From Forbidden Tech to Bold Moves: The Harsh Consequences of Violating Trade Regulations and the Urgent Plea to Trump
A Harsh Reminder of the Consequences of Violating International Trade Regulations
In an intriguing case, Saber Fakih, a UK citizen, has been sentenced to 18 months in prison for attempting to export US technology to Iran. Fakih, together with accomplices from Canada, the United Arab Emirates, and Iran, conspired to export an Industrial Microwave System (IMS) and a counter-drone system without the necessary license from the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). Fakih’s co-conspirators claimed to be procurement agents for Rayan Roshd, a company now sanctioned by the US government for its procurement activities related to the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps. The IMS, which has potential military applications, could be adapted into a high-power microwave-based Directed Energy Weapon system. The case also involves an Iranian national charged with smuggling and wire fraud in connection with the same scheme. This conviction serves as a reminder of the seriousness of violating international trade regulations and the efforts to prevent the transfer of sensitive technologies to restricted entities
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China’s Strategic Move: Embracing Open-Source Chips to Counter US Export Controls”
In a bid to counter mounting US export controls and reduce dependence on Western technology, China is making significant investments in open-source chips based on the RISC-V architecture. This move comes as the US widens restrictions on China’s access to advanced semiconductors and chip-making equipment. Chinese state entities and research institutes, including those previously sanctioned by the US, have invested over $50 million in RISC-V projects between 2018 and 2023. Though RISC-V currently holds a small portion of the global chip market, recent breakthroughs and government-funded applications have raised the possibility of it challenging the dominance of Western-controlled architectures like x86 and Arm in the long run. RISC-V’s advantages lie in it being geopolitically neutral, free to use, and more energy-efficient, enabling users to customize chips according to their specific needs. While China’s investment in RISC-V aims to insulate against potential technology restrictions, it also reflects a broader geopolitical incentive to achieve greater self-sufficiency and reduce reliance on Western technology.
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Japan’s Concerns Grow: Urging Donald Trump to Avoid Striking Deals with China”
Amidst the anticipation of Donald Trump’s potential return to power, Japan is actively trying to convey a crucial message to the former U.S. president: refrain from making any deals with China that could undermine collective efforts to curb Beijing’s influence and disrupt the fragile peace in the region. Reports reveal that Japan has intensified its engagement with individuals close to Trump, aiming to influence his China-related policies. Tokyo’s primary concerns revolve around the possibility of a trade or security agreement between the two largest economies that would compromise the Group of Seven’s (G7) recent collaborative strategies to counter China’s influence. Japanese officials fear that such a move could embolden Beijing and potentially jeopardize the status of Taiwan, causing tensions in the region. Additionally, Japan worries about protectionist trade measures and potential demands for increased financial contributions towards U.S. military presence. As Trump’s intentions remain unclear, Japan’s outreach serves as a proactive measure to align their positions while seeking to avoid potential reemerging challenges.
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