Eric Harwit
Professor, University of Hawaii Asian Studies Program
May 24, 2017
In March, two leading members of the Trump administration announced that China’s ZTE Corporation would pay the largest criminal fine in U.S. sanctions history. As long as North Korea’s military program tops the U.S. foreign policy agenda with China, economic sanctions aimed at punishing Chinese corporations may take a back seat to reaching a goal of increased Chinese pressure on the North Korean regime.
Aug 31, 2016
A key federal committee has just blessed what would be the largest-ever Chinese overseas investment, the $43 billion takeover of the giant farm pesticide and seed corporation, Syngenta. In doing so, the U.S. government is showing acquiescence when issues of national security or key resources are off the table. However, it may also be taking a risk with American food safety.
Jun 30, 2016
The U.S. Commerce Department has accused two of China’s largest telecom providers for violating sanctions by selling American technology to Iran, North Korea, Cuba, and Sudan. If Huawei and ZTE want to find a more receptive environment in U.S. markets, they may have to choose between following Chinese government desires to aid friendly nations, or complying with U.S. objections to its actions in controversial markets.