leaders in which the American president would tell his counterpart: “Mr President, the two greatest dangers to peace right now are us two. In the sense that we have the capacity to destroy humanity.”

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

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To hear one of America’s most experienced four-star generals tell it, the United States will be at war with China within two years. That sombre prediction, in a leaked memo to the 110,000 troops under the command of Air Force General Minihan, highlights widespread assumptions in the US military that the country will counter a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.

To hear one of America’s most experienced four-star generals tell it, the United States will be at war with China within two years. That sombre prediction, in a leaked memo to the 110,000 troops under the command of Air Force General Minihan, highlights widespread assumptions in the US military that the country will counter a Chinese invasion of Taiwan. Minihan’s memo made its way on the internet before being published by the Air&Space Forces magazine in January said: “I hope I’m wrong. My gut tells me we will fight in 2025…Taiwan’s presidential elections are in 2024 and will offer (Chinese President) Xi Jinping a reason (to invade). United States’ presidential elections are in 2024 and will offer Xi a distracted America. Xi’s team, reason and opportunity are all aligned for 2025.” The Pentagon distanced itself from the memo, saying it did not reflect the Defense Department’s views. China reacted angrily, warning of “reckless and provocative” statements. Minihan shrugged off criticism of his memo, which made international headlines early in the year, telling a reporter late in July it had been an internal communication meant to prepare his Air Mobility Command for difficult conditions. Predictions of the timing of conflict with China vary. But war has become “a broad narrative in the national security community,” according to an analysis by the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies, a think tank well-connected with the military. In January, CSIS published a report titled "The First Battle of the Next War" on what would happen if China attempted an amphibious invasion of Taiwan. It played out a wide range of scenarios - most of which combined forces of the United States, Taiwan and Japan to defeat the invaders. But the battle, the war gamers found, came at a high cost. “The United States and its allies lost dozens of ships, hundreds of aircraft and tens of thousands of service members. Taiwan saw its economy devastated. Further, the high losses damaged the US global position for many years. China also lost heavily and failure to occupy Taiwan might destabilize Chinese Communist Party rule.” Senior military officials commenting on the outcome of the exercise and its assumptions included the former and present commanders of America’s Indo-Pacific Command, Admiral Philip S. Davison, who ran it until April 2021, and his successor, Admiral John C Aquilino. Davison said the threat of a Chinese invasion may "manifest…in the next six years.” For Aquilino, “This problem is much closer to us than many of us think.” One of the reasons for the belated realisation that war may be closer than many expected is that the military was late in switching its focus on China and Russia – i.e. large-scale conflicts – after decades of fighting insurgencies, partly from 30,000 feet with precision weapons controlled by drone operators in the US, thousands of miles from their targets. The emphasis on smart weapons for push-button war contributed to the decline of the military-industrial complex which began after the end of the Cold War. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine served as a sharp reminder of how much the US defence has shrunk over the years. There is not a single American factory which can produce 155mm artillery shells as fast as the Ukrainians are using them up. According to the National Defense Industrial Association, 17,045 companies have left the “defence ecosystem” and today’s defence workforce is roughly a third of what it was in the final stages of the Cold War. All this does not mean that the United States is no longer the world’s pre-eminent military power it became after the end of World War II but it does mean that its antagonists are catching up – China at a faster pace than any other. The most widely gauged measure of relative military strength around the globe is defence spending, monitored annually by the authoritative Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). Its latest report shows that the US accounted for 39.5 per cent of all spending. That is as much as the combined spending of the next ten countries in the rankings. They are China, Russia, India, Saudi Arabia, Britain, Germany, France, South Korea, Japan and Ukraine. Though China does not come close to the US overall in military power, it exceeded the US Navy in sheer size several years ago and now operates the world’s largest fleet of warships. Whether military spending necessarily translates into dominance is a matter of dispute. A thoughtful analysis a few years ago on War on the Rocks, a website of expert debate on national security, argued that “defence spending does not directly correlate with military effectiveness. Tactical proficiency is significantly more important than, and not directly related to defence spending.” Over the past few years, dozens of war games similar to exercise by CSIS have been conducted, the latest in April by the House Select Committee on competition with China. The outcomes varied but they all had a common end, with the US running out of long-range air-to-surface missiles within days and dozens of its aircraft wrecked on the ground. This is why the CSIS report concluded that “victory is not enough. The United States needs to strengthen its deterrence immediately.” In the flurry of debates over how to prevent war between the United States and an increasingly assertive China, one remark stands out and is worth remembering. It came from Henry Kissinger, whose deep knowledge of China dates back to his role in the 1972 rapprochement between China and the US prompted by President Richard Nixon’s breakthrough visit to Beijing. In a lengthy interview with The Economist in May, just before his 100th birthday, Kissinger suggested that the future of humanity depended on averting war between China and the US. What was needed, he said, was lowering the temperature, building confidence and eventually having a meeting between the two countries' leaders in which the American president would tell his counterpart: “Mr President, the two greatest dangers to peace right now are us two. In the sense that we have the capacity to destroy humanity.” (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

In America, growing fears of war with China

In a meeting with senior Chinese officials, US climate envoy John Kerry on Tuesday (July 18th) emphasised the potential of climate cooperation between China and the United States as a way to redefine their troubled relationship and address global warming.

Reuters reports that Kerry's visit to China, which is aimed at reviving climate cooperation, coincided with extreme weather events worldwide, including record-breaking temperatures in the western United States.

<h2>Kerry cites record high temperature in Xinjiang, China</h2>

During a meeting at China's legislative building, the Great Hall of the People, Kerry expressed hope that the talks would mark the beginning of a new phase of cooperation and resolution of differences between the two countries.

He reportedly highlighted the seriousness of the situation, mentioning a record high temperature of 52.2 degrees Celsius recorded in China's Xinjiang region.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/us-white-house-announces-proposed-cyber-safety-mark-for-connected-devices-617067">US: White House announces proposed cyber safety mark for connected devices</a>

Premier Li Qiang as per Reuters expressed doubt over the Xinjiang temperatures mentioned by the US envoy, but later acknowledged the severe climate impacts faced by China and other regions.

"The predictions are much more serious than they've ever been," said Kerry.

The discussions between the two sides covered various topics, including climate financing, China's coal consumption, and the reduction of methane emissions.

<h2>China's urges wealthy nation to take the lead</h2>

Li, as per China's official Xinhua news agency, urged rich nations to "take the lead" in cutting emissions and fulfilling their commitments to provide climate financing to developing countries.

As per the news agency, speaking at a press conference later, Chinese President Xi Jinping too reiterated China's "unwavering" commitment to tackling climate change.

"But the route, method and intensity used to achieve this goal should and must be determined by ourselves, and will never be influenced by others," he said.

<h2>US envoy for 'fresh' start</h2>

During his meeting with top diplomat Wang Yi, Kerry emphasised that the talks could provide a fresh start for US-China relations, which have been strained due to disputes over Taiwan and trade.

He also conveyed to Chinese President Xi Jinping a message from US President Joe Biden, expressing how much the leader "values his relationship" with his Chinese counterpart.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-3-year-old-accidentally-kills-1-year-old-sibling-with-a-gun-in-a-bizarre-incident-616992">US: 3-year-old 'accidentally' kills 1-year-old sibling with a gun in bizarre incident</a>

"President Biden is very committed to stability within this relationship and also to achieve efforts together that can make significant difference to the world," said Kerry.

"I know he looks forward to being able to move forward, change the dynamics."

Wang Yi also referred to Kerry as an "old friend," highlighting their previous collaboration on resolving various issues, including the Iran nuclear talks.

<h2>Negotiations to continue</h2>

Reuters reports that the negotiations between the US and Chinese delegations will continue, focusing on national actions on climate change and preparations for the upcoming COP28 talks in Dubai.

Kerry's visit marks the formal resumption of top-level climate diplomacy between the two countries, and he is the third high-ranking US official to visit Beijing in recent weeks.

&nbsp;
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In a meeting with senior Chinese officials, US climate envoy John Kerry on Tuesday (July 18th) emphasised the potential of climate cooperation between China and the United States as a way to redefine their troubled relationship and address global warming.

In a meeting with senior Chinese officials, US climate envoy John Kerry on Tuesday (July 18th) emphasised the potential of climate cooperation between China and the United States as a way to redefine their troubled relationship and address global warming. Reuters reports that Kerry's visit to China, which is aimed at reviving climate cooperation, coincided with extreme weather events worldwide, including record-breaking temperatures in the western United States. Kerry cites record high temperature in Xinjiang, China During a meeting at China's legislative building, the Great Hall of the People, Kerry expressed hope that the talks would mark the beginning of a new phase of cooperation and resolution of differences between the two countries. He reportedly highlighted the seriousness of the situation, mentioning a record high temperature of 52.2 degrees Celsius recorded in China's Xinjiang region. Also read | US: White House announces proposed cyber safety mark for connected devices Premier Li Qiang as per Reuters expressed doubt over the Xinjiang temperatures mentioned by the US envoy, but later acknowledged the severe climate impacts faced by China and other regions. "The predictions are much more serious than they've ever been," said Kerry. The discussions between the two sides covered various topics, including climate financing, China's coal consumption, and the reduction of methane emissions. China's urges wealthy nation to take the lead Li, as per China's official Xinhua news agency, urged rich nations to "take the lead" in cutting emissions and fulfilling their commitments to provide climate financing to developing countries. As per the news agency, speaking at a press conference later, Chinese President Xi Jinping too reiterated China's "unwavering" commitment to tackling climate change. "But the route, method and intensity used to achieve this goal should and must be determined by ourselves, and will never be influenced by others," he said. US envoy for 'fresh' start During his meeting with top diplomat Wang Yi, Kerry emphasised that the talks could provide a fresh start for US-China relations, which have been strained due to disputes over Taiwan and trade. He also conveyed to Chinese President Xi Jinping a message from US President Joe Biden, expressing how much the leader "values his relationship" with his Chinese counterpart. Also read | US: 3-year-old 'accidentally' kills 1-year-old sibling with a gun in bizarre incident "President Biden is very committed to stability within this relationship and also to achieve efforts together that can make significant difference to the world," said Kerry. "I know he looks forward to being able to move forward, change the dynamics." Wang Yi also referred to Kerry as an "old friend," highlighting their previous collaboration on resolving various issues, including the Iran nuclear talks. Negotiations to continue Reuters reports that the negotiations between the US and Chinese delegations will continue, focusing on national actions on climate change and preparations for the upcoming COP28 talks in Dubai. Kerry's visit marks the formal resumption of top-level climate diplomacy between the two countries, and he is the third high-ranking US official to visit Beijing in recent weeks. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

US climate envoy John Kerry seeks cooperation with China to redefine troubled relationship

United States envoy John Kerry arrived in China on Sunday (July 16), reported the Chinese state media, as the world’s two biggest greenhouse gas emitters look to revive stalled efforts to combat global warming.

<h2>What will US and China envoys discuss?</h2>

The talks between US special envoy on climate change Kerry and his Chinese counterpart Xie Zhenhua will begin on Monday and go on till Wednesday. “<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/heavy-rainfall-in-chongqing-unleashes-havoc-615687">China</a> and the United States will have an in-depth exchange of views” on climate issues, reported the state broadcaster CCTV upon Kerry’s arrival in Beijing.&nbsp;

The meetings will&nbsp;focus on issues such as reducing methane emissions, limiting coal use, curbing deforestation and helping poor countries address climate change, reported Reuters. The talks, observers hope, will raise the bar on ambitions ahead of the upcoming United Nations climate summit, COP28, which will be hosted by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in Dubai, later this year.&nbsp;

The official from Washington, during his visit to Beijing, will talk to Chinese officials “with respect to increasing implementation and ambition and promoting a successful COP28,” said the US state department. Worryingly, several regions across the world have been experiencing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/millions-battle-record-heatwaves-as-temperatures-dangerously-soar-in-us-europe-616127">record-breaking temperatures</a>.&nbsp;

<h2>Ease in diplomatic tensions between Washington and Beijing</h2>

It is also worth noting that the bilateral climate talks between US and China had stalled, back in August, after then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited the democratically-governed island of Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its territory, and the Chinese infuriated.&nbsp;

Additionally, former US president Donald Trump’s administration put tariffs on Chinese goods, including solar panels, while Washington also introduced a law blocking imports from China’s Xinjiang region where Washington believes Beijing uses forced labour.

However, both countries have recently said that they should be able to collaborate on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/what-is-the-cerberus-heatwave-which-is-boiling-europe-616230">climate change</a> despite other disagreements. The informal talks about climate issues resumed during the COP27 summit in Egypt in November.

Prior to his trip to China, the US envoy addressed his objectives at a US House subcommittee hearing on Thursday and said, “What we’re trying to achieve now is really to establish some stability with the relationship without conceding anything.”&nbsp;

Kerry’s visit also follows two other high-level visits from Washington officials&nbsp;– Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen – to Beijing, in a bid to reestablish and stabilise US-China ties.&nbsp;

The talks between Washington and China will be closely watched, including by Republican lawmakers, who criticised Kerry’s trip and reportedly said how he is flying a carbon-spewing private jet halfway across the world to discuss climate change with a political adversary.

However, observers and environmental groups see it as a good sign and have hoped for a positive outcome from these meetings. The scheduled talks showed&nbsp;that climate change “is still the touchstone for the most important bilateral relationship of the world,” said Li Shuo from Greenpeace in Beijing, as quoted by Reuters.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;

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United States envoy John Kerry arrived in China on Sunday (July 16), reported the Chinese state media, as the world’s two biggest greenhouse gas emitters look to revive stalled efforts to combat global warming.

United States envoy John Kerry arrived in China on Sunday (July 16), reported the Chinese state media, as the world’s two biggest greenhouse gas emitters look to revive stalled efforts to combat global warming. What will US and China envoys discuss? The talks between US special envoy on climate change Kerry and his Chinese counterpart Xie Zhenhua will begin on Monday and go on till Wednesday. “China and the United States will have an in-depth exchange of views” on climate issues, reported the state broadcaster CCTV upon Kerry’s arrival in Beijing. The meetings will focus on issues such as reducing methane emissions, limiting coal use, curbing deforestation and helping poor countries address climate change, reported Reuters. The talks, observers hope, will raise the bar on ambitions ahead of the upcoming United Nations climate summit, COP28, which will be hosted by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in Dubai, later this year. The official from Washington, during his visit to Beijing, will talk to Chinese officials “with respect to increasing implementation and ambition and promoting a successful COP28,” said the US state department. Worryingly, several regions across the world have been experiencing record-breaking temperatures. Ease in diplomatic tensions between Washington and Beijing It is also worth noting that the bilateral climate talks between US and China had stalled, back in August, after then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited the democratically-governed island of Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its territory, and the Chinese infuriated. Additionally, former US president Donald Trump’s administration put tariffs on Chinese goods, including solar panels, while Washington also introduced a law blocking imports from China’s Xinjiang region where Washington believes Beijing uses forced labour. However, both countries have recently said that they should be able to collaborate on climate change despite other disagreements. The informal talks about climate issues resumed during the COP27 summit in Egypt in November. Prior to his trip to China, the US envoy addressed his objectives at a US House subcommittee hearing on Thursday and said, “What we’re trying to achieve now is really to establish some stability with the relationship without conceding anything.” Kerry’s visit also follows two other high-level visits from Washington officials – Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen – to Beijing, in a bid to reestablish and stabilise US-China ties. The talks between Washington and China will be closely watched, including by Republican lawmakers, who criticised Kerry’s trip and reportedly said how he is flying a carbon-spewing private jet halfway across the world to discuss climate change with a political adversary. However, observers and environmental groups see it as a good sign and have hoped for a positive outcome from these meetings. The scheduled talks showed that climate change “is still the touchstone for the most important bilateral relationship of the world,” said Li Shuo from Greenpeace in Beijing, as quoted by Reuters. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Washington envoy Kerry arrives in Beijing as US, China aim to revive climate cooperation

US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen on Thursday landed in Beijing on a four-day visit, hoping to mend the frosty relationship between the two superpower countries.&nbsp;Shortly after the arrival, Yellen posted a series of tweets wherein she hoped that Washington and Beijing&nbsp;are able to 'communicate and avoid miscommunication'.&nbsp;

"We seek a healthy economic competition that benefits American workers and firms and to collaborate on global challenges," Yellen wrote on Twitter.

