CNN reports: "The United States has expressed concern over China's "worsening crackdown" on minority Muslim groups in the far western province of Xinjiang, amid allegations of widespread human rights abuses. Rights groups have accused Beijing of the systematic mass detention of tens of thousands of ethnic Uyghurs and other Muslims in political re-education camps without being charged or tried. The allegations have prompted a growing international outcry and calls for sanctions to be imposed on senior Chinese officials. On Tuesday, US State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert said the US government was "deeply troubled" by the crackdown, saying there were "credible reports" of thousands being detained in detention centers since April 2017."
CNBC reports: "Beijing has maintained a resolute stance in the face of U.S. tariff threats, but many Chinese companies are acknowledging that their businesses could be hit by the ongoing trade war. Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, or ICBC, said late last month that a primary challenge the bank faces is increased instability and uncertainty in the international environment and intensifying global financial market volatility, especially since rising U.S.-China economic tensions may negatively affect many sectors. Still, many companies did not mention risks from rising trade tensions, or noted the impact to their business would likely be minimal."
ABC News reports: "Amid a worsening tariff battle, China is putting off accepting license applications from American companies in financial services and other industries until Washington makes progress toward a settlement, a business group says. The disclosure Tuesday is the first public confirmation of U.S. companies' fears that their operations in China or access to its markets might be disrupted by the battle over Beijing's technology policy. China is running out of American imports for penalties in response to President Donald Trump's tariff hikes, which has prompted worries regulators might target operations of U.S. companies. The license delay applies to industries Beijing has promised to open to foreign competitors, according to Jacob Parker, vice president for China operations of the U.S.-China Business Council."