New Huawei Phone Indicates China Has Found A Way To Defeat US Chip Sanctions

Huawei’s Mate 60’s main processor chip was manufactured using technology that is now subject to trade restrictions - James Park/Bloomberg © Provided by The Telegraph 

Washington Post: New phone sparks worry China has found a way around U.S. tech limits 

As Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo was visiting China earlier this week, a sea-green Chinese smartphone was quietly launched online. 

It was no normal gadget. And its launch has sparked hushed concern in Washington that U.S. sanctions have failed to prevent China from making a key technological advance. 

Such a development would seem to fulfill warnings from U.S. chipmakers that sanctions wouldn’t stop China, but would spur it to redouble efforts to build alternatives to U.S. technology.  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: Good question .... While under US sanctions, where did Huawei get the advanced chips for its latest Mate 60 Pro smartphone? (SCMP). 

I knew China would eventually defeat US chip sanctions. I just did not expect them to do it as quickly as they have. 

New Huawei Phone Indicates China Has Found A Way To Defeat US Chip Sanctions  

Huawei's new chip breakthrough likely to trigger closer US scrutiny, analysts say -- Reuters  

A new Huawei phone has defeated US chip sanctions against China -- Quartz  

China makes microchip breakthrough in blow to Biden's tech sanctions -- The Telegraph

Is the Huawei Mate 60 Pro proof that US sanctions have failed? -- TechHQ 

US Sanctions Fail Again, China Now Produces Its Own Advanced Computer Chips –- MishTalk

China Will Restrict The Exports Of Gallium And Germanium Metals Vital To Chipmaking

 

Business Insider: China is restricting the export of two little-known metals crucial to the semiconductor industry. It shows Beijing still holds important chips in its tech war with the West. 

 * China will restrict the exports of gallium and germanium — metals vital to chipmaking — from August 1. 

 * Authorities said the move aims to "safeguard national security and interests." 

* The export curb is seen as a retaliatory move by Beijing amid a chip war with the West. 

China and the US are getting increasingly ensnared in a chip war that has escalated since October. 

A recent move by China to restrict the export of two little-known metals has again sent the semiconductor industry into a tailspin. 

In a Monday notice, China's commerce ministry and customs department said it plans to control the exports of two metals — gallium and germanium — along with several of their compounds from August 1 to "safeguard national security and interests."  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: These restrictions are to be imposed on August 1.

 China Will Restrict The Exports Of Gallium And Germanium Metals  

China’s export controls on gallium likely to hit US defense industry: experts -- Global Times 

China Restricts Export of Chipmaking Metals in Clash With US -- Bloomberg  

China's metal export curbs a 'warning' to US and its allies - Global Times -- Reuters  

China restricts exports of high-tech metals in a slap at Washington ahead of Yellen's visit -- Reuters  

What are Gallium and Germanium? China curbs exports of metals critical to chips and other tech -- CNBC

China's gallium and germanium controls: what they mean and what could happen next -- The Conversation  

EU assessing exposure to China’s curbs on germanium and gallium exports -- SCMP 

Factbox: Companies respond to China's curbs on gallium and germanium exports -- Reuters

US Sanctions Chinese Companies For Supplying Parts In Iranian Drones

The US Defense Department used components found at the scene to identify the drone used in a November 2022 attack on a tanker as an Iranian Shahed-136 as shown in this handout photo from the department © - / DVIDS/AFP  

Reuters: U.S. sanctions China-based network accused of supplying Iran drone maker 

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The United States on Thursday imposed sanctions on a China-based network over accusations it has shipped aerospace parts to an Iranian company involved in the production of drones that Tehran has used to attack oil tankers and exported to Russia. 

The U.S. Treasury Department targeted five companies and one person in the network for selling and shipping thousands of aerospace components, including those that can be used for drones, to the Iran Aircraft Manufacturing Industrial Company. 

The company, known as HESA, has been involved in producing the Shahed-136 unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) model that Iran has used to attack oil tankers and exported to Russia, the U.S. Treasury said in a statement.  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: The US is also sanctioning Iran's banking and petro-chemical industries .... New US Sanctions Target Iranian Petroleum, Petrochemical Trade (VOA/Reuters). More here .... US targets 'shadow banking' network helping Iran evade sanctions (Reuters), and here .... US sanctions 39 entities over alleged ‘shadow banking’ for Iran (Al Jazeera).  