"We will take action to protect our national security when needed, and this trip presents an opportunity to communicate and avoid miscommunication or misunderstanding."

Both nations have prioritised safeguarding national security interests above deepening economic ties, leading to the strain in relationship.&nbsp;Although experts are wary that not much will be resolved during Yellen's trip, the optimism shown by the leader at the start of her trip has invited appreciation.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/micron-fails-chinas-security-check-594972">WATCH |&nbsp;Micron fails China's security check</a>

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<h2>Yellen's visit comes after Blinken's short trip&nbsp;</h2>

Yellen's visit to China comes a few weeks after&nbsp;Secretary of State Antony Blinken travelled to Beijing and met President Xi Jinping. After the visit, Washington seemingly toed Beijing's line and said it didn't support Taiwan's independence.&nbsp;

The relations between the two countries have remained frosty for a long period. Earlier this week, the chip war between the two countries took a new turn after China imposed export controls on two rare elements, essential for the manufacturing of semiconductors.&nbsp;

Starting August 1, exports of gallium, and germanium, among several other industrial compounds will be subject to restrictions, Beijing announced, in order to “safeguard national security and interests”.&nbsp;

Washington returned the favour with news reports claiming that the Biden administration was planning to restrict Chinese access to US cloud-computing services.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tit-for-tat-after-china-restricts-metals-export-us-mulls-ban-on-access-to-cloud-computing-611647">Also read |&nbsp;Tit-for-tat: After China restricts metals export, US mulls ban on access to cloud computing</a>

According to reports, Yellen will raise the issue of punitive actions against US firms and market&nbsp;access barriers during her dialogue with top Chinese diplomats, On Friday, she is expected to meet Premier Li Qiang&nbsp;and former economy tsar Liu He, a close ally of President Xi Jinping.&nbsp;

The Biden administration, in recent months, has set about to thaw the icing relations after the US military shot down a Chinese government spy balloon over the United States. With Biden likely to meet Xi at&nbsp;the G20 Summit in New Delhi in September, the groundwork is being laid out by the visit of top leaders, to ensure a smooth channel of communication is developed.&nbsp;

(With updates from agencies) 
 
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US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen on Thursday landed in Beijing on a four-day visit, hoping to mend the frosty relationship between the two superpower countries.

US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen on Thursday landed in Beijing on a four-day visit, hoping to mend the frosty relationship between the two superpower countries. Shortly after the arrival, Yellen posted a series of tweets wherein she hoped that Washington and Beijing are able to 'communicate and avoid miscommunication'. "We seek a healthy economic competition that benefits American workers and firms and to collaborate on global challenges," Yellen wrote on Twitter. "We will take action to protect our national security when needed, and this trip presents an opportunity to communicate and avoid miscommunication or misunderstanding." Both nations have prioritised safeguarding national security interests above deepening economic ties, leading to the strain in relationship. Although experts are wary that not much will be resolved during Yellen's trip, the optimism shown by the leader at the start of her trip has invited appreciation. WATCH | Micron fails China's security check Yellen's visit comes after Blinken's short trip Yellen's visit to China comes a few weeks after Secretary of State Antony Blinken travelled to Beijing and met President Xi Jinping. After the visit, Washington seemingly toed Beijing's line and said it didn't support Taiwan's independence. The relations between the two countries have remained frosty for a long period. Earlier this week, the chip war between the two countries took a new turn after China imposed export controls on two rare elements, essential for the manufacturing of semiconductors. Starting August 1, exports of gallium, and germanium, among several other industrial compounds will be subject to restrictions, Beijing announced, in order to “safeguard national security and interests”. Washington returned the favour with news reports claiming that the Biden administration was planning to restrict Chinese access to US cloud-computing services. Also read | Tit-for-tat: After China restricts metals export, US mulls ban on access to cloud computing According to reports, Yellen will raise the issue of punitive actions against US firms and market access barriers during her dialogue with top Chinese diplomats, On Friday, she is expected to meet Premier Li Qiang and former economy tsar Liu He, a close ally of President Xi Jinping. The Biden administration, in recent months, has set about to thaw the icing relations after the US military shot down a Chinese government spy balloon over the United States. With Biden likely to meet Xi at the G20 Summit in New Delhi in September, the groundwork is being laid out by the visit of top leaders, to ensure a smooth channel of communication is developed. (With updates from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

'Avoid miscommunication...': Yellen after arriving in Beijing on four-day trip

Escalating the tit-for-tat battle with China, the US is planning to restrict Chinese access to US cloud-computing services, the Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday, citing people familiar with the situation.

Escalating the tit-for-tat battle with China, the US is planning to restrict Chinese access to US cloud-computing services, the Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday, citing people familiar with the situation. The Biden administration's new rules, if adopted, would mean that US cloud providers such as Amazon and Microsoft will have to seek government permission before they can provide cloud-computing services that use advanced artificial intelligence chips to Chinese customers. "The proposed restriction is seen as a means to close a significant loophole. National security analysts have warned that Chinese AI companies might have bypassed the current export controls rules by using cloud services," the publication added. Currently, cloud computing services allow customers to gain powerful computing abilities, without purchasing advanced equipment such as semiconductors. Despite closing doors on advanced A100 and H100 chips from Nvidia, China is able to circumvent the sanctions, using the loophole. China restricts raw materials for chip manufacturing Notably, the proposed restrictions by Washington come on the same day as China decided to impose export controls on two rare elements, essential for the manufacturing of semiconductors. The Commerce Department is expected to unveil the restrictions, as early as next week as part of semiconductor export control policy. Starting August 1, exports of gallium and germanium, among several other industrial compounds will be subject to restrictions, Beijing announced on Monday, in order to “safeguard national security and interests”. China’s Ministry of Commerce and Administration of Customs took the decision, laying it out that the exporters will have to seek special approval from the State Council, China's cabinet, for the listed items. Also read | The semiconductor wars: China restricts exports of raw materials critical to chip production Why the restrictions? The chip wars between the two nations began under the tenure of former president Donald Trump when his administration banned suppliers from selling chips made using US technology to tech giant Huawei without a special license. For years, the US led the technology battle with China. However, the tips have recently scaled in Beijing's favour. According to a study presented by Special Competitive Studies Project (SCSP), the US could lose the tech competition to China if it does not take action on the 5G, AI, and microchip core fronts. WATCH | Micron fails China's security check The report added that the tech race would be going through its critical phase in the 2025-2030 period. During this window, Beijing might be able to edge out the USA if the current trend continues. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Tit-for-tat: After China restricts metals export, US mulls ban on access to cloud computing

Chinese Defence Minister Li Shangfu has said a conflict with the United States would be an "unbearable disaster" for the world. Li made the comment during the Shangri-La security summit in Singapore over the weekend, adding that Beijing seeks dialogue over confrontation.

Chinese Defence Minister Li Shangfu has said a conflict with the United States would be an "unbearable disaster" for the world. Li made the comment during the Shangri-La security summit in Singapore over the weekend, adding that Beijing seeks dialogue over confrontation. "China and the US have different systems and are different in many other ways," said Li who was giving his first major speech since taking on the role. "However, this should not keep the two sides from seeking common ground and common interests to grow bilateral ties and deepen cooperation," he said. "It is undeniable that a severe conflict or confrontation between China and the US will be an unbearable disaster for the world." WATCH | Thaw in U.S-China relationship? Spotlight on Beijing's state-led development, calls to rethink ties Beijing blames Washington The statement by Li comes after he declined an invitation to meet with his US counterpart Llyod Austin, along the sidelines of Asia’s top security summit. Beijing shot down the plans and blamed the US for the recent escalation in tension. It said Washington should “earnestly respect China’s sovereignty and security interests and concerns, immediately correct the wrongdoing, show sincerity, and create the necessary atmosphere and conditions for dialogue and communication between the two militaries". Austin termed the cancellation of the meeting as 'unfortunate', adding that without dialogue, any small incident could "spiral out of control". "You've heard me talk a number of times about the importance of countries with large, with significant capabilities, being able to talk to each other so you can manage crises and prevent things from spiralling out of control unnecessarily," he said. "We would hope that they would alter their actions, but since they haven't yet, I'm concerned about at some point having an incident that could very, very quickly spiral out of control." Also read | US defence secretary terms cancellation of talks with Chinese counterpart as ‘unfortunate’ Tensions rise between the two nations Both China and US have been at each other's case over myriad issues, ranging from Taiwan to territorial disputes in the South China Sea to US President's heavy-handedness on semiconductor chip exports to Beiji.ng. However, the recent flare-up in relations came last week when the US military alleged that the Chinese navy carried out “unsafe manoeuvres” near a US destroyer transiting the sensitive Taiwan Strait. Previously, the two nations locked horns when a Chinese plane “flew directly in front of and within 400 feet of the nose of the RC-135, forcing the US aircraft to fly through its wake turbulence". In a declassified video footage, a fighter plane could be seen crossing in front of the American aircraft which appears to be shaking due to the resulting turbulence. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Chinese defence minister says war with US would be 'unbearable disaster', seeks dialogue

The US Chamber of Commerce has warned about increased surveillance of American companies in China, claiming that it has "dramatically increased" the uncertainties and hazards of doing business overseas.&nbsp;

This warning comes days after Chinese officials questioned management consulting firm Bain &amp; Company staff in Shanghai and closed down Mintz Group's Beijing headquarters.&nbsp;

The lobby group noted&nbsp;that despite Chinese officials expressing openness to greater foreign investment, investors will feel unwelcomed in an environment where risk cannot be properly assessed, and legal uncertainties are rising.&nbsp;

The cases coincide with rising tensions between the United States and China, which have badly affected the confidence of American businesses operating in the world's second-largest economy.

China's counter-espionage law was revised last week, and an amendment is set to take effect in July. The law widens the scope of materials and data the country deems relevant to national security, further increasing risks for American firms.&nbsp;

The lobby group added&nbsp;that it is unclear what the long-term implications of the heightened scrutiny will be.

US-China Tech War

Meanwhile, the US is attempting to slow China's progress in high tech products without hurting US companies. This move comes after the US' microchip export limits, which were enacted last year, have had little impact on China's technology sector.&nbsp;

Notably, these restrictions limited US tech giant Nvidia's&nbsp;chip shipments. But the company&nbsp;designed variants of its processors for the Chinese market that were slowed down to comply with US rules.

However, even the delayed Nvidia chips are being considered an improvement for Chinese enterprises, and&nbsp;highlights the US dilemma of halting China's high-tech advancement.&nbsp;

There are two aspects to the export limitations.&nbsp;

The first limits a chip's ability to calculate exceedingly exact numbers, limiting the use of supercomputers in military research. The second limitation affects artificial intelligence (AI) by limiting chip-to-chip transfer speeds.&nbsp;

Nvidia has not stated whether it will slow down the processors used for AI-based tools like ChatGPT. However, the company said that the government is not attempting to undermine competition or the US industry and that American enterprises can supply products for commercial purposes. 
&nbsp;

(With agency inputs)&nbsp;

The US Chamber of Commerce has warned about increased surveillance of American companies in China, claiming that it has "dramatically increased" the uncertainties and hazards of doing business overseas.

The US Chamber of Commerce has warned about increased surveillance of American companies in China, claiming that it has "dramatically increased" the uncertainties and hazards of doing business overseas. This warning comes days after Chinese officials questioned management consulting firm Bain & Company staff in Shanghai and closed down Mintz Group's Beijing headquarters. The lobby group noted that despite Chinese officials expressing openness to greater foreign investment, investors will feel unwelcomed in an environment where risk cannot be properly assessed, and legal uncertainties are rising. The cases coincide with rising tensions between the United States and China, which have badly affected the confidence of American businesses operating in the world's second-largest economy. China's counter-espionage law was revised last week, and an amendment is set to take effect in July. The law widens the scope of materials and data the country deems relevant to national security, further increasing risks for American firms. The lobby group added that it is unclear what the long-term implications of the heightened scrutiny will be. US-China Tech War Meanwhile, the US is attempting to slow China's progress in high tech products without hurting US companies. This move comes after the US' microchip export limits, which were enacted last year, have had little impact on China's technology sector. Notably, these restrictions limited US tech giant Nvidia's chip shipments. But the company designed variants of its processors for the Chinese market that were slowed down to comply with US rules. However, even the delayed Nvidia chips are being considered an improvement for Chinese enterprises, and highlights the US dilemma of halting China's high-tech advancement. There are two aspects to the export limitations. The first limits a chip's ability to calculate exceedingly exact numbers, limiting the use of supercomputers in military research. The second limitation affects artificial intelligence (AI) by limiting chip-to-chip transfer speeds. Nvidia has not stated whether it will slow down the processors used for AI-based tools like ChatGPT. However, the company said that the government is not attempting to undermine competition or the US industry and that American enterprises can supply products for commercial purposes. (With agency inputs)

From business to chip exports, American firms navigate risks in China

Former chairman of computer chipmaker conglomerate Tsinghua Unigroup, Zhao Weiguo has been accused of corruption by China’s top anti-graft watchdog. This comes amid reports of key players in Beijing’s semiconductor industry being investigated on graft allegations following the government’s billions of dollars worth of investments into projects that later failed or stalled.&nbsp;

The Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, on Monday (March 20) said that the former executive’s case has been handed to prosecutors who will then file charges against him. The regulators have also alleged that Zhao “took the state-owned company he managed as his private fiefdom.”&nbsp;

The former executive is among some of the prominent names who are facing an investigation as the Chinese leadership is seemingly getting frustrated over their failure to make semiconductors which can replace the United States-developed circuitry. Chinese President Xi Jinping’s government reportedly poured some $100 billion into the industry in a bid to reduce reliance on the West. &nbsp;

According to the regulators, Zhao allegedly passed profitable businesses to his relatives and friends while purchasing goods and services from companies managed by his associates at “prices significantly higher than the market”. Together, the acts caused heavy losses to national interests, said the regulators.

