Tightening of US screws on China spurs it even more to be self-reliant

Despite Washington’s trade tariffs, export ban on semiconductor know-how, and curbs on American investment, the Asian giant has built up its own key tech sectors and reduced its dependence on Western expertise and equipment. 

China is vulnerable in the short term to the US' economic pressure, but it remains to be seen how well this pressure will work, says the writer. PHOTO: REUTERS
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WASHINGTON – For the past 2½ years since taking office, President Joe Biden has steadily tightened the screws on China.

America’s tariffs on Chinese imports, first imposed by former president Donald Trump, have stayed put. More Chinese companies have also been added to a trade blacklist.

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