Update: China has responded .... Beijing Condemns US Sanctions On Chinese Firms For Alleged Support Of Iran's Drone Program (UrduPoint). 

US Sanctions Chinese Companies For Supplying Parts In Iranian Drones  

U.S. targets Iran with slew of new sanctions over drones, evasion network -- UPI  

US blacklists Chinese firms supplying drone parts to Iran -- RFI  

US sanctions Chinese network that sold drone components to Iran, says UAVs were used by Russia in Ukraine -- FOX News  

US sanctions Iran’s China-based drone procurement network -- Jerusalem Post 

U.S. slaps sanctions on Chinese companies for helping Iran produce drones -- Ukrinform

US Wants Backing From Allies On Possible China Sanctions Over The Ukraine War

 

Reuters: Exclusive-US Seeks Allies' Backing for Possible China Sanctions Over Ukraine War -Sources 

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The United States is sounding out close allies about the possibility of imposing new sanctions on China if Beijing provides military support to Russia for its war in Ukraine, according to four U.S. officials and other sources. 

The consultations, which are still at a preliminary stage, are intended to drum up support from a range of countries, especially those in the wealthy Group of 7 (G7), to coordinate support for any possible restrictions. 

 It was not clear what specific sanctions Washington will propose. The conversations have not been previously disclosed. The U.S. Treasury Department, a lead agency on the imposition of sanctions, declined to comment.  

Read more .... 

WNU Editor: The EU economy is still reeling from the sanctions they imposed on Russian resources. EU sanctions on China will create the perfect storm to not only to create shortages in many finished products that families need, but also the inflationary impact that it will have. 

So the big question is .... will the EU go down this ruinous economic road? 

My answer is yes. But at the beginning it will be limited in its scope.

US Sanctions 6 Chinese Tech Companies Over Balloon Program

The suspected Chinese spy balloon drifts to the ocean after being shot down off the coast in Surfside Beach, South Carolina, U.S. February 4, 2023. Randall Hill | Reuters  

CNBC: U.S. sanctions six Chinese tech companies for supporting spy balloon programs 

* A new round of U.S. sanctions will target six Chinese aerospace companies identified as supporting the nation’s military’s reconnaissance balloon program, the Commerce Department announced Friday. 

* The sanctions were imposed just hours after an American military F-22 shot down the second “high altitude object” to enter U.S. airspace in the past week. 

* The firms will join a growing list of companies based in China that the U.S. says pose serious threats to national security. 

WASHINGTON — The Commerce Department announced a new round of sanctions Friday targeting six Chinese aerospace companies that it identified as supporting the nation’s military’s reconnaissance balloon program.

The firms will join a growing list of companies based in China that the U.S. says pose serious threats to national security. The sanctions announcement came just hours after an American military F-22 shot down the second “high altitude object” to enter U.S. airspace in the past week.

“The PRC’s use of high-altitude balloons violates our sovereignty and threatens U.S. national security,” said Alan Estevez, undersecretary of commerce for industry and security, using the acronym for the People’s Republic of China.

Read more .... 

US Sanctions 6 Chinese Tech Companies Over Balloon Program  

US blacklists 6 Chinese entities over balloon program -- AP  

U.S. adds 6 Chinese entities tied to balloon program to export blacklist -- Reuters  

US restricts 6 Chinese companies tied to airships and balloons -- CNN  

US adds six China entities tied to balloon programme to export blacklist -- CNA  

US blacklists six Chinese entities over balloon program -- DW

Beijing Holds Emergency Talks With Chip Firms After U.S. Sanctions

Workers are busy at a chip factory in Suqian, East China's Jiangsu Province in July 2021. Photo: cnsphoto  

Bloomberg: China Gathers Semiconductor Firms for Talks After US Chip Sanctions 

 (Bloomberg) -- China’s top technology overseer convened a series of emergency meetings over the past week with leading semiconductor companies, seeking to assess the damage from the Biden administration’s sweeping chip restrictions and pledging support for the critical sector. 

The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has summoned executives from firms including Yangtze Memory Technologies Co. and supercomputer specialist Dawning Information Industry Co. into closed-door meetings since Washington unveiled measures to contain China’s technological ambitions.  

Read more ....  