This also comes after reports that he has been under investigation since July. At the time, Zhao served as chairman of the company affiliated with the prestigious Tsinghua University, Xi’s alma mater. The issue of semiconductors has become a point of contention between China and the US after the latter has increasingly placed restrictions on the former to contain Beijing’s technological ambitions.&nbsp;

Zhao’s company is said to have become one of China's leading chipmakers after a series of acquisitions. However, under his leadership, it defaulted on several bond payments some three years ago, reported BBC.&nbsp;

Tsinghua Unigroup also finished restructuring last July which placed it under the control of another group of companies led by state-backed venture capital firms. It was also around that time that Zhao stepped down as the chairman.

Meanwhile, another area of scrutiny for Beijing’s authorities has reportedly been the National Integrated Circuit Industry Investment Fund or Big Fund where the anti-graft agency had previously announced investigations into executives who helped manage the company’s fund, reported Bloomberg.&nbsp; 
 
(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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Former chairman of computer chipmaker conglomerate Tsinghua Unigroup, Zhao Weiguo has been accused of corruption by China’s top anti-graft watchdog. This comes amid reports of key players in Beijing’s semiconductor industry being investigated on graft allegations following the government’s billions of dollars worth of investments into projects that later failed or stalled.

Former chairman of computer chipmaker conglomerate Tsinghua Unigroup, Zhao Weiguo has been accused of corruption by China’s top anti-graft watchdog. This comes amid reports of key players in Beijing’s semiconductor industry being investigated on graft allegations following the government’s billions of dollars worth of investments into projects that later failed or stalled. The Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, on Monday (March 20) said that the former executive’s case has been handed to prosecutors who will then file charges against him. The regulators have also alleged that Zhao “took the state-owned company he managed as his private fiefdom.” The former executive is among some of the prominent names who are facing an investigation as the Chinese leadership is seemingly getting frustrated over their failure to make semiconductors which can replace the United States-developed circuitry. Chinese President Xi Jinping’s government reportedly poured some $100 billion into the industry in a bid to reduce reliance on the West. According to the regulators, Zhao allegedly passed profitable businesses to his relatives and friends while purchasing goods and services from companies managed by his associates at “prices significantly higher than the market”. Together, the acts caused heavy losses to national interests, said the regulators. This also comes after reports that he has been under investigation since July. At the time, Zhao served as chairman of the company affiliated with the prestigious Tsinghua University, Xi’s alma mater. The issue of semiconductors has become a point of contention between China and the US after the latter has increasingly placed restrictions on the former to contain Beijing’s technological ambitions. Zhao’s company is said to have become one of China's leading chipmakers after a series of acquisitions. However, under his leadership, it defaulted on several bond payments some three years ago, reported BBC. Tsinghua Unigroup also finished restructuring last July which placed it under the control of another group of companies led by state-backed venture capital firms. It was also around that time that Zhao stepped down as the chairman. Meanwhile, another area of scrutiny for Beijing’s authorities has reportedly been the National Integrated Circuit Industry Investment Fund or Big Fund where the anti-graft agency had previously announced investigations into executives who helped manage the company’s fund, reported Bloomberg. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Chip tycoon Zhao Weiguo accused of corruption by Chinese regulators

In his first major remarks since taking over as China's Foreign Minister, Qin Gang, while speaking at the sidelines of China's annual meeting of the parliament, said that Taiwan was the "first red line" United States must refrain from crossing in Sino-US relations. He also said that it was "absurd" for US officials to reject Taiwan as China's internal affair.&nbsp;"The Taiwan question is the core of the core interests of China, the bedrock of the political foundation of China-US&nbsp;relations and the first red line that must not be crossed in China-US&nbsp;relations," he said.

Watch |&nbsp;China sets GDP target of ‘around 5%’ for 2023

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Qin also blamed Washington for "the Taiwan question."

"The United States has unshakable responsibility for causing the Taiwan question."

He further said that Beijing will keep working for "peaceful reunification" of the so-called two Chinas. Qin added that China reserves the right to take all necessary measures.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/xi-jinping-calls-out-us-led-suppression-of-china-at-annual-meet-569416">Xi Jinping calls out US-led 'suppression of China' at annual meet</a>

"No one should ever underestimate the firm resolve strong will and great capability of the Chinese government and people to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity."

Recently, tensions between China and Taiwan have seen a significant escalation. China views democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory and has, in the past three years, ramped up diplomatic and military pressure to push Taipei into accepting Chinese sovereignty.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-calls-for-taiwans-peaceful-reunification-vows-resolute-steps-to-oppose-independence-568940">China announces 7% hike in military budget</a>

Taiwan, on the other hand,&nbsp;strongly disputes China's territorial claims and says only Taiwanese people have the right to decide their future. Washington supports Taiwan's sovereignty claims. In 2022, US President Joe Biden signed off a defence spending bill including up to $10 billion (€9.4 billion) in assistance for Taiwan. He has even said that Washington will intervene if China was to mount an unprovoked attack on Taiwan.

(With inputs from agencies)

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In his first major remarks since taking over as China's Foreign Minister, Qin Gang, while speaking at the sidelines of China's annual meeting of the parliament, said that Taiwan was the "first red line" United States must refrain from crossing in Sino-US relations.

In his first major remarks since taking over as China's Foreign Minister, Qin Gang, while speaking at the sidelines of China's annual meeting of the parliament, said that Taiwan was the "first red line" United States must refrain from crossing in Sino-US relations. He also said that it was "absurd" for US officials to reject Taiwan as China's internal affair. "The Taiwan question is the core of the core interests of China, the bedrock of the political foundation of China-US relations and the first red line that must not be crossed in China-US relations," he said. Watch | China sets GDP target of ‘around 5%’ for 2023 Qin also blamed Washington for "the Taiwan question." "The United States has unshakable responsibility for causing the Taiwan question." He further said that Beijing will keep working for "peaceful reunification" of the so-called two Chinas. Qin added that China reserves the right to take all necessary measures. Also read | Xi Jinping calls out US-led 'suppression of China' at annual meet "No one should ever underestimate the firm resolve strong will and great capability of the Chinese government and people to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity." Recently, tensions between China and Taiwan have seen a significant escalation. China views democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory and has, in the past three years, ramped up diplomatic and military pressure to push Taipei into accepting Chinese sovereignty. Also read | China announces 7% hike in military budget Taiwan, on the other hand, strongly disputes China's territorial claims and says only Taiwanese people have the right to decide their future. Washington supports Taiwan's sovereignty claims. In 2022, US President Joe Biden signed off a defence spending bill including up to $10 billion (€9.4 billion) in assistance for Taiwan. He has even said that Washington will intervene if China was to mount an unprovoked attack on Taiwan. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

China tells United States to not cross the 'red line' on Taiwan question

The US ambassador to China said on Monday (February 27) Beijing must be “more honest” about the origins of COVID-19. This comes after the US Energy Department report concluded that the pandemic may have been a Chinese laboratory leak, as per media reports.&nbsp;A similar claim was made by the FBI in a report two years ago where they determined, albeit with “moderate confidence”, that the virus was part of a lab leak.&nbsp;The next day, China responded by saying that it has been "open and transparent" with its search for the virus' origins.&nbsp;

Beijing needed to “be more honest about what happened three years ago in Wuhan with the origin of the COVID-19 crisis,” ambassador Nicholas Burns said, referring to the Chinese city where the first cases in connection with the virus were reported. The remarks were also made in the context of strengthening the World Health Organization (WHO) and pushing Beijing to play a more active role in the organisation during a US Chamber of Commerce event.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-virus-likely-was-a-result-of-lab-leak-us-energy-departments-report-says-566200">COVID-19 virus likely was a result of lab leak, US energy department’s report says</a>

The recent claim on the virus origin, made in a classified intelligence report which was provided to the White House and key lawmakers in Congress, was first reported by the Wall Street Journal. The US energy department’s report alleged that the pandemic likely began with a virus escaping from a Chinese lab. 
 
However, Beijing has rejected these claims and accused the US of “politicising” origin-tracing of the virus and asked it to “stop smearing China” by rehashing the “‘lab leak’ narrative”. These remarks were made by the Chinese&nbsp;Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning during her daily press briefing on Tuesday. Mao also said Beijing has "shared the most data and research results on virus tracing and made important contributions to global virus tracing research", reported Associated Press.&nbsp; 
 
ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-wuhan-lab-leak-theory-resurfaces-566566">Gravitas: Wuhan Lab Leak theory resurfaces</a> 
 
Media reports meanwhile said that the department's conclusion was made with “low confidence.” The National Security Council Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby said there is no definitive conclusion on the Covid origin theory. “What the US President (Joe Biden) wants is facts. He wants the whole government designed to get those facts and that’s what we are doing. And we’re not just there yet,” said Kirby, during a press briefing, on Monday.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In an interview with CNN, the Biden administration’s National Security Advisor, Jake Sullivan also said there is a range of views in the intelligence community about the origins of the pandemic. He added, “A number of them have said they just don't have enough information”.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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The US ambassador to China said on Monday (February 27) Beijing must be “more honest” about the origins of COVID-19. This comes after the US Energy Department report concluded that the pandemic may have been a Chinese laboratory leak, as per media reports.

The US ambassador to China said on Monday (February 27) Beijing must be “more honest” about the origins of COVID-19. This comes after the US Energy Department report concluded that the pandemic may have been a Chinese laboratory leak, as per media reports. A similar claim was made by the FBI in a report two years ago where they determined, albeit with “moderate confidence”, that the virus was part of a lab leak. The next day, China responded by saying that it has been "open and transparent" with its search for the virus' origins. Beijing needed to “be more honest about what happened three years ago in Wuhan with the origin of the COVID-19 crisis,” ambassador Nicholas Burns said, referring to the Chinese city where the first cases in connection with the virus were reported. The remarks were also made in the context of strengthening the World Health Organization (WHO) and pushing Beijing to play a more active role in the organisation during a US Chamber of Commerce event. ALSO READ | COVID-19 virus likely was a result of lab leak, US energy department’s report says The recent claim on the virus origin, made in a classified intelligence report which was provided to the White House and key lawmakers in Congress, was first reported by the Wall Street Journal. The US energy department’s report alleged that the pandemic likely began with a virus escaping from a Chinese lab. However, Beijing has rejected these claims and accused the US of “politicising” origin-tracing of the virus and asked it to “stop smearing China” by rehashing the “‘lab leak’ narrative”. These remarks were made by the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning during her daily press briefing on Tuesday. Mao also said Beijing has "shared the most data and research results on virus tracing and made important contributions to global virus tracing research", reported Associated Press. ALSO WATCH | Gravitas: Wuhan Lab Leak theory resurfaces Media reports meanwhile said that the department's conclusion was made with “low confidence.” The National Security Council Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby said there is no definitive conclusion on the Covid origin theory. “What the US President (Joe Biden) wants is facts. He wants the whole government designed to get those facts and that’s what we are doing. And we’re not just there yet,” said Kirby, during a press briefing, on Monday. In an interview with CNN, the Biden administration’s National Security Advisor, Jake Sullivan also said there is a range of views in the intelligence community about the origins of the pandemic. He added, “A number of them have said they just don't have enough information”. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

China needs to be ‘more honest’ on origins of COVID-19, says US ambassador; Beijing retorts

Following up on the recent talks between US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping, a high-level delegation from the United States will now visit Beijing, announced the US State Department on Saturday.&nbsp;

Daniel Kritenbrink, assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific affairs, and Laura Rosenberger, senior director for China and Taiwan at the National Security Council, will visit China, South Korea, and Japan from December 11 through 14, according to a statement from the State Department.

Watch |&nbsp;China's 'heavenly palace' space station; US space command says 'Our space assets at risk'

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The high-level delegation will prepare the ground for US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit to China early next year.

Last month, at the sidelines of the Indonesia G20 summit, the US and Chinese presidents engaged in "blunt talks" over Taiwan and North Korea, reports Reuters. Reportedly, the talks aimed to prevent the strained ties between the two nations from spilling into a "new cold war".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/middle-east/chinas-attempt-to-challenge-the-usds-dominance-as-xi-jinping-calls-for-oil-trade-in-yuan-541922">China's attempt to challenge the USD's dominance as Xi Jinping calls for oil trade in yuan</a>

In addition to laying the stage for Blinken's visit, the State Department stated that the delegation will follow up on the meeting "to continue responsibly managing the competition between our two countries and to explore potential areas of cooperation."

The visit comes as a senior US official recently remarked that given the domestic economic challenges China faces in the country and the pushback it faces in the Asian continent due to its assertive diplomacy, Bejing is seeking stabilised relations with Washington.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-imposes-sanctions-on-chinese-officials-over-serious-human-rights-abuse-in-tibet-541677">US imposes sanctions on Chinese officials over 'serious' human rights abuse in Tibet</a>

As per White House Indo-Pacific coordinator Kurt Campbell, China's slowing economy over its stringent coronavirus action plan, along with the perception that it has enraged many of its neighbours, indicated that Beijing was looking for more stable relations with Washington in the "short term."

(With inputs from agencies)

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Following up on the recent talks between US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping, a high-level delegation from the United States will now visit Beijing, announced the US State Department on Saturday.

Following up on the recent talks between US President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping, a high-level delegation from the United States will now visit Beijing, announced the US State Department on Saturday. Daniel Kritenbrink, assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific affairs, and Laura Rosenberger, senior director for China and Taiwan at the National Security Council, will visit China, South Korea, and Japan from December 11 through 14, according to a statement from the State Department. Watch | China's 'heavenly palace' space station; US space command says 'Our space assets at risk' The high-level delegation will prepare the ground for US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit to China early next year. Last month, at the sidelines of the Indonesia G20 summit, the US and Chinese presidents engaged in "blunt talks" over Taiwan and North Korea, reports Reuters. Reportedly, the talks aimed to prevent the strained ties between the two nations from spilling into a "new cold war". Also read | China's attempt to challenge the USD's dominance as Xi Jinping calls for oil trade in yuan In addition to laying the stage for Blinken's visit, the State Department stated that the delegation will follow up on the meeting "to continue responsibly managing the competition between our two countries and to explore potential areas of cooperation." The visit comes as a senior US official recently remarked that given the domestic economic challenges China faces in the country and the pushback it faces in the Asian continent due to its assertive diplomacy, Bejing is seeking stabilised relations with Washington. Also read | US imposes sanctions on Chinese officials over 'serious' human rights abuse in Tibet As per White House Indo-Pacific coordinator Kurt Campbell, China's slowing economy over its stringent coronavirus action plan, along with the perception that it has enraged many of its neighbours, indicated that Beijing was looking for more stable relations with Washington in the "short term." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

High-level US delegation to visit China next week to prepare ground for Blinken’s trip

A&nbsp;U.S.&nbsp;judge&nbsp;on Friday dismissed an&nbsp;indictment&nbsp;against&nbsp;Meng Wanzhou, the chief financial officer of&nbsp;Huawei&nbsp;Technologies Co, formally ending a criminal sanctions case that&nbsp;strained&nbsp;US-China&nbsp;relations.

Meng, whose father Ren Zhengfei founded&nbsp;Huawei&nbsp;and is the telecommunications company's chief executive, entered an agreement with&nbsp;US&nbsp;prosecutors last year for the case to be dismissed four years after her December 2018 arrest.

