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ICAS Bulletin (online ISSN 2836-3418, print ISSN 2836-340X) is published every other week throughout the year at 1919 M St NW, Suite 310, Washington, DC 20036.
The online version of ICAS Bulletin can be found at chinaus-icas.org/bulletins/.
– On April 20, U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen presented a speech that focused on preventing decoupling from China and building a “constructive and fair” bilateral economic relationship while standing firm to measures that address “concerns about our security and values” without intentions to “stifle” the counterpart’s economy.
– On April 19, the House Ways and Means Committee, with Democratic support, moved a bill forward to reverse the Biden administration’s two-year halt on duties reaching 254%. In Congress, momentum grows for reintroducing substantial solar tariffs on U.S. imports of panels from Southeast Asia, causing concern among renewable developers.
– The White House is close to implementing unprecedented rules limiting U.S. investments in China as the administration reaches a consensus on curbing China’s technological and military growth.
– In China, consumers prefer local automakers, as they cater to the rising demand for electric cars and SUVs. This trend challenges multinational rivals in the world’s biggest auto market.
– Due to rising U.S.-China tensions, the booming U.S. natural gas export industry seeks to avoid conflict, which surprisingly received support from some GOP Beijing critics, arguing that increased overseas gas flow requires considering the Chinese yuan in transactions.
– The U.S.-China divide casts a shadow over global finance leaders’ attempts to stabilize the economy and address poverty, potentially hampering global growth and efforts to relieve debt for struggling nations at the IMF and World Bank meetings.
– A former Goldman Sachs banker has transitioned to the Biden administration to aid in creating a program resembling an investment firm, to enhance U.S. semiconductor production.
– On April 12, the IMF cautioned that the U.S., China and other significant economies must address near-record high debt levels predicted for five years from now as they could restrict a nations’ capacity to handle potential crises. – On April 12, the U.S. Government Accountability Office published a report releasing federal spending information on U.S. funding to entities located in China. U.S. agencies allocated at least $48 million to Chinese entities between 2017 and 2021, including $22.8 million in assistance awards and $25.2 million in contracts.
– The IMF is projecting increased borrowing by major economies, especially the U.S. and China, due to spending on aging populations and clean energy.
Associated News References:
“Janet Yellen warns US decoupling from China would be ‘disastrous’,” Financial Times, April 20 [Paywall]
“Solar Tariffs Up to 254% Risk Return in Congress Anti-China Push,” Bloomberg, April 19 [Paywall]
“White House nears unprecedented action on U.S. investment in China,” Politico, April 18
“China’s Car Buyers Have Fallen Out of Love With Foreign Brands,” The New York Times, April 14 [Paywall]
“Natural gas exporters skirt Washington’s scrutiny of China,” Politico, April 13
“U.S.-China split shadows hopes for lifting debt load from global economy,” The Washington Post, April 13 [Paywall]
“Goldman Banker Quits to Join Biden’s Made-in-USA Chips Push,” Bloomberg, April 13 [Paywall]
“US and China Are Sending Global Debt to Record, IMF Warns,” Bloomberg, April 12 [Paywall]
“GAO Report on U.S. Funding to Chinese Entities,” USNI News, April 12
“U.S., China to Lead Growth in Government Debts,” The Wall Street Journal, April 12 [Paywall]
– Members of the House Select Committee on China simulated a war game involving U.S. diplomatic, economic, and military options during a Chinese attack on Taiwan to review U.S. policies toward China amid growing tensions.
– House Republicans urged U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken to allow Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen to attend the APEC summit, despite Beijing’s objections, arguing that exclusion sends the wrong message.
– U.S. Army Major General in Japan Joel Vowell states that the U.S. military is assisting Japan in countering China’s threat to its southwest islands, which Japan sees as its greatest security challenge.
– Representative Chris Smith says U.S. law prohibiting Xinjiang imports faces significant flaws, allowing products made with forced labor to bypass safeguards. Smith is requesting a visa to visit the Xinjiang region.
– Admiral John Aquilino, the top U.S. military commander in the Indo-Pacific, dismissed colleagues’ speculations about potential Chinese invasion of Taiwan dates, stating that the Chinese threat has increased but refusing to endorse specific timelines.
– Leaked Pentagon evaluations expose Taiwan’s susceptibility to Chinese aerial assaults, while increasing apprehension regarding U.S. intelligence’s capability to identify invasion and Taiwan’s ability to protect itself.
– A Pew Research Center survey reveals that over 80% of Americans view China’s global role negatively, with 38% considering China an “enemy.” The increasing ties between Beijing and Moscow are particularly concerning.
