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Australia Passes New Law Targeting Foreign Interference

On June 28, in the middle of disputes with Chinese telecom giant Huawei on a 5G network, Australia passed a law to prevent foreign interference in the country’s politics and domestic affairs. The new legislation adds 38 new crimes related to foreign interference to the register, including stealing state secrets on behalf of a foreign government, and expands the definition of what can be considered espionage. Read a detailed summary and assessment here.

U.S. “Made in China 2025” push-back is Trouble for Tech

On Monday, June 25, a Wall Street Journal report indicated that additional Chinese tech investment barriers severely impacted global investors’ confidence. Some restrictions being considered include limiting high-tech exports to China, tightening Chinese investment restrictions on U.S. tech companies, and prohibiting Chinese companies – defined as 25% or more Chinese ownership – from buying American companies involved in industrially significant technology. – Dillon Billingham

China Intelligence Brief (April-May 2018)

The China Intelligence Briefs are the start of a global initiative to provide context and recommendations to businesses, non-profit organizations, and policy makers who are looking for specific examples of opportunity or disruption from global events. While analyzing the macro problems we often identify specific issues that affect our clients and readers. Identifying both opportunities & challenges allow us to better identify solutions at home and abroad for a wide range of disciplines. In addition to the China Intelligence Briefs, we maintain detailed notes from interviews, overseas trips & business missions, conferences, conventions, and private events. We provide access to these notes and other analytical products for clients and paid subscribers.

Facebook giving access to Chinese hardware firms

June 5, American social media giant Facebook released a statement that it had data-sharing partnerships with four Chinese electronics manufacturers, including Huawei which had been tagged by the US intelligence community as a potential threat to national security. While the partnerships are still active, Facebook representatives said that their relationship with Huawei would…… – Analyst Ziqing Zhang

US and China’s ZTE has reached a deal

On June 7, 2018, United States Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross announced a settlement deal with Chinese smartphone manufacturer ZTE requiring that the Chinese firm pay a $1 billion fine, shuffle top leadership, and deposit $400 million in an escrow account in case ZTE violates the deal. – Analyst Ziqing Zhang

Canada blocks Chinese company from acquiring Aecon

In the last week of May, the Canadian government announced that it was blocking a proposed $1.18 billion acquisition of the Canadian firm Aecon Group Inc. by the China Communications Construction Company (CCCC), citing national security concerns. Had the deal gone through, CCCC would have potentially received troves of documents from the Canadian government detailing government contracts, including nuclear reactors agreements.

US pullout of nuclear deal with Iran adds to Chinese influence

In early May of this year, United States President Donald Trump’s announced that the U.S. would be withdrawing from the denuclearization deal with Iran and re-imposing sanctions, sending shock waves through the world. Amidst the ensuing confusion, China has made it clear they intend to increase trade with …. Read More Here. – Adriana Ray