Prosecutors accused Meng of bank fraud and other crimes for misleading HSBC Holdings Plc and other banks about Huawei's relationship with a company that operated in Iran.

They said Meng's actions put banks at risk of penalties for processing transactions that violated&nbsp;US&nbsp;sanctions.

Huawei&nbsp;has pleaded not guilty to related&nbsp;US&nbsp;criminal charges.

US&nbsp;District&nbsp;Judge&nbsp;Ann Donnelly in Brooklyn dismissed Meng's&nbsp;indictment&nbsp;with prejudice, meaning it cannot be brought again.

A lawyer for Meng and a spokeswoman for&nbsp;Huawei&nbsp;did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Meng spent nearly three years under house arrest in Canada following her arrest at a Vancouver airport.

She entered a deferred prosecution agreement with&nbsp;US&nbsp;prosecutors in Sept. 2021 in which she acknowledged having made false statements about&nbsp;Huawei's Iran business.

On the day Donnelly approved that agreement, Meng flew home to Shenzhen.

Shortly afterwards,&nbsp;China&nbsp;released two Canadians it had been holding, and two American siblings who had been prevented from leaving the country were allowed to fly home.

Meng, 50, now serves as&nbsp;Huawei's rotating chairwoman and deputy chairwoman, as well as&nbsp;CFO.

The United States still views&nbsp;Huawei&nbsp;as a national security threat.

On Nov. 25, the Biden administration banned approvals of new telecommunications equipment from&nbsp;Huawei&nbsp;and&nbsp;China's ZTE Corp because they posed an "unacceptable risk" to national security.

&nbsp;

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A U.S. judge on Friday dismissed an indictment against Meng Wanzhou, the chief financial officer of Huawei Technologies Co, formally ending a criminal sanctions case that strained US-China relations.

A U.S. judge on Friday dismissed an indictment against Meng Wanzhou, the chief financial officer of Huawei Technologies Co, formally ending a criminal sanctions case that strained US-China relations. Meng, whose father Ren Zhengfei founded Huawei and is the telecommunications company's chief executive, entered an agreement with US prosecutors last year for the case to be dismissed four years after her December 2018 arrest. Prosecutors accused Meng of bank fraud and other crimes for misleading HSBC Holdings Plc and other banks about Huawei's relationship with a company that operated in Iran. They said Meng's actions put banks at risk of penalties for processing transactions that violated US sanctions. Huawei has pleaded not guilty to related US criminal charges. US District Judge Ann Donnelly in Brooklyn dismissed Meng's indictment with prejudice, meaning it cannot be brought again. A lawyer for Meng and a spokeswoman for Huawei did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Meng spent nearly three years under house arrest in Canada following her arrest at a Vancouver airport. She entered a deferred prosecution agreement with US prosecutors in Sept. 2021 in which she acknowledged having made false statements about Huawei's Iran business. On the day Donnelly approved that agreement, Meng flew home to Shenzhen. Shortly afterwards, China released two Canadians it had been holding, and two American siblings who had been prevented from leaving the country were allowed to fly home. Meng, 50, now serves as Huawei's rotating chairwoman and deputy chairwoman, as well as CFO. The United States still views Huawei as a national security threat. On Nov. 25, the Biden administration banned approvals of new telecommunications equipment from Huawei and China's ZTE Corp because they posed an "unacceptable risk" to national security. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

US judge dismisses indictment against Huawei CFO that strained US-China relations

As per reports, at the sidelines of the upcoming Group of 20 industrialised nations meeting in Indonesia United States President Joe Biden have a sit-down with&nbsp;his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, while a similar meeting with&nbsp;Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is not in the cards.

As per an AFP report, during his meeting with the Chinese President Biden will urge him&nbsp;to restrain North Korea's "worst tendencies" and warn the leader that Pyongyang's arms build-up will prompt an "enhanced" US military presence in Asia.&nbsp;

Talking to reporters, on Saturday National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said that in a Monday meeting with Xi on the sidelines of the G20 summit, Biden will tell him that his country has "an interest in playing a constructive role in restraining North Korea's worst tendencies".

Watch |&nbsp;WION Fineprint | North Korea insecure about its air force?

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North Korea plans to resume nuclear bomb testing for the first time since 2017 and as per Reuters the United States is worried and believes China and Russia have the leverage to prevent it. Additionally, Biden will tell Xi that if North Korea "keeps going down this route," it will simply mean an even stronger American military and security presence in the region.

The senior US official stated that Biden would not put demands on China, but rather would give Xi "his perspective". Sullivan was speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One en way to Cambodia for a regional ASEAN meeting this weekend, reports AFP.

He added that this is because "North Korea represents a threat not just to the United States, not just to (South Korea) and Japan but to peace and stability across the entire region."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/president-joe-biden-hopes-to-build-floor-for-china-relations-says-he-will-make-no-fundamental-concessions-533080">President Joe Biden hopes to build 'floor' for China relations, says he will make no fundamental concessions</a>

It is "of course up to them" whether China wants to exert further pressure on North Korea, reiterated Sullivan the US national adviser. However, he added that with North Korea poised to test a nuclear bomb shortly and rapidly expanding its missile capabilities "the operational situation is more acute in the current moment".

International restrictions pushed by the United States have not been able to stop North Korea's expanding arsenal. This year, it conducted a record-breaking number of weapons tests, including the testing of intercontinental ballistic missiles that is capable of reaching the US mainland.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-us-midterms-north-korea-fires-another-ballistic-missile-532501">North Korea fires another ballistic missile, South identifies salvaged debris as part of Soviet-era weapon</a>

While China and Russia supported tougher UN sanctions after North Korea's most recent nuclear test in 2017, they rejected a US-led effort for more measures in May over the country's resumed ballistic missile launches.

Both nations have been accused by US officials of supporting Pyongyang's missile and bomb programmes by improperly upholding UN Security Council sanctions.

(With inputs from agencies)

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As per reports, at the sidelines of the upcoming Group of 20 industrialised nations meeting in Indonesia United States President Joe Biden have a sit-down with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, while a similar meeting with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is not in the cards.

As per reports, at the sidelines of the upcoming Group of 20 industrialised nations meeting in Indonesia United States President Joe Biden have a sit-down with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, while a similar meeting with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is not in the cards. As per an AFP report, during his meeting with the Chinese President Biden will urge him to restrain North Korea's "worst tendencies" and warn the leader that Pyongyang's arms build-up will prompt an "enhanced" US military presence in Asia. Talking to reporters, on Saturday National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said that in a Monday meeting with Xi on the sidelines of the G20 summit, Biden will tell him that his country has "an interest in playing a constructive role in restraining North Korea's worst tendencies". Watch | WION Fineprint | North Korea insecure about its air force? North Korea plans to resume nuclear bomb testing for the first time since 2017 and as per Reuters the United States is worried and believes China and Russia have the leverage to prevent it. Additionally, Biden will tell Xi that if North Korea "keeps going down this route," it will simply mean an even stronger American military and security presence in the region. The senior US official stated that Biden would not put demands on China, but rather would give Xi "his perspective". Sullivan was speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One en way to Cambodia for a regional ASEAN meeting this weekend, reports AFP. He added that this is because "North Korea represents a threat not just to the United States, not just to (South Korea) and Japan but to peace and stability across the entire region." Also read | President Joe Biden hopes to build 'floor' for China relations, says he will make no fundamental concessions It is "of course up to them" whether China wants to exert further pressure on North Korea, reiterated Sullivan the US national adviser. However, he added that with North Korea poised to test a nuclear bomb shortly and rapidly expanding its missile capabilities "the operational situation is more acute in the current moment". International restrictions pushed by the United States have not been able to stop North Korea's expanding arsenal. This year, it conducted a record-breaking number of weapons tests, including the testing of intercontinental ballistic missiles that is capable of reaching the US mainland. Also read | North Korea fires another ballistic missile, South identifies salvaged debris as part of Soviet-era weapon While China and Russia supported tougher UN sanctions after North Korea's most recent nuclear test in 2017, they rejected a US-led effort for more measures in May over the country's resumed ballistic missile launches. Both nations have been accused by US officials of supporting Pyongyang's missile and bomb programmes by improperly upholding UN Security Council sanctions. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

At G20, Biden will ask Xi Jinping to help restrain N.Korea's 'worst tendencies'; won't meet Saudi Prince MBS

US President Joe Biden feels it's necessary to build a 'floor' for relations with China. Biden is all set to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Bali, Indonesia. This will be the first face-to-face meeting of the leaders of the two big powers since the Obama administration.&nbsp;

A White House official during a press conference said, "The president believes it is critical to build a floor for the relationship and ensure that there are rules of the road that bound our competition."

The official continued, "I expect the president will be honest about a number of our concerns, including PRC (People's Republic of China) activity that threatens peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, as well as our longstanding concerns about human rights violations."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/g20-summit-joe-biden-to-meet-xi-jinping-in-bali-amid-escalating-taiwan-tensions-533044">Also read |&nbsp;G20 summit: Joe Biden to meet Xi Jinping in Bali amid escalating tensions over trade, Taiwan</a>

The official added that concerns over North Korea and Ukraine conflict will also be discussed.&nbsp;

Relations between US and China deteriorated to their worst point in decades, especially as a result of US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan which China claims as its territory.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Xi Jinping: China's security unstable and uncertain

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In spite of concerns over Taiwan and the South China Sea and various other issues including trade, president Biden is working on maintaining stable relations with China.&nbsp;

The US president on Wednesday assured that he will not be making any fundamental concessions.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-president-xi-jinping-asks-army-to-prepare-for-war-532793">Also read |&nbsp;Chinese President Xi Jinping asks army to ‘prepare for war’</a>

Before meeting with Xi, Biden will be meeting Japanese PM Fumio Kishida and South Korean President Yoon Suk-Yeol to discuss how to stop North Korea's nuclear programme. North Korea has been recently conducting several nuclear tests. Beijing and Moscow earlier showed their support for restrictions but in May this year both rejected a US led-effort to impose additional UN sanctions on North Korea. Many believe that both did this to gain nuclear weapons from North Korea.&nbsp;

Xi's meeting with Biden takes place as China's economy struggles as a result of stringent Covid prevention efforts.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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US President Joe Biden feels it's necessary to build a 'floor' for relations with China. Biden is all set to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Bali, Indonesia.

US President Joe Biden feels it's necessary to build a 'floor' for relations with China. Biden is all set to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Bali, Indonesia. This will be the first face-to-face meeting of the leaders of the two big powers since the Obama administration. A White House official during a press conference said, "The president believes it is critical to build a floor for the relationship and ensure that there are rules of the road that bound our competition." The official continued, "I expect the president will be honest about a number of our concerns, including PRC (People's Republic of China) activity that threatens peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, as well as our longstanding concerns about human rights violations." Also read | G20 summit: Joe Biden to meet Xi Jinping in Bali amid escalating tensions over trade, Taiwan The official added that concerns over North Korea and Ukraine conflict will also be discussed. Relations between US and China deteriorated to their worst point in decades, especially as a result of US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan which China claims as its territory. Watch | Gravitas: Xi Jinping: China's security unstable and uncertain In spite of concerns over Taiwan and the South China Sea and various other issues including trade, president Biden is working on maintaining stable relations with China. The US president on Wednesday assured that he will not be making any fundamental concessions. Also read | Chinese President Xi Jinping asks army to ‘prepare for war’ Before meeting with Xi, Biden will be meeting Japanese PM Fumio Kishida and South Korean President Yoon Suk-Yeol to discuss how to stop North Korea's nuclear programme. North Korea has been recently conducting several nuclear tests. Beijing and Moscow earlier showed their support for restrictions but in May this year both rejected a US led-effort to impose additional UN sanctions on North Korea. Many believe that both did this to gain nuclear weapons from North Korea. Xi's meeting with Biden takes place as China's economy struggles as a result of stringent Covid prevention efforts. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

President Joe Biden hopes to build 'floor' for China relations, says he will make no fundamental concessions

Amid privacy concerns over Chinese access to user information on TikTok, the app recently in its statement made clear that the user data is accessible by employees outside Europe.

The social media app indirectly confirmed to the users that their data can be accessed by its employees in China also.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/bytedance-intends-to-use-tiktok-to-monitor-americans-location-national-security-in-threat-527355">Also read |&nbsp;ByteDance intends to use TikTok to monitor Americans' location, claims report</a>

However, the Chinese-owned app in its privacy statement said that staff members are permitted to access user info in order to make sure that the content is consistent and safe for other users. The head of privacy for Europe said that they permit employees from Brazil, Canada, China, Israel, the US, South Korea and others part of the corporate group to access TikTok info.&nbsp;

Earlier, privacy issues were raised by the US that China is accessing the info, posing a security threat.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;WION Fineprint | New TikTok trend: Hold your breath till you pass out

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However, TikTok's CEO, Shou Zi Chew in an open letter to Republican senators stated that international employees can only access a little information about the users in the US that too with the permission of a US-based TikTok security team.&nbsp;

A Europe judgement stated that digital transfers between the EU and China are required for security-check.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/tiktok-raises-minimum-age-for-live-streaming-on-platform-from-16-to-18-years-527130">Also read |&nbsp;TikTok raises minimum age for live streaming on platform from 16 to 18 years</a>

The app's privacy policy update will take effect on December 2 and will be applicable to most European countries.

Fox in its statement stated that the privacy policy update stated that TikTok does not collect "precise location formation." However, it now read as "With your permission, we may also collect precise location information (such as GPS)."

(With inputs from agencies)

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Amid privacy concerns over Chinese access to user information on TikTok, the app recently in its statement made clear that the user data is accessible by employees outside Europe.

Amid privacy concerns over Chinese access to user information on TikTok, the app recently in its statement made clear that the user data is accessible by employees outside Europe. The social media app indirectly confirmed to the users that their data can be accessed by its employees in China also. Also read | ByteDance intends to use TikTok to monitor Americans' location, claims report However, the Chinese-owned app in its privacy statement said that staff members are permitted to access user info in order to make sure that the content is consistent and safe for other users. The head of privacy for Europe said that they permit employees from Brazil, Canada, China, Israel, the US, South Korea and others part of the corporate group to access TikTok info. Earlier, privacy issues were raised by the US that China is accessing the info, posing a security threat. Watch | WION Fineprint | New TikTok trend: Hold your breath till you pass out However, TikTok's CEO, Shou Zi Chew in an open letter to Republican senators stated that international employees can only access a little information about the users in the US that too with the permission of a US-based TikTok security team. A Europe judgement stated that digital transfers between the EU and China are required for security-check. Also read | TikTok raises minimum age for live streaming on platform from 16 to 18 years The app's privacy policy update will take effect on December 2 and will be applicable to most European countries. Fox in its statement stated that the privacy policy update stated that TikTok does not collect "precise location formation." However, it now read as "With your permission, we may also collect precise location information (such as GPS)." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

TikTok tells its European users its employees in China, other continents can access their data

US President Joe Biden's administration in its recently launched National Security Strategy (NSS) has said that the next 10 years will be a "decisive decade" for America and the world in the global fight against climate change, promotion of democracy over authoritarianism and for reducing conflict.