Update: China holds emergency talks with chip firms after U.S. curbs -Bloomberg News (Reuters)  

WNU Editor: Chinese President Xi has vowed victory in this battle .... China’s Xi Vows Victory in Tech Battle After US Chip Curbs (Bloomberg).

China Orders Officials To Find Ways To Protect The Country From Western Sanctions Like Those Used Against Russia

Beijing had been put on alert by the ability of Washington and its allies to freeze the Russian central bank's dollar assets. (Shutterstock)  

Daily Mail: Is China preparing to invade Taiwan? Beijing orders officials to find ways to protect the nation from western sanctions like those used against Russia 

* China held an emergency meeting with regulators in anticipation of sanctions 

* The regime is seeking to protect its $3.2trillion in foreign currency reserves 

* Banking officials from HSBC and other international lenders were invited 

* The West is said to be considering sanctions in the event China invades Taiwan 

* China has stepped up military activity in the region as the US held high-level talks with its allies, including the UK, over the possibility of a Chinese invasion 

Chinese officials are looking at ways to defend the country from economic attack if the West should look to sanction China in the same way it did Russia — stoking fears the nation is preparing for an invasion of Taiwan. 

China's regulators held an emergency meeting on April 22 between officials from China’s central bank, the finance ministry, domestic banks operating within China, and international lenders such as HSBC. 

The West's harsh economic sanctions on Russia prompted the emergency meeting, with the Ministry of Finance stating that President Xi’s administration had been put on alert by the surprise dollar freeze.  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: China is not focused on Taiwan right now. Their focus is on Covid and blowback from the West over their support of Russia .... Chinese tech firms may leave Russia, Ukraine to cut sanctions risk: experts (SCMP). And China has reason to be concerned. Russia has approximately $630billion frozen in place by foreign sanctions, China, by contract, is the world's largest holders of foreign currency reserves, holding $3.2trillion in foreign currency reserves (according to the IMF). 

China Orders Officials To Find Ways To Protect The Country From Western Sanctions  

China is working to protect its overseas assets amid fears the US could impose Russia-style sanctions, reports say -- Business Insider

China Holds Emergency Meeting with Top Bank Executives Amid Concerns of Potential US Sanctions -- Al Bawaba

China Discusses Protecting Assets From U.S. Sanctions With Banks -FT -- US News and World Report 

China Holds Internal Meeting With Top Bank Officials Amid Fears Of Potential US Sanctions -- Republic World

After Demanding Beijing Condemn Russia US Unexpectedly Sanctions Chinese Officials

 

The Hill: US announces new sanctions on Chinese officials over 'repressive acts' 

The Department of State announced on Monday it would sanction some Chinese officials over what it called "repressive acts" against members of ethnic and religious groups, including those in the U.S. 

“The United States rejects efforts by PRC officials to harass, intimidate, surveil, and abduct members of ethnic and religious minority groups, including those who seek safety abroad, and U.S. citizens, who speak out on behalf of these vulnerable populations,” the department said in a statement, referring to China by its formal name, the People's Republic of China. 

"We are committed to defending human rights around the world and will continue to use all diplomatic and economic measures to promote accountability.”  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: China is already threatening reprisals .... China urges US to withdraw visa restrictions on officials or face countermeasures (Global Times).

 More News On The U.S. Sanctioning Chinese Officials  

U.S. sanctions officials in China over persecution of Uyghurs and other minorities -- CBS/AFP  

U.S. Will Restrict Visas For Chinese Officials Involved In Uyghur Repression, Blinken Says -- Forbes  

U.S. blacklists Chinese officials over 'repressive acts' committed against religious minorities -- UPI  

U.S. imposes visa restrictions on Chinese officials -- Axios

U.S. Imposes New Sanctions Against China, Myanmar And North Korea On Human Rights Day

The US Department of the Treasury added China's SenseTime to a blacklist for developing facial recognition software 'that can determine a target’s ethnicity, with a particular focus on identifying ethnic Uyghurs' [File: Leah Millis/Reuters]  

Reuters: U.S. imposes sweeping human rights sanctions on China, Myanmar and North Korea 

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The United States on Friday imposed extensive human rights-related sanctions on dozens of people and entities tied to China, Myanmar, North Korea and Bangladesh, and added Chinese artificial intelligence company SenseTime Group to an investment blacklist. 