– A U.S. defense industry delegation plans to visit Taiwan in May to meet with Taiwanese defense industry representatives, and possibly President Tsai Ing-wen, to discuss cooperation in drones and ammunition.
Associated News References:
“Lawmakers war-game conflict with China, hoping to deter one” AP News, April 22
“US lawmakers push for Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen to attend Apec summit despite objections from Beijing,” South China Morning Post, April 20 [Paywall]
“US military helping Japan counter its ‘greatest security challenge’ from China, says top commander,” South China Morning Post, April 20 [Paywall]
“US law banning Xinjiang imports has glaring weaknesses, lawmakers are told,” South China Morning Post, April 19 [Paywall]
“US commander pushes back against colleagues ‘guessing’ Taiwan invasion date,” Financial Times, April 18 [Paywall]
“Taiwan highly vulnerable to Chinese air attack, leaked documents show,” The Washington Post, April 15 [Paywall]
“Over 80% of Americans critical of China’s global role: survey,” Nikkei Asia, April 13
“U.S. defense industry plans first Taiwan trip in four years,” Nikkei Asia, April 11
– Two potential 2024 U.S. presidential candidates, Gov. Glen Youngkin and Gov. Ron DeSantis, have begun trips to Asia to showcase U.S. efforts to combat Chinese influence.
– U.S. President Biden is expected to sign an executive order to limit investments in key parts of the Chinese economy by American businesses; a move expected to be reciprocated by G7 partners.
– The U.S. and G7 partners are examining ways to reduce existing economic ties with the Chinese economy, while still trying to save broader trade and investments.
– On April 17, top diplomatic officials from G7 countries unveiled new commitments at an in-person conference in Japan. The group vowed against Chinese threats to Taiwan and North Korean missile testing, among other items.
– Congressional appropriations committees made bipartisan appropriations to increase the U.S. defense budget with the justification of competition with China.
– The Chinese government has refused to reschedule U.S. Secretary of State Blinken’s previously canceled trip to Beijing amid concerns that the Federal Bureau of Investigation will release a large-scale report on the Chinese spy balloon incident.
– The U.S. and Philippines have agreed on a roadmap for joint security plans amid rising bilateral concern over China’s increasing influence.
– The U.S. Department of State concluded private talks with Taiwan and released a report aiming to include Taiwan at future World Health Assembly meetings.
Associated News References:
“Pair of Potential US Presidential Candidates Start Asia Trips,” Bloomberg, April 24 [Paywall]
“Biden Aims to Unveil China Investment Curbs With G-7 Backing,” Bloomberg, April 20 [Paywall]
“U.S., Allies Weigh How to Reduce Economic Ties With China,” The Wall Street Journal, April 17 [Paywall]
“G-7 diplomats reject Chinese, N. Korean, Russian aggression,” AP News, April 17
“China Tensions High on Agenda as G-7 Diplomats Meet in Japan,” Bloomberg, April 16 [Paywall]
“China-US relations: Washington unites around mission to prevail over Beijing by boosting defence spending” South China Morning Post, April 16 [Paywall]
“China stalls Blinken’s Beijing visit over spy balloon concerns: Financial Times,” The Straits Times, April 15
“With China in mind, U.S. and Philippines agree on roadmap for security assistance,” The Japan Times, April 12 [Paywall]
“US State Department reveals talks aimed at Taipei presence for World Health Assembly meeting,” South China Morning Post, April 12 [Paywall]
– Australian think-tank The Lowy Institute reported that the United States continues to lose influence in Southeast Asia since 2018. The institute reported that China rises above the U.S. at a 54-46 lead.
– In response to U.S. officials’ increasing worries of a possible invasion of Taiwan and a move away from Taiwan-made microchips, Taiwanese economic officials have urged the U.S. to continue utilizing Taiwan-made chips.
– Chinese technology companies are struggling to catch up to the advancements made by large American technology firms in artificial intelligence.
– The Information Technology Industry Council, which includes giants Apple and Microsoft, is pushing for loosened legislation on a ban of TikTok in fears that the legislation might entangle their own companies.
– American data company Seagate faces $300 million in fines for selling hard drives to Chinese technology company Huawei, despite U.S. sanctions.
– The Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company is seeking up to $15 billion in U.S. federal funding to build microchip plants in the U.S. However, the company is rejecting many of the required conditions set forward by the U.S.
– According to China’s statistics bureau, Chinese microchip output in March 2023 was only down 3% from one year ago, indicating signs of recovery for manufacturers.