The newly unveiled strategy prioritises "out-competing China and constraining Russia". The report says that "the People's Republic of China harbours the intention and, increasingly, the capacity to reshape the international order in favour of one that tilts the global playing field to its benefit."

Watch |&nbsp;US pledges more weapons for Ukraine than EU members combined

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<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"> 
India is mentioned in a positive light. "As India is the world’s largest democracy and a Major Defense Partner, the United States and India will work together, bilaterally and multilaterally, to support our shared vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific," says the strategy. It also mentions the nation as part of multiple major American&nbsp;alliances and partnerships that have played a critical role in the country's&nbsp;national security policy.</div>

The Ukraine conflict delayed the strategy's rollout, as Biden spent most of this year mobilising allies against Russia and delivering billions of dollars worth of armaments to Kyiv reports AFP.

However, the strategy still substantially adheres to the President's interim instructions which he provided shortly after taking office in January 2021.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/unga-passes-resolution-condemning-russian-illegal-annexation-of-ukrainian-land-india-abstains-from-voting-524945" hreflang="en">UNGA passes resolution condemning Russian 'illegal annexation' of Ukrainian land; India abstains from voting</a>

It warns that "by the 2030s, the United States for the first time will need to deter two major nuclear&nbsp;powers, each of whom will field modern and diverse global and regional nuclear forces."

National security adviser Jake Sullivan said while unveiling the strategy, "The post-Cold War era is over, and the competition is underway between the major powers to shape what comes next."&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-liberal-leader-wang-yang-seen-as-top-contender-to-be-next-premier-524792" hreflang="en">China: 'Liberal' leader Wang Yang seen as top contender to be next premier</a>

As per the strategy, "China is the only competitor with both the intent to reshape the international order and, increasingly, the economic, diplomatic, military, and technological power to do it."

It goes on to say that Russia "poses an immediate threat to the free and open international system, recklessly flouting the basic laws of the international order today, as its brutal war of aggression against Ukraine has shown."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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US President Joe Biden's administration in its recently launched National Security Strategy (NSS) has said that the next 10 years will be a "decisive decade" for America and the world in the global fight against climate change, promotion of democracy over authoritarianism and for reducing conflict.

US President Joe Biden's administration in its recently launched National Security Strategy (NSS) has said that the next 10 years will be a "decisive decade" for America and the world in the global fight against climate change, promotion of democracy over authoritarianism and for reducing conflict. The newly unveiled strategy prioritises "out-competing China and constraining Russia". The report says that "the People's Republic of China harbours the intention and, increasingly, the capacity to reshape the international order in favour of one that tilts the global playing field to its benefit." Watch | US pledges more weapons for Ukraine than EU members combined India is mentioned in a positive light. "As India is the world’s largest democracy and a Major Defense Partner, the United States and India will work together, bilaterally and multilaterally, to support our shared vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific," says the strategy. It also mentions the nation as part of multiple major American alliances and partnerships that have played a critical role in the country's national security policy. The Ukraine conflict delayed the strategy's rollout, as Biden spent most of this year mobilising allies against Russia and delivering billions of dollars worth of armaments to Kyiv reports AFP. However, the strategy still substantially adheres to the President's interim instructions which he provided shortly after taking office in January 2021. Also read | UNGA passes resolution condemning Russian 'illegal annexation' of Ukrainian land; India abstains from voting It warns that "by the 2030s, the United States for the first time will need to deter two major nuclear powers, each of whom will field modern and diverse global and regional nuclear forces." National security adviser Jake Sullivan said while unveiling the strategy, "The post-Cold War era is over, and the competition is underway between the major powers to shape what comes next." Also read | China: 'Liberal' leader Wang Yang seen as top contender to be next premier As per the strategy, "China is the only competitor with both the intent to reshape the international order and, increasingly, the economic, diplomatic, military, and technological power to do it." It goes on to say that Russia "poses an immediate threat to the free and open international system, recklessly flouting the basic laws of the international order today, as its brutal war of aggression against Ukraine has shown." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US National Security strategy: China, Russia seen as threats, India as partner

In an effort to limit China's ability to purchase and produce advanced electronics with military applications, the United States announced a sweeping set of export controls on Friday. The move, which can escalate tensions between the two nations, cuts off China from purchasing certain semiconductor chips.

AFP reports that the move will complicate Beijing's push to further its semiconductor industry and comes ahead of a major party congress in China which may mark President Xi Jinping securing a historic third term.

Watch |&nbsp;World Business Watch: US puts Chinese drone giant DJI on military ties blacklist

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The slew of measures may represent the biggest change in American policy regarding the export of technology to China since the 1990s, reports Reuters. If successful, these might cripple China's chip manufacturing sector by requiring American and international businesses that use US technology to sever ties with some of the country's top manufacturers and chip designers.

Senior government officials, according to Reuters, acknowledged that while talks with allied countries are ongoing, they have not yet obtained any guarantees that they will take similar action.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-semiconductor-wars-us-to-announce-fresh-chip-export-restrictions-to-china-522325">The semiconductor wars: US to announce fresh chip export restrictions to China</a>

"We recognize that the unilateral controls we're putting into place will lose effectiveness over time if other countries don't join us," said one official, adding, "We risk harming US technology leadership if foreign competitors are not subject to similar controls."

In a statement, commerce department official Alan Estevez said that the move aims to prevent 'sensitive technologies with military applications'&nbsp;from being acquired by China's military, intelligence and security services.

The measures, according to Jim Lewis, a technology and cybersecurity expert at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), a Washington, DC-based think tank, are similar to the strict laws at the height of the Cold War and "will set the Chinese back years."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-pakistan-china-grow-closer-study-recommends-us-should-mend-ties-with-islamabad-522590">As Pakistan, China grow closer, study recommends US should mend ties with Islamabad</a>

"China isn't going to give up on chipmaking ... but this will really slow them (down)."

As the two nations battle for technology dominance, the manufacture and export of semiconductors have been a subject of contention between them.

Shares of manufacturers of equipment for the semiconductor industry fell as businesses throughout the world started to wrestle with the recent US action.

Semiconductor Industry Association said it was studying the new regulations and urged the US to "implement the rules in a targeted way - and in collaboration with international partners - to help level the playing field."

(With inputs from agencies)

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In an effort to limit China's ability to purchase and produce advanced electronics with military applications, the United States announced a sweeping set of export controls on Friday.

In an effort to limit China's ability to purchase and produce advanced electronics with military applications, the United States announced a sweeping set of export controls on Friday. The move, which can escalate tensions between the two nations, cuts off China from purchasing certain semiconductor chips. AFP reports that the move will complicate Beijing's push to further its semiconductor industry and comes ahead of a major party congress in China which may mark President Xi Jinping securing a historic third term. Watch | World Business Watch: US puts Chinese drone giant DJI on military ties blacklist The slew of measures may represent the biggest change in American policy regarding the export of technology to China since the 1990s, reports Reuters. If successful, these might cripple China's chip manufacturing sector by requiring American and international businesses that use US technology to sever ties with some of the country's top manufacturers and chip designers. Senior government officials, according to Reuters, acknowledged that while talks with allied countries are ongoing, they have not yet obtained any guarantees that they will take similar action. Also read | The semiconductor wars: US to announce fresh chip export restrictions to China "We recognize that the unilateral controls we're putting into place will lose effectiveness over time if other countries don't join us," said one official, adding, "We risk harming US technology leadership if foreign competitors are not subject to similar controls." In a statement, commerce department official Alan Estevez said that the move aims to prevent 'sensitive technologies with military applications' from being acquired by China's military, intelligence and security services. The measures, according to Jim Lewis, a technology and cybersecurity expert at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), a Washington, DC-based think tank, are similar to the strict laws at the height of the Cold War and "will set the Chinese back years." Also read | As Pakistan, China grow closer, study recommends US should mend ties with Islamabad "China isn't going to give up on chipmaking ... but this will really slow them (down)." As the two nations battle for technology dominance, the manufacture and export of semiconductors have been a subject of contention between them. Shares of manufacturers of equipment for the semiconductor industry fell as businesses throughout the world started to wrestle with the recent US action. Semiconductor Industry Association said it was studying the new regulations and urged the US to "implement the rules in a targeted way - and in collaboration with international partners - to help level the playing field." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US enforces export controls to restrict China's chip supply for hi-tech military applications

A new survey has put into numbers how much Taiwan likes Taiwan and China. Scoring on a ten-point scale, the survey results found that the US got a 5.55 while China scored a dismal 2.82. &nbsp;

The survey was conducted by the Foundation for the People and comes as tensions between China and US over Taiwan are consistently getting worse.

Acknowledging the tensions, 39.5 per cent of the respondents believe Taiwan should move closer to the US, while 7.5 per cent want the country to decrease its distance from China. Yet another 39.5 per cent of respondents want Taiwan to maintain distance from both countries.

Watch |&nbsp;'China trying to set new normal with increased military,' US vows to help Taiwan defend itself

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21.6 per cent of the people believe that the US will definitely send troops if China were to invade their country. However, the number of people who think that America would definitely not send troops stands at 27.4 per cent.&nbsp;

18.2 believe that the US might not send troops while and 26.5 per cent said that it might.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-semiconductor-wars-us-to-announce-fresh-chip-export-restrictions-to-china-522325" hreflang="en">The semiconductor wars: US to announce fresh chip export restrictions to China</a>

About 62.7 per cent of the people also reported that they feel a rise in pressure from Xi Jinping for the unification of China and Taiwan, while some 28 per cent feel the pressure is consistently the same.

As per Taipei Times, the survey was conducted on Facebook over four days and had 1,078 respondents aged over 20 years.

Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) Chairman Johnny Chiang the founder of the Foundation for the People said that the public had a "practical view" of US-China relations.&nbsp;

An adjunct research fellow at the National Chengchi University’s Institute of International Relations, Yen Chen-shen believes that the Taiwanese value their nation's diplomatic relations with the US, while whether America thinks the same is not "worth thinking about".&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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A new survey has put into numbers how much Taiwan likes Taiwan and China. Scoring on a ten-point scale, the survey results found that the US got a 5.55 while China scored a dismal 2.

A new survey has put into numbers how much Taiwan likes Taiwan and China. Scoring on a ten-point scale, the survey results found that the US got a 5.55 while China scored a dismal 2.82. The survey was conducted by the Foundation for the People and comes as tensions between China and US over Taiwan are consistently getting worse. Acknowledging the tensions, 39.5 per cent of the respondents believe Taiwan should move closer to the US, while 7.5 per cent want the country to decrease its distance from China. Yet another 39.5 per cent of respondents want Taiwan to maintain distance from both countries. Watch | 'China trying to set new normal with increased military,' US vows to help Taiwan defend itself 21.6 per cent of the people believe that the US will definitely send troops if China were to invade their country. However, the number of people who think that America would definitely not send troops stands at 27.4 per cent. 18.2 believe that the US might not send troops while and 26.5 per cent said that it might. Also read | The semiconductor wars: US to announce fresh chip export restrictions to China About 62.7 per cent of the people also reported that they feel a rise in pressure from Xi Jinping for the unification of China and Taiwan, while some 28 per cent feel the pressure is consistently the same. As per Taipei Times, the survey was conducted on Facebook over four days and had 1,078 respondents aged over 20 years. Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) Chairman Johnny Chiang the founder of the Foundation for the People said that the public had a "practical view" of US-China relations. An adjunct research fellow at the National Chengchi University’s Institute of International Relations, Yen Chen-shen believes that the Taiwanese value their nation's diplomatic relations with the US, while whether America thinks the same is not "worth thinking about". (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Taiwan likes US more than China: Survey

Russian President Vladimir Putin is resisting attempts made by the US and its allies to isolate his country over its invasion of Ukraine by organising significant military drills along with China, India and others.

The week-long Vostok-2022 war games, which began on Thursday in Russia, include naval drills in the sea and are anticipated to involve over 50,000 soldiers and 5,000 pieces of military equipment and weapons. The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and Russia’s Collective Security Treaty are taking part in the routine drills, Bloomberg reported.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iaea-wants-permanent-presence-at-zaporizhzhia-nuclear-plant-to-avoid-nuclear-accident-511905">Also read |&nbsp;IAEA wants 'permanent presence' at Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant to avoid 'radiation accident'</a>

However, when it comes to India, it previously refrained from participating in the drills and taking Russia’s side in the conflict, but due to its dependency on Moscow for armaments and concerns with border issues with China and Pakistan, it is expected that India will send 75-member team for drills. The US, on the other side, is wooing India as its defence partner and pleading with it not to go against UN sanctions against Russia.

But, during the UNSC’s procedural vote last week, India voted against Russia for the first time and also suspended plans to jointly develop helicopters and other deals with Russia.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russian-military-may-begin-recruiting-convicted-criminals-us-intelligence-511902">Also read |&nbsp;Russian military may begin recruiting 'convicted criminals': US intelligence</a>

On the other hand, China refused to criticise Russia for its invasion and also opposed UN sanctions against it. China’s army, navy, and air force participated in drills, the defence ministry said. The country also provided Russia with technology and military supplies despite the risk of US secondary sanctions.

Countries like Syria, Algeria, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Armenia, and Tajikistan, along with others, are also participating in the war games.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Russian President Vladimir Putin is resisting attempts made by the US and its allies to isolate his country over its invasion of Ukraine by organising significant military drills along with China, India and others.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is resisting attempts made by the US and its allies to isolate his country over its invasion of Ukraine by organising significant military drills along with China, India and others. The week-long Vostok-2022 war games, which began on Thursday in Russia, include naval drills in the sea and are anticipated to involve over 50,000 soldiers and 5,000 pieces of military equipment and weapons. The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and Russia’s Collective Security Treaty are taking part in the routine drills, Bloomberg reported. Also read | IAEA wants 'permanent presence' at Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant to avoid 'radiation accident' However, when it comes to India, it previously refrained from participating in the drills and taking Russia’s side in the conflict, but due to its dependency on Moscow for armaments and concerns with border issues with China and Pakistan, it is expected that India will send 75-member team for drills. The US, on the other side, is wooing India as its defence partner and pleading with it not to go against UN sanctions against Russia. But, during the UNSC’s procedural vote last week, India voted against Russia for the first time and also suspended plans to jointly develop helicopters and other deals with Russia. Also read | Russian military may begin recruiting 'convicted criminals': US intelligence On the other hand, China refused to criticise Russia for its invasion and also opposed UN sanctions against it. China’s army, navy, and air force participated in drills, the defence ministry said. The country also provided Russia with technology and military supplies despite the risk of US secondary sanctions. Countries like Syria, Algeria, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Armenia, and Tajikistan, along with others, are also participating in the war games. (With inputs from agencies)

Despite US opposition, Russia holds Vostok-2022 war games with China, India, other nations

In an effort&nbsp;to halt China's semiconductor sector advance and protect its own companies, the United States is considering limiting shipments of American chipmaking equipment to memory chip makers in China. This includes Yangtze Memory Technologies Co Ltd (YMTC). At least four people familiar with the development told Reuters that if President Joe Biden's administration proceeds with the move, it could also hurt South Korean memory chip juggernauts Samsung Electronics Co Ltd and SK Hynix Inc.