Canada and the United Kingdom joined the United States in imposing sanctions related to human rights abuses in Myanmar, while Washington also imposed the first new sanctions on North Korea  under President Joe Biden's administration and targeted Myanmar military entities, among others, in action marking Human Rights Day.  

Read more .... 

U.S. Imposes New Sanctions Against China, Myanmar And North Korea On Human Rights Day  

US Announces New Sanctions on Human Rights Day -- VOA  

U.S. sanctions people, entities linked to China, Myanmar and North Korea -- Axios  

White House sanctions dozens accused of human rights abuses, including China, Russia -- The Hill  

US imposes new sanctions on China, Myanmar, North Korea -- DW  

US imposes sweeping sanctions on China, Myanmar and North Korea -- Al Jazeera

U.S. Sanctions More Chinese Technology Firms Over National Security Concerns

 

CNBC: U.S. blacklists dozens of Chinese tech firms citing national security concerns 

* The Biden administration added a dozen Chinese companies to its trade blacklist on Wednesday. 

* Of those blacklisted, eight Chinese technology entities were added for their alleged role in assisting the Chinese military’s quantum computing efforts. 

* U.S. officials have long complained that Chinese companies are beholden to the People’s Republic of China and collect sensitive information on behalf of the People’s Liberation Army. 

WASHINGTON – The Biden administration added a dozen Chinese companies to its trade blacklist on Wednesday, citing national security as well as foreign policy concerns. 

Eight technology entities based in China were added to the list for their alleged role in assisting the Chinese military’s quantum computing efforts and acquiring or attempting “to acquire U.S. origin-items in support of military applications.” 

U.S. officials have long complained that Chinese companies are beholden to the People’s Republic of China and collect sensitive information on behalf of the People’s Liberation Army. 

The Chinese Communist Party has previously said that it does not engage in industrial espionage.  

Read more ....  

WNU Editor: China responds .... China Says U.S. Tech Blacklist Moves Violate Xi-Biden Consensus (Bloomberg). More here .... China calls US 'hysterical' after new tech ban on Chinese firms (Global Times). 

 U.S. Sanctions More Chinese Technology Firms Over National Security Concerns  

US restricts trade with a dozen more Chinese technology firms -- BBC 

12 more Chinese companies are placed on US export blacklist -- SCMP  

U.S. puts Chinese firms helping military on trade blacklist -- Reuters  

US adds a dozen Chinese companies to its trade blacklist -- CNN

Biden Administration Considering New Sanctions On Iran’s Oil Sales To China if Nuclear Talks Fail

Under US President Joe Biden, Iran's crude oil exports, mostly to China, have climbed (AFP/File photo)  

Energy Bulletin/WSJ: U.S. Weighs New Sanctions on Iran’s Oil Sales to China if Nuclear Talks Fail 

The U.S. is considering tighter sanctions on Iranian oil sales to China as a way to encourage Tehran to conclude a nuclear deal and raise the costs of abandoning stalled negotiations. 

U.S. negotiators have been working with European and other international partners in Vienna since April to revive the 2015 deal that limits Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for an easing of broad sanctions. 

As those talks falter, the U.S. is running through options intended to induce Iran to keep negotiating or punish it if it doesn’t, according to U.S. officials and people familiar with the matter. 

One plan being drafted would choke off Iran’s swelling crude-oil sales to China, the country’s main client, through fresh sanctions targeting the shipping networks that help export an estimated one million barrels a day and bring critical revenue to Iran, the officials said. 

 Read more ....  

WNU Editor: The Biden will only act if the nuclear talks fail. It looks like these talks are failing .... Iran's Security Council rejects draft nuclear deal with U.S., spokesman says (Axios). 

More News On The Biden Administration Considering New Sanctions On Iran’s Oil Sales To China if Nuclear Talks Fail  

Biden administration eyeing new sanctions on Iran oil sales if nuclear talks fail: report -- The Hill  

US said to weigh sanctions on Iran’s oil sales to China if nuke talks fail -- Times of Israel  

US considering new sanctions on Iranian oil sales to China: WSJ -- Al Jazeera  

US mulling new sanctions on Iran's oil sales to China: Report -- Middle East Eye

U.S. Sanctions 7 Chinese Supercomputer Centres

 

BBC: US blacklists seven Chinese supercomputer groups 

The US has blacklisted seven Chinese groups it accuses of building supercomputers to help its military. 