– The U.S. state of Montana passed an overarching ban on TikTok, prohibiting the app’s sales and operation within the state.
– Chinese microchip imports dropped 23% since January 2023 as China deals with higher levels of sanctions from the U.S. and other nations.
– The U.S. House of Representatives is set to vote on restrictions for Chinese technology companies Huawei and ZTE amid accusations of the companies being “threats” to the U.S.
Associated News References:
“China gains ground over US in Southeast Asia influence since 2018: report,” South China Morning Post, April 20 [Paywall]
“Taiwan Quietly Urges US to Calm Rhetoric on China Chip Risk,” Bloomberg, April 20 [Paywall]
“China struggles to quench its thirst for AI talent amid ChatGPT frenzy, as nation lags US in top brains,” South China Morning Post, April 20 [Paywall]
“TikTok Could Get a Lifeline From Big Tech as a US Ban Looms,” Bloomberg, April 19 [Paywall]
“Seagate to Pay $300 Million for Violating Export Restrictions on China’s Huawei,” The Wall Street Journal, April 19 [Paywall]
“TSMC Seeks Up to $15 Billion From U.S. for Chip Plants but Objects to Conditions,” The Wall Street Journal, April 19 [Paywall]
“Tech war: China’s chip output shows recovery in March amid US export restrictions on advanced tools,”South China Morning Post, April 18 [Paywall]
“Montana lawmakers pass first-in-the-nation TikTok ban,” The Washington Post, April 14 [Paywall]
“Tech war: China’s chip imports slump 23 per cent in the first 3 months as US trade sanctions, supply glut weigh on activity,” South China Morning Post, April 13 [Paywall]
“U.S. House to vote on bill to address potential Huawei, ZTE threats,” Reuters, April 11
– According to a leaked U.S. intelligence report, the Chinese government is looking to build cyber weapons to hijack adversaries’ satellites.
– The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation warned that China and Iran are utilizing more complex systems to harass critics within U.S. borders.
– White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stated that the U.S. will not allow any foreign government to harass or threaten U.S. persons, amid reports that China set up a secret ‘police station’ within New York City.
– Leaked U.S. secret documents have detailed up to four separate Chinese spy balloons that were operating around the world.
– Within leaked U.S. government documents, an intercepted Russian message stated that China had agreed to sell weapons to Russia in-order to assist in the Ukraine war. In response, the Chinese foreign minister vowed that China will not sell weapons to any group within the Ukraine war.
Associated News References:
“China building cyber weapons to hijack enemy satellites, says US leak,” Financial Times, April 21 [Paywall]
“FBI says China, Iran using new tactics to harass critics on U.S. soil,” Reuters, April 19
“US in ‘extensive effort’ with partners to counter China influence operations,” Reuters, April 18
“Leaked secret documents detail up to four additional Chinese spy balloons,” The Washington Post, April 14 [Paywall]
“China vows not to sell arms to any party in Ukraine war,” AP News, April 14
“Russia says China agreed to secretly provide weapons, leaked documents show,” The Washington Post, April 13 [Paywall]
“US Charges 44 Over Chinese Harassment of Dissidents Overseas,” Bloomberg, April 17 [Paywall]
“U.S. to strike economic deal with Pacific islands to counter China,” Nikkei Asia, April 21
“Chinese publishers ditch US books as geopolitical tensions mount,” Financial Times, April 20 [Paywall]
“Trade envoy Tai says US not seeking to ‘decouple’ from China,” AP News, April 20
“Stalled Chinese investment deal set to return to EU agenda next month,” South China Morning Post, April 18 [Paywall]
“Covid Emerged as Chinese Lab Faced Biosafety Issues, Senate Republican Study Finds,” The Wall Street Journal, April 17 [Paywall]
“Determined to Flee China, Thousands Take a Long, Dangerous Route to the Southern U.S. Border,” The Wall Street Journal, April 16 [Paywall]
“New US-China soy centre to share American agricultural expertise with Chinese farmers,” South China Morning Post, April 15 [Paywall]
“Brazil’s Lula criticises US dollar and IMF during China visit,” France 24, April 14
“French leader adds unneeded tension to the ‘One China’ policy,” The Japan Times, April 14 [Paywall]
“As U.S. Tries to Isolate China, German Companies Move Closer,” The New York Times, April 12 [Paywall]
“Chinese eagerly await return of panda from US zoo,” BBC News, April 11
“US sharing of intelligence with India in border clash with China seen as pivotal in partnership,” South China Morning Post, April 11 [Paywall]
April 25 hosted by Wilson Center
April 20 hosted by Center for Strategic and International Studies
April 20 hosted by Center for Strategic and International Studies
April 20 hosted by The China Project
April 20 hosted by Center for a New American Security
April 13 hosted by U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission
April 12 hosted by Wilson Center
April 26 hosted by the U.S.-China Business Council
April 26 hosted by the U.S.-China Business Council
April 27 hosted by Columbia University East Asian Languages and Cultures
April 27 hosted by Harvard University Fairbank Centers for Chinese Studies
May 1 hosted by Brookings
May 4 hosted by Center for Strategic and International Studies
May 4 hosted by Center for Strategic and International Studies
The Fight for Representation: The State of Chinese Americans Survey
Thursday, April 27, 2023
7:00 pm EDT
Chinese Americans are historically underrepresented in politics and policy, and underserved in healthcare, education, and social services. How do you work to solve these problems?