Samsung has two big factories in China while SK Hynix Inc is buying Intel Corp's NAND flash memory chips manufacturing business in China.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pandemic-effect-us-economy-set-to-outpace-china-first-time-since-1976-481005">Pandemic effect: US economy set to outpace China first time since 1976</a>

The crackdown, if approved, would mean barring the shipment of U.S. chipmaking equipment to factories in China that manufacture advanced NAND chips.

It would mark the first U.S. bid through export controls to target Chinese production of memory chips without specialized military applications, representing a more expansive view of American national security, according to export control experts.

The decision will also seek to protect the only U.S. memory chip producers, Western Digital Corp and Micron Technology Inc. The two companies together represent about a quarter of the NAND chips market.

NAND chips store data in devices such as smartphones and personal computers and at data centers for giants like &nbsp;Amazon, Facebook and Google.&nbsp;

How many gigabytes of data a phone or laptop can hold depends on how many NAND chips it has and how advanced they are. 
The reported move would ban the export of tools to China used to make NAND chips with more than 128 layers, two of the sources told Reuters.

LAM Research Corp and Applied Materials, both based in Silicon Valley, are the primary suppliers of such tools.

However, the sources added that the administration's consideration of the matter is still in the early stages, with no proposed regulations yet drafted.

 
A spokesperson for the Commerce Department, which oversees export controls, did not directly talk about the issue, but noted that "the Biden administration is focused on impairing (China's) efforts to manufacture advanced semiconductors to address significant national security risks to the United States."

YMTC, founded in 2016, is a rising power in manufacturing NAND chips. A White House report released in June 2021 had said that both Micron and Western Digital are under pressure from YMTC's low prices.

YMTC's expansion and low-price offerings present "a direct threat" to Micron and Western Digital, that report said. The report further said that YMTC is China’s "national champion" and receives around $24 billion in Chinese subsidies.

YMTC is under investigation by the Commerce Department over whether it violated U.S. export controls by selling chips to Chinese telecoms company Huawei.

It is now in talks with Apple Inc to supply the top U.S. smartphone maker with flash memory chips, according to a Bloomberg report.

LAM Research Corp, SK Hynix and Micron declined comment on the U.S. policy. Samsung, Applied Materials Inc, YMTC and Western Digital Corp did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Tension between China and U.S. in the tech sector deepened under Biden's predecessor Donald Trump and have continued since.

Reuters reported on July 8 that the Biden administration is considering restrictions on shipments of tools to make advanced logic chips to China . It reportedly aims to hamstring China's largest chipmaker, SMIC.

The U.S. Congress last week approved legislation aimed at helping the United States compete with China by investing billions of dollars in domestic chip production.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/chinas-new-aircraft-carrier-killer-hypersonic-missile-to-take-on-us-warships-477849">China's new aircraft carrier killer: Hypersonic missile to take on US warships</a>

Chipmakers that take money under the measure would be prohibited from building or expanding manufacturing for certain advanced chips, including advanced memory chips at a level to be determined by the administration, in countries including China.

According to Walt Coon of the consulting firm Yole Intelligence, YMTC accounts for about 5 per cent&nbsp;of worldwide NAND flash memory chip production, almost double from a year ago. Western Digital stands at about 13 per cent and Micron 11 per cent. Coon said YMTC would be greatly hurt by restrictions like those that Biden's administration is contemplating.

 
"If they were stuck at 128, I don't know how they would really have a path forward," Coon said.

Production of NAND chips in China has grown to more than 23 per cent&nbsp;of the worldwide total this year from under 14 per cent&nbsp;in 2019, while production in the United States has decreased from 2.3 per cent&nbsp;&nbsp;to 1.6 per cent&nbsp;over the same period, according to Yole data.

For the American companies, nearly all of their chip production is done overseas.

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In an effort to halt China's semiconductor sector advance and protect its own companies, the United States is considering limiting shipments of American chipmaking equipment to memory chip makers in China.

In an effort to halt China's semiconductor sector advance and protect its own companies, the United States is considering limiting shipments of American chipmaking equipment to memory chip makers in China. This includes Yangtze Memory Technologies Co Ltd (YMTC). At least four people familiar with the development told Reuters that if President Joe Biden's administration proceeds with the move, it could also hurt South Korean memory chip juggernauts Samsung Electronics Co Ltd and SK Hynix Inc. Samsung has two big factories in China while SK Hynix Inc is buying Intel Corp's NAND flash memory chips manufacturing business in China. Also Read | Pandemic effect: US economy set to outpace China first time since 1976 The crackdown, if approved, would mean barring the shipment of U.S. chipmaking equipment to factories in China that manufacture advanced NAND chips. It would mark the first U.S. bid through export controls to target Chinese production of memory chips without specialized military applications, representing a more expansive view of American national security, according to export control experts. The decision will also seek to protect the only U.S. memory chip producers, Western Digital Corp and Micron Technology Inc. The two companies together represent about a quarter of the NAND chips market. NAND chips store data in devices such as smartphones and personal computers and at data centers for giants like Amazon, Facebook and Google. How many gigabytes of data a phone or laptop can hold depends on how many NAND chips it has and how advanced they are. The reported move would ban the export of tools to China used to make NAND chips with more than 128 layers, two of the sources told Reuters. LAM Research Corp and Applied Materials, both based in Silicon Valley, are the primary suppliers of such tools. However, the sources added that the administration's consideration of the matter is still in the early stages, with no proposed regulations yet drafted. A spokesperson for the Commerce Department, which oversees export controls, did not directly talk about the issue, but noted that "the Biden administration is focused on impairing (China's) efforts to manufacture advanced semiconductors to address significant national security risks to the United States." YMTC, founded in 2016, is a rising power in manufacturing NAND chips. A White House report released in June 2021 had said that both Micron and Western Digital are under pressure from YMTC's low prices. YMTC's expansion and low-price offerings present "a direct threat" to Micron and Western Digital, that report said. The report further said that YMTC is China’s "national champion" and receives around $24 billion in Chinese subsidies. YMTC is under investigation by the Commerce Department over whether it violated U.S. export controls by selling chips to Chinese telecoms company Huawei. It is now in talks with Apple Inc to supply the top U.S. smartphone maker with flash memory chips, according to a Bloomberg report. LAM Research Corp, SK Hynix and Micron declined comment on the U.S. policy. Samsung, Applied Materials Inc, YMTC and Western Digital Corp did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Tension between China and U.S. in the tech sector deepened under Biden's predecessor Donald Trump and have continued since. Reuters reported on July 8 that the Biden administration is considering restrictions on shipments of tools to make advanced logic chips to China . It reportedly aims to hamstring China's largest chipmaker, SMIC. The U.S. Congress last week approved legislation aimed at helping the United States compete with China by investing billions of dollars in domestic chip production. Also Read | China's new aircraft carrier killer: Hypersonic missile to take on US warships Chipmakers that take money under the measure would be prohibited from building or expanding manufacturing for certain advanced chips, including advanced memory chips at a level to be determined by the administration, in countries including China. According to Walt Coon of the consulting firm Yole Intelligence, YMTC accounts for about 5 per cent of worldwide NAND flash memory chip production, almost double from a year ago. Western Digital stands at about 13 per cent and Micron 11 per cent. Coon said YMTC would be greatly hurt by restrictions like those that Biden's administration is contemplating. "If they were stuck at 128, I don't know how they would really have a path forward," Coon said. Production of NAND chips in China has grown to more than 23 per cent of the worldwide total this year from under 14 per cent in 2019, while production in the United States has decreased from 2.3 per cent to 1.6 per cent over the same period, according to Yole data. For the American companies, nearly all of their chip production is done overseas. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US planning a crackdown on memory chip makers in China: Report

Amid security disputes ranging from Taiwan to contested waters, US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin and Chinese Minister of National Defence General Wei Fenghe held talks on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue security summit.

Seeking to avoid misunderstandings, the first in-person talks since the start of President Joe Biden's administration comes as Washington seeks to shift its foreign policy focus back to the region from the Ukraine war.

While Austin tweeted about the talks, Wei called the&nbsp;discussion&nbsp;"honest and sincere" and said it&nbsp;went "smoothly".

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I met with PRC Minister Wei at the Shangri-La Dialogue. We discussed U.S.-PRC defense relations, as well as global and regional security issues. <a href="https://t.co/OjpBwZjb6u">pic.twitter.com/OjpBwZjb6u</a>
— Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III (@SecDef) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecDef/status/1535210974659022849?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 10, 2022</a></blockquote>
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With&nbsp;Beijing vowing to "smash" any "independence plot" in Taiwan, both the defence ministers clashed&nbsp;over Taipei Lloyd told Fenghe that China&nbsp;must "refrain from further destabilising actions toward Taiwan".

While China claims Taiwan as a part of its territory, the US supports Taiwan's claim of independence and Biden has confirmed that Washington will support it if it is attacked.

The two superpowers have also locked horns over Russia's invasion of Ukraine. While China has supported Russia, the US is providing aid and weapons to Ukraine.

During a telephonic conversation, Austin was told not to use Ukraine's invasion to "smear, frame, threaten or pressure China" by Wei.

Other than Taiwan and Russia's invasion of Ukraine, China and the US have also clashed over Beijing's expansive claims in the South China Sea.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Amid security disputes ranging from Taiwan to contested waters, US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin and Chinese Minister of National Defence General Wei Fenghe held talks on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue security summit.

Amid security disputes ranging from Taiwan to contested waters, US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin and Chinese Minister of National Defence General Wei Fenghe held talks on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue security summit. Seeking to avoid misunderstandings, the first in-person talks since the start of President Joe Biden's administration comes as Washington seeks to shift its foreign policy focus back to the region from the Ukraine war. While Austin tweeted about the talks, Wei called the discussion "honest and sincere" and said it went "smoothly". I met with PRC Minister Wei at the Shangri-La Dialogue. We discussed U.S.-PRC defense relations, as well as global and regional security issues. pic.twitter.com/OjpBwZjb6u — Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III (@SecDef) June 10, 2022 × With Beijing vowing to "smash" any "independence plot" in Taiwan, both the defence ministers clashed over Taipei Lloyd told Fenghe that China must "refrain from further destabilising actions toward Taiwan". While China claims Taiwan as a part of its territory, the US supports Taiwan's claim of independence and Biden has confirmed that Washington will support it if it is attacked. The two superpowers have also locked horns over Russia's invasion of Ukraine. While China has supported Russia, the US is providing aid and weapons to Ukraine. During a telephonic conversation, Austin was told not to use Ukraine's invasion to "smear, frame, threaten or pressure China" by Wei. Other than Taiwan and Russia's invasion of Ukraine, China and the US have also clashed over Beijing's expansive claims in the South China Sea. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here: ×

US defence secy Lloyd Austin, China defence minister Wei Fenghe meet for first time

The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has asked five Chinese companies to meet audit requirements or face delisting from Wall Street.

These Chinese companies include fast-food company Yum China Holdings, tech firm ACM Research, biotech group BeiGene, Zai Lab, and pharmaceutical company Hutchmed.

Chinese authorities have expressed reservations in recent months about China-based companies listing in the US.&nbsp;

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Chinese companies have sold shares abroad for two decades but regulators have yet to say whether their financial structures comply with rules that ban foreign ownership of internet companies and limit access to other industries.

Yum China, which controls KFC, Taco Bell and Pizza Hut and other eateries in China, surpasses the other companies by far in revenue and capitalization.

Born from the 2016 spin-off of the Chinese operations of US-based Yum Brands, Yum China has a market capitalisation of $18.8 billion.&nbsp;

China Securities Regulatory Commission responded to the US move and said it was confident it will reach an agreement with US counterparts on securities supervision.&nbsp;

<a href="wionews.com/business-economy/new-york-stock-exchange-to-delist-chinese-telecom-firms-on-us-executive-order-353745">Also read |&nbsp;New York Stock Exchange to delist Chinese telecom firms on US executive order</a>

Talks between the CSRC, the Chinese finance ministry and the US Public Company Accounting Oversight Board had made "positive progress," the CSRC said in a statement.

Meanwhile, ride-hailing firm Didi Global Inc has suspended preparations for its Hong Kong listing after failing to appease Chinese regulators' demand to overhaul its systems for handling sensitive user data, Bloomberg News reported.

The Cyberspace Administration of China told Didi executives that their proposals to prevent security and data leaks had fallen short, Bloomberg said.

Regulators said in July they would step up scrutiny of tech companies with shares traded abroad and their information security and cross-border data flows.

The US Congress in 2020 passed a law specifically targeting Chinese companies under which the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) must be able to inspect audits of foreign firms listed on US markets.

Mainland Chinese and Hong Kong companies are notorious for not submitting their financial statements to US-approved auditors.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has asked five Chinese companies to meet audit requirements or face delisting from Wall Street. These Chinese companies include fast-food company Yum China Holdings, tech firm ACM Research, biotech group BeiGene, Zai Lab, and pharmaceutical company Hutchmed.

The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has asked five Chinese companies to meet audit requirements or face delisting from Wall Street. These Chinese companies include fast-food company Yum China Holdings, tech firm ACM Research, biotech group BeiGene, Zai Lab, and pharmaceutical company Hutchmed. Chinese authorities have expressed reservations in recent months about China-based companies listing in the US. Chinese companies have sold shares abroad for two decades but regulators have yet to say whether their financial structures comply with rules that ban foreign ownership of internet companies and limit access to other industries. Yum China, which controls KFC, Taco Bell and Pizza Hut and other eateries in China, surpasses the other companies by far in revenue and capitalization. Born from the 2016 spin-off of the Chinese operations of US-based Yum Brands, Yum China has a market capitalisation of $18.8 billion. China Securities Regulatory Commission responded to the US move and said it was confident it will reach an agreement with US counterparts on securities supervision. Also read | New York Stock Exchange to delist Chinese telecom firms on US executive order Talks between the CSRC, the Chinese finance ministry and the US Public Company Accounting Oversight Board had made "positive progress," the CSRC said in a statement. Meanwhile, ride-hailing firm Didi Global Inc has suspended preparations for its Hong Kong listing after failing to appease Chinese regulators' demand to overhaul its systems for handling sensitive user data, Bloomberg News reported. The Cyberspace Administration of China told Didi executives that their proposals to prevent security and data leaks had fallen short, Bloomberg said. Regulators said in July they would step up scrutiny of tech companies with shares traded abroad and their information security and cross-border data flows. The US Congress in 2020 passed a law specifically targeting Chinese companies under which the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) must be able to inspect audits of foreign firms listed on US markets. Mainland Chinese and Hong Kong companies are notorious for not submitting their financial statements to US-approved auditors. (With inputs from agencies)

US asks Chinese companies to comply or face delisting from Wall Street

China has sanctioned US companies Lockheed Martin Corp and Raytheon Technologies Corp for supplying arms to Taiwan.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said at a regular news briefing, ''The sanctions are countermeasures against the two companies over a $100-million arms on February 7 sale that undermined China's security interests, seriously undermined China-US relations and peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boris-johnson-says-threat-to-taiwan-if-west-does-not-support-ukraine-454634">Also read |&nbsp;Boris Johnson says threat to Taiwan if West does not support Ukraine</a>

China and Taiwan have been at odds for decades as Beijing regards the island as its territory, vowing to seize it one day by force if necessary.