It is the first move by the Biden administration to make it harder for China to obtain US technology 

 On Thursday, three companies and four branches of China's National Supercomputing Center were added to the US blacklist. 

This bars American companies from exporting technology to the groups without proper approval.  

Read more ....  

Update #1: U.S. sanctions Chinese computer makers in widening tech fight -- NBC/AP 

Update #2: US sanctions on Chinese supercomputer centres ‘may have limited impact’ -- SCMP  

WNU Editor: China is not impressed with these sanctions .... US sanctions on 7 more Chinese tech firms just another 'mosquito' bite: expert (Global Times). According to US intelligence,, China is currently leading in some sectors of AI .... China Leads US In 3 Of 6 AI Areas: Bob Work (Breaking Defense).

U.S. And Canada Respond To China's Imposing Sanctions On Two Americans And One Canadian

 

The Guardian: US and Canada hit back at China's 'baseless' sanctions as Xinjiang row deepens 

Washington says Beijing’s tit-for-tat sanctions will only focus attention on its ‘genocide’ against Uighurs The US secretary of state, Antony Blinken, has warned that China’s tit-for-tat sanctions against two Americans in the growing dispute over Beijing’s treatment of Uighurs were “baseless” and would only shine a harsh spotlight on the “genocide” in Xinjiang. 

“Beijing’s attempts to intimidate and silence those speaking out for human rights and fundamental freedoms only contribute to the growing international scrutiny of the ongoing genocide and crimes against humanity in Xinjiang,” Blinken said in a statement on Saturday. 

Read more .... 

Update #1: United States condemns China's sanctions in dispute over Uighurs (Reuters) 

Update #2: Justin Trudeau Calls China's Sanctions an 'Attack' on 'Values at the Heart of Our Democracy' (Newsweek) 

WNU Editor: The US and Canadian individuals that China has imposed sanctions on are the following .... China sanctions U.S., Canadian individuals, entity, warns against foreign interference (CGTN). 

China's decision to sanction EU officials will be carrying a heavy price .... Chinese sanctions threaten EU investment pact (DW).

EU Imposes Sanctions On Four Chinese Officials Over Xinjiang Abuses

 

DW: EU slaps sanctions on China for abuses against Uyghurs 

The European Union has agreed to sanction China for human rights abuses against the Uyghurs in the country's northwestern Xinjiang province. 

The European Union agreed on Monday to sanction China for human rights abuses against the Uyghurs at a foreign ministers meeting Monday in Brussels. 

Four regional and party representatives, as well as a construction firm from Xinjiang province, were added to the EU sanctions list, with their names published in the EU Official Journal. 

Read more .... 

WNU Editor: Only four officials and the Xinjiang Public Security Bureau (PSB) are sanctioned. These sanctions are a joke. The Chinese leadership who are responsible for what is happening in Xinjiang province are being left alone. 

Update: China says it will retaliate .... Exclusive: China formulating countermeasures against planned EU sanctions over Xinjiang; no escape for some EU institutions and poorly behaving individuals (Global Times). 

Update #2: That was fast .... China sanctions EU officials in response to Uyghur row (DW)  

 More News On The EU Imposing Sanctions On China 

EU slaps sanctions on 4 Chinese officials over Uyghur abuses -- AP 

EU imposes China sanctions over Xinjiang abuses; first in three decades -- Reuters 

EU agrees first sanctions on China in more than 30 years -- Euronews 

EU imposes sanctions on four Chinese officials -- Politico

U.S. To Blacklist More Chinese Chinese. Oil Giant CNOOC And Chip Maker SMIC Have Been Added To The List

Reuters: Exclusive: Trump to add China's SMIC and CNOOC to defense blacklist - sources 

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Trump administration plans to add China’s top chipmaker SMIC and oil giant CNOOC to a blacklist of alleged Chinese military companies, escalating tensions with Beijing before President-elect Joe Biden takes office, according to sources familiar with the matter and a document seen by Reuters.

The Department of Defense (DOD) is poised to designate four more Chinese companies as owned or controlled by the Chinese military, bringing the total number to 35. 

A recent executive order issued by President Donald Trump would prevent U.S. investors from buying securities of the blacklisted firms starting late next year. 

It was not immediately clear when the new additions to the blacklist would be published in the Federal Register, making the move official. 