The first step is getting clear and concise data on Chinese Americans, one of the fastest growing populations in the U.S.
Chinese Americans have diverse backgrounds and diverse needs – from culture, family, healthcare, education, employment, finances and political engagement. Data disaggregation is the key to addressing the issues, concerns and challenges of Chinese Americans.
In the largest survey of its kind ever conducted, nearly 6,500 Chinese Americans from 46 states answered 77 key questions about the Chinese American experience in research conducted jointly by Columbia University and Committee of 100.
This disaggregated data specifically on Chinese Americans will inform policymakers and the public of the diverse set of opinions, perceptions, and needs of Chinese Americans across the country and will help develop timely and responsive policies, programs, and services to address those needs.
Join experts from Columbia University, Committee of 100 and the worlds of policy, politics and research for the unveiling of this data at a virtual town hall on April 27 at 7:00pm ET.
Roles of Asian Observers in Arctic Governance: Adapting to a Changing Arctic Council
Thursday, April 13, 2023
9:30am – 11:00am EDT
On April 13, 2023, the ICAS Maritime Affairs Program (MAP) and the China Institute at the University of Alberta (CIUA) co-hosted an online roundtable discussion on the “Roles of Asian Observers in Arctic Governance: Adapting to a Changing Arctic Council.” This event brought together scholars from the five Asian observer states of the Arctic Council—China, Japan, South Korea, India and Singapore—to exchange their views on the modern state of Arctic governance. The session was moderated by Nong HONG, Executive Director, Institute for China-America Studies.
Jia WANG, Interim Director, China Institute, University of Alberta, opened the discussion by highlighting how climate change is increasing access to potential shipping lanes and resources in the Arctic. However, Arctic governance through the Arctic Council, a forum historically characterized by deep multilateral cooperation, has become mired by unprecedented tensions and concerns resulting from the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Throughout the last decade, the growth of international attention on Arctic environmental, economic and security issues has brought distant countries to the discussion table as observer states on the Arctic Council.
Digital Trade and the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF):
New Rules, New Opportunities, New Challenges
Wednesday, May 10, 2023
10:00am – 11:20am EDT
IPEF negotiators are known to be eyeing a partial accord by late-May when their trade ministers meet on the sidelines of the APEC Ministerial meeting in Detroit. Digital trade rules are an important component of the IPEF negotiations. President Biden’s U.S. Trade Representative says she is committed to building trust and promoting confidence in the digital economy, while recognizing the need to address legitimate public policy objectives in the digital trade area. The deference to policy space is a bow to the dynamic and fast-changing pace of regulation in the digital sphere—be in terms of anti-monopoly protections, privacy and data protections, fintech-related financial stability risk management, review of liability protection for intermediary service providers, development of rules for artificial intelligence (AI) applications or requiring the transparency of the structure, use, and impacts of algorithmic systems. On the other side of the Pacific meantime, an accession working group has been formed to consider China’s application to join the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement (DEPA).
What is the state of play on IPEF’s digital trade text as well as China’s DEPA accession talks? What are the commercial and regulatory challenges encountered by private businesses as they navigate their way within the Asia-Pacific region’s dynamic digital marketplace? What are the key challenges facing the governance of cross-border data flows at the global level? And how do digital economy chapters and agreements differ in their focus and impact from traditional trade agreements? To listen to these and other answers to pressing digital trade and IPEF-related questions, tune in to the event on May 10th.
On Monday, April 17, 2023, Senior Fellow Sourabh Gupta was quoted in China Daily on President Macron’s (controversial) view on Taiwan and on strategic autonomy.
The Institute for China-America Studies is an independent nonprofit, nonpartisan research organization dedicated to strengthening the understanding of U.S.-China relations through expert analysis and practical policy solutions.
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