By Leo Kelion, BBC, Technology desk editor

The US Department of Commerce has written to American suppliers of China’s biggest chip manufacturer, warning them of “unprecedented risks” that their products could be used by the Chinese military.

The letter reminds the firms they must apply for licences to ship controlled items to Shanghai-based SMIC. But it does not appear that Washington has decided whether or not to add the firm to a trade blacklist. SMIC has denied any military links. And it said it had not received any formal notice of new restrictions from the US. But the latest action caused Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation’s shares to drop about 7% in Hong Kong trade.

Continue reading on CVD >>

24 September 2020 BBC

Major carmakers are suing the US government over import taxes it has imposed on Chinese parts.

Tesla is the latest auto firm to object to customs duties introduced by the Trump administration and is demanding refunds.

The US and China have imposed border taxes on each other’s goods and services as part of a trade war.

Tensions between Washington and Beijing have rapidly escalated in recent weeks, mainly concerning technology firms.

Continue reading on CVD >>

Press Statement

Michael R. Pompeo, Secretary of State

September 14, 2020

The launch of the Mekong-U.S. Partnership reflects the importance of the Mekong region to the United States. Our relationship with Mekong partner countries is an integral part of our Indo-Pacific vision and our strategic partnership with ASEAN. With more than $150 million in initial investments in regional programs, we will build on the good work of the Lower Mekong Initiative and the $3.5 billion in regional U.S. assistance during the last eleven years.

Continue reading on CVD >>

24/09/2020    11:46 GMT+7 vietnamnet

The Indian Government will support seven water management projects in the Mekong Delta provinces of Ben Tre, Hau Giang, Kien Giang, and Tien Giang with non-refundable aid of $350,000.

Illustrative image. Photo: VNA

At a ceremony in the Delta’s Can Tho City on September 23, representatives from the Indian Consulate General in HCM City and the localities signed seven memoranda of understanding for the projects, each worth 50,000 USD.

They are part of 26 quick-impact projects funded by India in 22 Vietnamese cities and provinces, 13 of which have been completed while 12 others will be launched during the 2020-2021 fiscal year.

Continue reading on CVD >>

Sept. 22, 2020 CNA

NEW DELHI: India’s new French Rafale jets have flown “familiarisation” flights above the border region contested with China where a deadly clash between soldiers from the nuclear-armed neighbours took place in June, an official told AFP on Monday (Sep 21).

The first five planes of a US$9.4 billion order for 36 Rafale aircraft were formally commissioned on Sep 10, with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh calling them a “strong message” to New Delhi’s adversaries.

“Rafale fighter jets have been familiarising in our operational areas including Ladakh,” a senior air force official told AFP on condition of anonymity.

Continue reading on CVD >>

• 22 September 2020 BBC

Tensions between the US and China came to the fore of the annual UN General Assembly in New York, with US President Donald Trump blaming China for the spread of coronavirus.

He called for China to be held “accountable” for the pandemic.

In his speech, Chinese President Xi Jinping said his country had “no intention to enter a Cold War with any country”.

Ties between the two world powers are strained on a number of fronts.

Continue reading on CVD >>