But the list includes China Construction Technology Co Ltd and China International Engineering Consulting Corp, as well as Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp (SMIC) and China National Offshore Oil Corp (CNOOC), according to the document seen by Reuters and four sources. 

Read more .... 

Update: U.S. To Blacklist Chinese Oil Giant Due To Military Ties (OilPrice.com) 

WNU Editor: Will A Biden administration reverse the blacklisting of these Chinese companies? We will know soon enough.

China Sanctions 5 US GOP Senators In Retaliation To US Sanctions

Daily Mail: China sanctions 11 US citizens including Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio in retaliation for U.S. restrictions on Hong Kong's top officials - but Beijing does not hit ANY Trump officials

* China announced Monday it is placing unspecific sanctions against 11 U.S. politicians and business officials
* The list includes Texas Senator Ted Cruz and Florida Senator Marco Rubio, but it doesn't not name any of Donald Trump's administration or campaign officials
* China's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian announced the sanctions, claiming the 11 individuals 'performed badly' on issues concerning Hong Kong
* China issued a new national security law in Hong Kong last month, leading to new sanctions from the U.S. and widespread criticism from U.S. officials
* The U.S. also closed the Chinese consulate in Houston last month as relations between Washington and Beijing have been on a decline the past few months

China announced Monday it is levying sanctions against Ted Cruz, Marco Rubio and nine other U.S. business figures and Republican politicians in retaliation for actions taken against Hong Kong.

The unspecific sanctions were announced by China's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian who said the 11 individuals 'performed badly' on issues concerning the semi-autonomous southern Chinese city.

'The relevant actions of the U.S. blatantly intervened in Hong Kong affairs, grossly interfered in China's internal affairs, and seriously violated international law and the basic norms of international relations,' Zhao said at a daily briefing on Monday.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: This is not over by any means. Expect more sanctions and retaliatory measures from both sides in the coming days/weeks.

More News On China Sanctioning 5 US GOP Senators In Retaliation To US Sanctions

China sanctions 11 US politicians, heads of organizations -- AP
China imposes sanctions on Republican U.S. lawmakers over Hong Kong -- Reuters
China imposes sanctions on US senators over Hong Kong -- BBC
China sanctions 11 US citizens including Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz -- The Guardian
China issues sanctions against 11 US politicians and organisation heads, including Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz, over Hong Kong -- ABC News Online
Hong Kong: China imposes tit-for-tat sanctions on US legislators -- Al Jazeera

European Union Sanctions Russian Intelligence, North Korean, Chinese Firms Over Cyberattacks

Reuters: EU sanctions Russian intelligence, North Korean, Chinese firms over alleged cyberattacks

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The European Union on Thursday imposed travel and financial sanctions on a department of Russia’s military intelligence service and on firms from North Korea and China over their suspected participation in major cyberattacks across the world.

In its first ever sanctions related to cybercrime, the EU targeted the department for special technologies of the Russian military intelligence service, known as Main Directorate of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, it said in a statement.

The bloc accused the Russian service of having carried out two cyberattacks in June 2017, which hit several companies in Europe resulting in large financial losses. The service is also accused of two cyberattacks against Ukraine’s power grid in 2015 and 2016.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: In response to these sanctions China wants to talk .... China, Russia call for dialogue with EU over alleged cyberattacks (CGTN). Russia promises to retaliate .... Russia to give tit-for-tat response to EU sanctions over alleged cyberattacks (TASS). No response from North Korea.

More News On The European Union Sanctioning Russian Intelligence, North Korean, Chinese Firms Over Cyberattacks

European Union hits Chinese ‘hackers’ with sanctions, along with alleged cyber-spies from Russia and North Korea -- SCMP
EU imposes sanctions on Russian, North Korean, Chinese groups and individuals for major cyberattacks -- The Hill
EU issues first ever sanctions against cyber attacks -- EU Observer
Chinese and Russian hackers were just sanctioned by Europe for the first time -- MIT Technology Review

U.S. Imposes Sanctions On China Over Rights Abuses In Xinjiang

A watchtower in a high-security facility near what is believed to be a camp where mostly Muslim ethnic minorities are detained in China. (file photo)

The Hill: US sanctions Chinese officials, paramilitary agency over Uighur abuses

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced new sanctions on Friday against Chinese officials and a government entity over Uighur human rights abuses he called the “stain of the century.”