"In accordance with the relevant stipulations in China's anti-foreign sanctions law, the Chinese government has decided to take countermeasures on the infringing acts of Raytheon Technologies and Lockheed Martin," Wang said.

"Both are military enterprises that have long participated in US arm sales to China's Taiwan region."

The relationship between China and the United States was always going to be a challenge, and after half a century of ups and downs, is more fraught than ever.&nbsp;

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The Cold War is long over, but on both sides there are fears a new one could be beginning.&nbsp;

China’s wealth has enabled a major expansion of its military, which the US and its allies see as a threat.&nbsp;

The Communist Party says it seeks only to defend its territory. That includes, however, trying to control islands also claimed by Japan in the East China Sea and by Southeast Asian nations in the South China Sea, home to crucial shipping lanes and natural resources.

The military has sent a growing number of warplanes on training missions toward Taiwan, a source of friction with the United States.&nbsp;

China claims the self-governing island off its east coast as its territory. The US supplies Taiwan with military equipment and warns China against any attempt to take it by force.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

China has sanctioned US companies Lockheed Martin Corp and Raytheon Technologies Corp for supplying arms to Taiwan. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said at a regular news briefing, ''The sanctions are countermeasures against the two companies over a $100-million arms on February 7 sale that undermined China's security interests, seriously undermined China-US relations and peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.

China has sanctioned US companies Lockheed Martin Corp and Raytheon Technologies Corp for supplying arms to Taiwan. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said at a regular news briefing, ''The sanctions are countermeasures against the two companies over a $100-million arms on February 7 sale that undermined China's security interests, seriously undermined China-US relations and peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait." Also read | Boris Johnson says threat to Taiwan if West does not support Ukraine China and Taiwan have been at odds for decades as Beijing regards the island as its territory, vowing to seize it one day by force if necessary. "In accordance with the relevant stipulations in China's anti-foreign sanctions law, the Chinese government has decided to take countermeasures on the infringing acts of Raytheon Technologies and Lockheed Martin," Wang said. "Both are military enterprises that have long participated in US arm sales to China's Taiwan region." The relationship between China and the United States was always going to be a challenge, and after half a century of ups and downs, is more fraught than ever. The Cold War is long over, but on both sides there are fears a new one could be beginning. China’s wealth has enabled a major expansion of its military, which the US and its allies see as a threat. The Communist Party says it seeks only to defend its territory. That includes, however, trying to control islands also claimed by Japan in the East China Sea and by Southeast Asian nations in the South China Sea, home to crucial shipping lanes and natural resources. The military has sent a growing number of warplanes on training missions toward Taiwan, a source of friction with the United States. China claims the self-governing island off its east coast as its territory. The US supplies Taiwan with military equipment and warns China against any attempt to take it by force. (With inputs from agencies)

China sanctions US companies for supplying arms to Taiwan

The US&nbsp;Commerce Department has added 33 Chinese entities to its so-called 'unverified list', which requires US&nbsp;exporters to go through more procedures before shipping goods to the entities.

“The ability to verify the legitimacy and reliability of foreign parties receiving US&nbsp;exports through the timely completion of end-use checks is a core principle of our export control system,” Matthew Axelrod, the department’s assistant secretary for export enforcement, said in a statement.

He added that the addition of 33 parties in the People’s Republic of China to the Unverified List “will assist US exporters in conducting due diligence and assessing transaction risk, and signal to the PRC government the importance of their cooperation in scheduling end-use checks.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/us-china-trade-deal-what-were-the-key-issues-and-are-they-resolved-275073">Also read |&nbsp;US-China trade deal: What were the key issues and are they resolved?</a>

China's commerce ministry said it "firmly opposed" the latest US move, calling the list a "tool of political suppression and economic bullying".

Wuxi Biologics suspended trading in Hong Kong following a record slump in its share price, after Washington added the Chinese pharmaceutical giant to a list that could restrict its US operations.

Wuxi Biologics, which produces vaccines and drugs on contract for pharmaceutical firms, said the move would have "no impact" on its business and that it was "in compliance with all US export control regulations".

But its shares plunged as much as 32 percent in Hong Kong on Tuesday before suspending trading down 23 percent at HK$62.25.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/aircraft-carrier-killer-why-us-china-tested-missiles-on-same-day-amid-tension-at-south-china-sea-318653">Also read |&nbsp;Aircraft carrier killer: Why US, China tested missiles on same day amid tension at South China Sea</a>

The company has expanded aggressively in recent years with a 1.3 million-square-foot production facility set to open in the western Chinese city of Chengdu next year, according to its website.

It signed an agreement with GlaxoSmithKline and Vir Biotechnology to produce Covid-19 antibody treatment Sotrovimab in 2020, and took over a Bayer factory in Germany last year to produce Covid-19 vaccines.

The addition of Chinese tech giant Huawei to the so-called entity list,&nbsp;as well as subsequent moves against the telecom giant,&nbsp;have barred it from buying crucial components and decimated its once-thriving smartphone business.

(With inputs from agencies)

The US Commerce Department has added 33 Chinese entities to its so-called 'unverified list', which requires US exporters to go through more procedures before shipping goods to the entities.

The US Commerce Department has added 33 Chinese entities to its so-called 'unverified list', which requires US exporters to go through more procedures before shipping goods to the entities. “The ability to verify the legitimacy and reliability of foreign parties receiving US exports through the timely completion of end-use checks is a core principle of our export control system,” Matthew Axelrod, the department’s assistant secretary for export enforcement, said in a statement. He added that the addition of 33 parties in the People’s Republic of China to the Unverified List “will assist US exporters in conducting due diligence and assessing transaction risk, and signal to the PRC government the importance of their cooperation in scheduling end-use checks.” Also read | US-China trade deal: What were the key issues and are they resolved? China's commerce ministry said it "firmly opposed" the latest US move, calling the list a "tool of political suppression and economic bullying". Wuxi Biologics suspended trading in Hong Kong following a record slump in its share price, after Washington added the Chinese pharmaceutical giant to a list that could restrict its US operations. Wuxi Biologics, which produces vaccines and drugs on contract for pharmaceutical firms, said the move would have "no impact" on its business and that it was "in compliance with all US export control regulations". But its shares plunged as much as 32 percent in Hong Kong on Tuesday before suspending trading down 23 percent at HK$62.25. Also read | Aircraft carrier killer: Why US, China tested missiles on same day amid tension at South China Sea The company has expanded aggressively in recent years with a 1.3 million-square-foot production facility set to open in the western Chinese city of Chengdu next year, according to its website. It signed an agreement with GlaxoSmithKline and Vir Biotechnology to produce Covid-19 antibody treatment Sotrovimab in 2020, and took over a Bayer factory in Germany last year to produce Covid-19 vaccines. The addition of Chinese tech giant Huawei to the so-called entity list, as well as subsequent moves against the telecom giant, have barred it from buying crucial components and decimated its once-thriving smartphone business. (With inputs from agencies)

US adds Chinese entities to red-flag export list, move triggers stock plunge

Two senators in the United States have proposed a law aiming to end China's alleged "chokehold" on rare-earth metal supplies.

The bill, sponsored by Senators Tom Cotton, an Arkansas Republican, and Mark Kelly, an Arizona Democrat, is the latest in a string of US legislation seeking to thwart China's near control over the sector.

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According to Cotton, "The Chinese Communist Party has a chokehold on global rare-earth element supplies, which are used in everything from batteries to fighter jets."

"Ending America's dependence on the CCP for extraction and processing of these elements is critical to winning the strategic competition against China and protecting our national security," he said.

The senator, who sits on the Senate's Armed Forces and Intelligence committees, described China's evolution into the global rare earths leader as "simply a policy choice that the United States made," adding that he hoped fresh policies would loosen Beijing's grip.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-are-rare-earth-elements-chinas-secret-weapon-437898">Also read |&nbsp;Why are 'rare earth elements' China's secret weapon?</a>

As per the United States Geological Survey (USGS), eighty percent of the United States' rare-earth imports in 2019 were from China.

The bill aims to "protect America from the threat of rare-earth element supply disruptions, encourage domestic production of those elements, and reduce our reliance on China", the statement said.&nbsp;

"Our bipartisan bill will strengthen America's position as a global leader in technology by reducing our country's reliance on adversaries like China for rare earth elements," Kelly said in the statement.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/australia-us-and-canada-launch-interactive-map-for-critical-minerals-394662">Also read |&nbsp;Australia, US and Canada launch interactive map for critical minerals</a>

"Well placed policies such as this one get us closer to the target of onshoring this critical supply chain," said Marty Weems, North American president of Australia-based American Rare Earths Ltd, which is developing three US&nbsp;rare earth projects.

MP Materials Corp , which operates the only US&nbsp;rare earths mine and relies on Chinese processors, said it appreciates "ongoing efforts by the Department of Defense and broader US&nbsp;government to secure the domestic rare earth supply chain and promote free and fair competition."

With 44 million tons of reserves, China possesses some of the largest deposits of rare-earth metals, according to the USGS, and benefits from looser environmental regulations than many of its competitors.

Beijing has used these deposits to exert political pressure. In 2010, China halted rare-earth exports to Japan in retaliation over a territorial dispute.&nbsp;

Two senators in the United States have proposed a law aiming to end China's alleged "chokehold" on rare-earth metal supplies. The bill, sponsored by Senators Tom Cotton, an Arkansas Republican, and Mark Kelly, an Arizona Democrat, is the latest in a string of US legislation seeking to thwart China's near control over the sector.

Two senators in the United States have proposed a law aiming to end China's alleged "chokehold" on rare-earth metal supplies. The bill, sponsored by Senators Tom Cotton, an Arkansas Republican, and Mark Kelly, an Arizona Democrat, is the latest in a string of US legislation seeking to thwart China's near control over the sector. According to Cotton, "The Chinese Communist Party has a chokehold on global rare-earth element supplies, which are used in everything from batteries to fighter jets." "Ending America's dependence on the CCP for extraction and processing of these elements is critical to winning the strategic competition against China and protecting our national security," he said. The senator, who sits on the Senate's Armed Forces and Intelligence committees, described China's evolution into the global rare earths leader as "simply a policy choice that the United States made," adding that he hoped fresh policies would loosen Beijing's grip. Also read | Why are 'rare earth elements' China's secret weapon? As per the United States Geological Survey (USGS), eighty percent of the United States' rare-earth imports in 2019 were from China. The bill aims to "protect America from the threat of rare-earth element supply disruptions, encourage domestic production of those elements, and reduce our reliance on China", the statement said. "Our bipartisan bill will strengthen America's position as a global leader in technology by reducing our country's reliance on adversaries like China for rare earth elements," Kelly said in the statement. Also read | Australia, US and Canada launch interactive map for critical minerals "Well placed policies such as this one get us closer to the target of onshoring this critical supply chain," said Marty Weems, North American president of Australia-based American Rare Earths Ltd, which is developing three US rare earth projects. MP Materials Corp , which operates the only US rare earths mine and relies on Chinese processors, said it appreciates "ongoing efforts by the Department of Defense and broader US government to secure the domestic rare earth supply chain and promote free and fair competition." With 44 million tons of reserves, China possesses some of the largest deposits of rare-earth metals, according to the USGS, and benefits from looser environmental regulations than many of its competitors. Beijing has used these deposits to exert political pressure. In 2010, China halted rare-earth exports to Japan in retaliation over a territorial dispute.

US senators introduce bill to end China's 'chokehold' on America's rare earth supplies

Chinese President Xi Jinping might be a ‘killer’ who ‘destroyed the world’ but he had a ‘great relationship’ with the former US president Donald Trump, the latter claims.<o:p></o:p>

In an interview with Fox News’ Maria Bartiromo, former reality TV star and twice impeached president reminisced about his relationship with the Chinese President.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trumps-blasts-disloyal-and-ungrateful-netanyahu-for-congratulating-biden-after-presidential-polls-436098">Trumps blasts ‘disloyal and ungrateful’ Netanyahu for congratulating Biden after presidential polls</a></o:p>

“He is a killer,”&nbsp;Trump said on one of his most favourite news channels,&nbsp;“but I had a great relationship with him.”<o:p></o:p>

Trump claims that the two leaders used to get along and had a great relationship, but then coronavirus pandemic took place and the friendship between the two leaders fizzled out.<o:p></o:p>

While Trump claims that it was the coronavirus pandemic that made their friendship sore, the relationship between the two countries has only deteriorated since Trump had taken over the country.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-would-have-won-if-us-election-were-held-today-poll-434920">Donald Trump would have won if US election were held today: Poll</a></o:p>

In fact, it was under Trump’s leadership when the US’ National Defense Strategy had labelled China to be one of the main “strategic competitors” of the US and Trump had described the Asian country as a “foe”.<o:p></o:p>

During the interview, Trump went on to accuse the Chinese President of destroying the whole world by spreading coronavirus pandemic all over the world. Trump has often claimed that it was Xi Jinping and his officials who instructed Chinese scientists to develop COVID-19 in a science lab and then spread it around the world. <o:p></o:p>

“They’ve really destroyed the whole world,”&nbsp;Trump said.<o:p></o:p>

Meanwhile, he also claimed that the current President of the US is “afraid” of Xi Jinping and therefore has not pressurised authorities to find out the origin of the deadly coronavirus pandemic.<o:p></o:p>

Chinese President Xi Jinping might be a ‘killer’ who ‘destroyed the world’ but he had a ‘great relationship’ with the former US president Donald Trump, the latter claims.

Chinese President Xi Jinping might be a ‘killer’ who ‘destroyed the world’ but he had a ‘great relationship’ with the former US president Donald Trump, the latter claims. In an interview with Fox News’ Maria Bartiromo, former reality TV star and twice impeached president reminisced about his relationship with the Chinese President. Also read | Trumps blasts ‘disloyal and ungrateful’ Netanyahu for congratulating Biden after presidential polls “He is a killer,” Trump said on one of his most favourite news channels, “but I had a great relationship with him.” Trump claims that the two leaders used to get along and had a great relationship, but then coronavirus pandemic took place and the friendship between the two leaders fizzled out. While Trump claims that it was the coronavirus pandemic that made their friendship sore, the relationship between the two countries has only deteriorated since Trump had taken over the country. Also read | Donald Trump would have won if US election were held today: Poll In fact, it was under Trump’s leadership when the US’ National Defense Strategy had labelled China to be one of the main “strategic competitors” of the US and Trump had described the Asian country as a “foe”. During the interview, Trump went on to accuse the Chinese President of destroying the whole world by spreading coronavirus pandemic all over the world. Trump has often claimed that it was Xi Jinping and his officials who instructed Chinese scientists to develop COVID-19 in a science lab and then spread it around the world. “They’ve really destroyed the whole world,” Trump said. Meanwhile, he also claimed that the current President of the US is “afraid” of Xi Jinping and therefore has not pressurised authorities to find out the origin of the deadly coronavirus pandemic.

China's Xi Jinping is a 'killer' but used to be my friend, Donald Trump claims

The United States has blacklisted Chinese biotech firms for trying to seek surveillance on the Uyghur minority.

Trade with the Academy of Military Medical Sciences and 11 of its research institutes has been restricted by the US Commerce Department over its biotechnology work including "purported brain-control weaponry."

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According to Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, "The scientific pursuit of biotechnology and medical innovation can save lives. Unfortunately, the PRC is choosing to use these technologies to pursue control over its people and its repression of members of ethnic and religious minority groups."

"We cannot allow US commodities, technologies and software that support medical science and biotechnical innovation to be diverted toward uses contrary to US national security," she said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/this-is-how-huawei-is-associated-with-chinas-state-surveillance-436995">Also read |&nbsp;This is how Huawei is associated with China’s state surveillance</a>

Shares in Chinese healthcare and technology firms tumbled and knocked 3.2 per cent off a mainland index tracking the sector against a drop of 0.87 per cent in the broader index.

In response, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian told a news briefing, that Beijing was opposed to US "suppression" of its companies and would pay close attention to how the situation developed.

The new additions come just days after artificial intelligence start-up SenseTime Group was added to the Treasury list, forcing it to postpone its $767-million Hong Kong initial public offering (IPO).

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tribunal-rules-china-committed-genocide-against-uyghurs-jinping-primarily-responsible-435811">Also read |&nbsp;Tribunal rules China committed genocide against Uyghurs, Jinping 'primarily' responsible</a>

UN&nbsp;experts and rights groups estimate more than a million people, mainly Uyghurs and members of other Muslim minorities, have been detained in recent years in a vast system of camps in China's far western region of Xinjiang.

Some foreign lawmakers and parliaments have labelled the treatment of Uyghurs as genocide, citing evidence of forced sterilisations and deaths inside the camps. China denies this, saying Uyghur population growth exceeds the national average.

(With inputs from agencies)

The United States has blacklisted Chinese biotech firms for trying to seek surveillance on the Uyghur minority. Trade with the Academy of Military Medical Sciences and 11 of its research institutes has been restricted by the US Commerce Department over its biotechnology work including "purported brain-control weaponry.

The United States has blacklisted Chinese biotech firms for trying to seek surveillance on the Uyghur minority. Trade with the Academy of Military Medical Sciences and 11 of its research institutes has been restricted by the US Commerce Department over its biotechnology work including "purported brain-control weaponry." According to Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, "The scientific pursuit of biotechnology and medical innovation can save lives. Unfortunately, the PRC is choosing to use these technologies to pursue control over its people and its repression of members of ethnic and religious minority groups." "We cannot allow US commodities, technologies and software that support medical science and biotechnical innovation to be diverted toward uses contrary to US national security," she said. Also read | This is how Huawei is associated with China’s state surveillance Shares in Chinese healthcare and technology firms tumbled and knocked 3.2 per cent off a mainland index tracking the sector against a drop of 0.87 per cent in the broader index. In response, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian told a news briefing, that Beijing was opposed to US "suppression" of its companies and would pay close attention to how the situation developed. The new additions come just days after artificial intelligence start-up SenseTime Group was added to the Treasury list, forcing it to postpone its $767-million Hong Kong initial public offering (IPO). Also read | Tribunal rules China committed genocide against Uyghurs, Jinping 'primarily' responsible UN experts and rights groups estimate more than a million people, mainly Uyghurs and members of other Muslim minorities, have been detained in recent years in a vast system of camps in China's far western region of Xinjiang. Some foreign lawmakers and parliaments have labelled the treatment of Uyghurs as genocide, citing evidence of forced sterilisations and deaths inside the camps. China denies this, saying Uyghur population growth exceeds the national average. (With inputs from agencies)

'Purported brain-control weaponry': US blacklists Chinese biotech firms over Uyghur surveillance

US military commanders in the Pacific have developed a software tool that can predict how the Chinese government will react to US-backed activities in the region such as military sales, other military activity and even congressional visits to hotspots like Taiwan.

On Tuesday, Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks visited the United States Indo-Pacific Command in Hawaii, where she was briefed on this new tool.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/while-us-was-hosting-democracy-summit-china-targeted-our-allies-taiwan-436971">While US was hosting democracy summit, China targeted our allies: Taiwan</a>

An official with the Defense Department said the tool calculates "strategic friction." It analyzes data since early 2020 and looks at significant activities that affected US-Sino relations.&nbsp;

The computer-based system will allow the Pentagon to predict whether certain actions will provoke an "outsized reaction" or an overreaction from the Chinese side.

As recently as October, the Chinese military warned that the United States and Canada were threatening peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait by sending warships through the strait.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-canada-colluded-to-provoke-trouble-says-china-after-warships-sail-through-taiwan-strait-421574">US, Canada colluded to provoke trouble, says China after warships sail through Taiwan Strait</a>

An official from the US said this incident and others like it have fueled demand for this tool, which will help ensure the United States does not unintentionally upset China with its actions.

US-China relations are already at a low point, but the tool provides visibility across a variety of activities such as congressional visits to Taiwan and arms sales to allies in the region. It can also point out when US ships crossing the Taiwan Strait might provoke an unintended reaction from China.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: From Iraq to Afghanistan: America's trail of deaths

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The People's Republic of China claims democratically ruled Taiwan as its territory and has undertaken repeated air force missions into Taiwan's air defense identification zone (ADIZ) over the past year, provoking anger in Taipei.

This newly developed software will enhance the ability of US&nbsp;officials to plan actions as early as four months in advance, the official said.

(With inputs from agencies)

US military commanders in the Pacific have developed a software tool that can predict how the Chinese government will react to US-backed activities in the region such as military sales, other military activity and even congressional visits to hotspots like Taiwan.

US military commanders in the Pacific have developed a software tool that can predict how the Chinese government will react to US-backed activities in the region such as military sales, other military activity and even congressional visits to hotspots like Taiwan. On Tuesday, Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks visited the United States Indo-Pacific Command in Hawaii, where she was briefed on this new tool. Also read | While US was hosting democracy summit, China targeted our allies: Taiwan An official with the Defense Department said the tool calculates "strategic friction." It analyzes data since early 2020 and looks at significant activities that affected US-Sino relations. The computer-based system will allow the Pentagon to predict whether certain actions will provoke an "outsized reaction" or an overreaction from the Chinese side. As recently as October, the Chinese military warned that the United States and Canada were threatening peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait by sending warships through the strait. Also read | US, Canada colluded to provoke trouble, says China after warships sail through Taiwan Strait An official from the US said this incident and others like it have fueled demand for this tool, which will help ensure the United States does not unintentionally upset China with its actions. US-China relations are already at a low point, but the tool provides visibility across a variety of activities such as congressional visits to Taiwan and arms sales to allies in the region. It can also point out when US ships crossing the Taiwan Strait might provoke an unintended reaction from China. Watch | Gravitas: From Iraq to Afghanistan: America's trail of deaths The People's Republic of China claims democratically ruled Taiwan as its territory and has undertaken repeated air force missions into Taiwan's air defense identification zone (ADIZ) over the past year, provoking anger in Taipei. This newly developed software will enhance the ability of US officials to plan actions as early as four months in advance, the official said. (With inputs from agencies)

US develops new software to predict actions that can trigger 'outsized' Chinese reactions

China's foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin has accused the United States of ''inciting violence'' and ''instigating confrontation.''

It comes after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken asked Beijing to stop ''aggressive actions'' in the Indo-Pacific region.

During his first visit to Indonesia as Secretary of State, Blinken on Tuesday touted a US strategy to deepen its Asian treaty alliances.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/stop-aggressive-actions-in-the-indo-pacific-us-warns-china-436794">Also read |&nbsp;Stop 'aggressive actions' in the Indo-Pacific: US warns China</a>

He offered to boost defence and intelligence work with partners in an Indo-Pacific region increasingly concerned over China's behaviour.

Blinken said Washington would work with allies and partners to "defend the rules-based order" and countries should have the right to "choose their own path".

"That's why there is so much concern from Northeast Asia to Southeast Asia and from the Mekong River to the Pacific Islands&nbsp;about Beijing's aggressive actions.&nbsp;

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"Claiming open seas as their own. Distorting open markets through subsidies to its state-run companies. Denying the exports or revoking deals for countries whose policies it does not agree with."&nbsp;

"Countries across the region want this behaviour to change -- we do too," he said.

China claims almost the entire South China Sea as its own, despite some overlapping claims with other coastal states and a ruling by an international tribunal that its vast claim had no legal basis.&nbsp;

Beijing has rejected the US stance as interference from an outside power that could threaten Asia's stability.

Tensions between the United States and China have risen over Taiwan, which China claims as its own and has pledged to recapture one day, by force if necessary.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

China's foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin has accused the United States of ''inciting violence'' and ''instigating confrontation.'' It comes after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken asked Beijing to stop ''aggressive actions'' in the Indo-Pacific region.

China's foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin has accused the United States of ''inciting violence'' and ''instigating confrontation.'' It comes after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken asked Beijing to stop ''aggressive actions'' in the Indo-Pacific region. During his first visit to Indonesia as Secretary of State, Blinken on Tuesday touted a US strategy to deepen its Asian treaty alliances. Also read | Stop 'aggressive actions' in the Indo-Pacific: US warns China He offered to boost defence and intelligence work with partners in an Indo-Pacific region increasingly concerned over China's behaviour. Blinken said Washington would work with allies and partners to "defend the rules-based order" and countries should have the right to "choose their own path". "That's why there is so much concern from Northeast Asia to Southeast Asia and from the Mekong River to the Pacific Islands about Beijing's aggressive actions. Also read | After Biden, President Putin to meet President Xi via video link "Claiming open seas as their own. Distorting open markets through subsidies to its state-run companies. Denying the exports or revoking deals for countries whose policies it does not agree with." "Countries across the region want this behaviour to change -- we do too," he said. China claims almost the entire South China Sea as its own, despite some overlapping claims with other coastal states and a ruling by an international tribunal that its vast claim had no legal basis. Beijing has rejected the US stance as interference from an outside power that could threaten Asia's stability. Tensions between the United States and China have risen over Taiwan, which China claims as its own and has pledged to recapture one day, by force if necessary. (With inputs from agencies)

China accuses US of 'inciting violence' and 'instigating confrontation'

Taiwan’s minister Audrey Tang’s video feed was cut short during ‘Summit for Democracy’ which was recently held by the US. Her address was halted after a map in her slide presentation showed Taiwan in a different colour to China.<o:p></o:p>

Local reports have claimed that internal sources have revealed that the video feed, which was showing Tang, was cut short and it was replaced only with her audio. The feed was cut at the request of White House officials.<o:p></o:p>

It is reported that the White House officials feared that this map can disrupt Washington’s stand on "one-China" policy. Washington has not taken a position on the debate of whether or not Taiwan is a part of China.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wion-global-summit-how-taiwan-developed-digital-public-infrastructure-372913">WION Global Summit: How Taiwan developed digital public infrastructure</a></o:p>

As Tang’s video showed China and Taiwan in different colours, the team was told to quickly remove the map. However, in the confusion of the moment, the whole video feed of the Taiwanese minister disappeared, and only her voice could be heard.<o:p></o:p>

"We valued Minister Tang's participation, which showcased Taiwan's world-class expertise on issues of transparent governance, human rights, and countering disinformation," a spokesperson said.<o:p></o:p>

The map showed by Tang was a colour coded representation from a South African NGO CIVICUS, which was ranking the world by openness on civil rights. The map had different colours for status of 'openness' of countries on civil rights — such as "closed," "repressed," "obstructed", "narrowed" or "open".

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sore-over-summit-for-democracy-2021-china-labels-us-democracy-as-weapon-of-mass-destruction-435985">Sore over 'Summit for Democracy 2021', China labels US democracy as 'weapon of mass destruction'</a></o:p>

On this map, Taiwan was marked with green, signifying that the region is 'open' to civil rights. However, Laos, Vietnam and North Korea, along with China, were marked with red, which meant their status was 'closed'.<o:p></o:p>

To be on the safer side of this argument, White House officials also issued a disclaimer later on the screen that read, "Any opinions expressed by individuals on this panel are those of the individual, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the United States government."<o:p></o:p>

It is also being reported that when the US government contacted Taiwanese officials about this map 'confusion', the Taiwan government protested Tang's video being cut. <o:p></o:p>

Western publications have also claimed that the White House National Security Council (NSC)&nbsp;was angry that the slide in question had not appeared during the 'dry run' version before the summit. This has also raised questions of if this was an intentional move by Taiwan or Tang.<o:p></o:p>

Meanwhile, Tang has found it best to stay away from this controversy. When asked if she believed that her video had been cut due to the slide, she told Reuters, "No, I do not believe that this has anything to do with the CIVICUS map in my slides, or U.S. allies in Asia for that matter."<o:p></o:p>

Taiwan’s minister Audrey Tang’s video feed was cut short during ‘Summit for Democracy’ which was recently held by the US. Her address was halted after a map in her slide presentation showed Taiwan in a different colour to China.

Taiwan’s minister Audrey Tang’s video feed was cut short during ‘Summit for Democracy’ which was recently held by the US. Her address was halted after a map in her slide presentation showed Taiwan in a different colour to China. Local reports have claimed that internal sources have revealed that the video feed, which was showing Tang, was cut short and it was replaced only with her audio. The feed was cut at the request of White House officials. It is reported that the White House officials feared that this map can disrupt Washington’s stand on "one-China" policy. Washington has not taken a position on the debate of whether or not Taiwan is a part of China. Also read | WION Global Summit: How Taiwan developed digital public infrastructure As Tang’s video showed China and Taiwan in different colours, the team was told to quickly remove the map. However, in the confusion of the moment, the whole video feed of the Taiwanese minister disappeared, and only her voice could be heard. "We valued Minister Tang's participation, which showcased Taiwan's world-class expertise on issues of transparent governance, human rights, and countering disinformation," a spokesperson said. The map showed by Tang was a colour coded representation from a South African NGO CIVICUS, which was ranking the world by openness on civil rights. The map had different colours for status of 'openness' of countries on civil rights — such as "closed," "repressed," "obstructed", "narrowed" or "open". Also read | Sore over 'Summit for Democracy 2021', China labels US democracy as 'weapon of mass destruction' On this map, Taiwan was marked with green, signifying that the region is 'open' to civil rights. However, Laos, Vietnam and North Korea, along with China, were marked with red, which meant their status was 'closed'. To be on the safer side of this argument, White House officials also issued a disclaimer later on the screen that read, "Any opinions expressed by individuals on this panel are those of the individual, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the United States government." It is also being reported that when the US government contacted Taiwanese officials about this map 'confusion', the Taiwan government protested Tang's video being cut. Western publications have also claimed that the White House National Security Council (NSC) was angry that the slide in question had not appeared during the 'dry run' version before the summit. This has also raised questions of if this was an intentional move by Taiwan or Tang. Meanwhile, Tang has found it best to stay away from this controversy. When asked if she believed that her video had been cut due to the slide, she told Reuters, "No, I do not believe that this has anything to do with the CIVICUS map in my slides, or U.S. allies in Asia for that matter."

US abruptly cuts Taiwanese minister's video at 'Summit for Democracy 2021'

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