The latest sanctions come amid spiraling relations between the U.S. and China, with the Trump administration stepping up actions against Beijing on multiple fronts in an attempt at changing the behavior of the Chinese Communist Party.

The sanctions target the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps (XPCC) and two of its officials, Pompeo said in a statement.

The XPCC, a paramilitary organization that operates under the control of Beijing, has been criticized as being a tool of repression against minority Uighurs in the Xinjiang region.

Read more ....

More News On The U.S. Imposing Sanctions On China Over Rights Abuses In Xinjiang

U.S. imposes sanctions on Chinese company over abuse of Uighurs -- Reuters
US imposes sanctions on Chinese 'state-within-a-state' linked to Xinjiang abuses -- Guardian/AFP
U.S. Adds Sanctions Over Internment of Muslims in China -- New York Times
US ramps up sanctions over Uighur abuses with penalties on powerful Chinese paramilitary group -- ABC News
U.S. Slaps Sanctions On Chinese Entity, Individuals Over Rights Abuses In Xinjiang -- RFE
Pompeo sanctions China over human rights abuses against the Uyghurs, calling it the 'stain of the century' -- FOX News
U.S. sanctions China's paramilitary in Xinjiang -- Axios

U.S. Sanctions: Chinese Banks Are Preparing For The 'Worst Case' Scenario Of Being Cut Off From SWIFT

FILE PHOTO: A general view of the financial Central district in Hong Kong, China July 25, 2019. REUTERS/Tyrone Siu/File Photo

Reuters: Exclusive: Chinese banks prepare contingency plans over threat of U.S. sanctions, sources say

BEIJING/HONG KONG/SHANGHAI (Reuters) - Chinese state lenders are revamping contingency plans in anticipation of U.S. legislation that could penalise banks for serving officials who implement the new national security law for Hong Kong, sources at five state financial institutions said.

In worst-case scenarios under consideration by the Bank of China and Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, the lenders are looking at the possibility of being cut off from U.S. dollars or losing access to U.S. dollar settlements, two sources said.

The dollar is the dominant global currency for international payments and central bank reserves.

“We are hoping for the best, but preparing for the worst. You never know how things will turn out,” one of the sources said.

Read more ....

Update: Chinese Banks Preparing For "Worst Case" Scenario: Being Cut Off From SWIFT, Hong Kong Bank Runs (Zero Hedge)

WNU Editor: For the past decade I have come to believe that in the next two or three decades there will eventually be two global reserve currencies in the world .... the US Dollar and China's Renminbi. After reading the above articles, a part of me is now wondering if it will happen sooner.

Congress Sends New China Sanctions Bill To President Trump's Desk

CNBC: House sends China sanctions bill to Trump’s desk as tensions escalate

* The House of Representatives on Wednesday passed legislation condemning China for the detention and torture of Uighur Muslims in the country’s western region of Xinjiang as tensions between the U.S. and China continue to escalate.
* The legislation passed by a vote of 413-1 after passing overwhelmingly in the Senate earlier this month. It will now head to President Donald Trump, who has not said whether he intends to sign it into law.

The House of Representatives on Wednesday passed legislation calling for sanctions against Chinese officials for the detention and torture of Uighur Muslims in the country’s western region of Xinjiang as tensions between the U.S. and China continue to escalate.

The legislation was approved by a vote of 413-1 after passing overwhelmingly in the Senate earlier this month. It will now head to President Donald Trump, who has not said whether he intends to sign it into law.

The vote was the first to take place under temporary rules established this month to allow representatives to cast their ballots by proxy, as a precaution against the spreading coronavirus. Republicans have brought a suit against Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi challenging proxy voting as unconstitutional.

Read more ....

More News On Congress Sending A New China Sanctions Bill To President Trump's Desk

US Congress approves China sanctions over ethnic crackdown -- AP
U.S. bill to pressure China over Uighur rights goes to Trump for decision -- Reuters
US Congress ramps up China pressure over Uighur camps -- AFP
House passes bill that would sanction Chinese officials over Xinjiang camps -- The Hill
House sends Uyghur human rights bill to Trump's desk -- CNN
US Congress approves China sanctions over Uighur crackdown -- Al Jazeera
House Votes To Send New China Sanctions Bill To Trump's Desk -- Zero Hedge