Iain Marlow

The US is hitting a roadblock of its own making as it seeks to revive ties with China’s military: sanctions it imposed on the current defense minister back in 2018.

The US has “serious concerns” about China’s move to restrict sales of Micron Technology Inc. products in the country, and is engaging with the nation’s government to make its views clear, the State Department said.

The US suspects Russian mercenary firm Wagner Group is trying to ship weapons to fighters in Ukraine through the West African nation of Mali, according to State Department Spokesman Matthew Miller.

North Korea is ramping up efforts to deploy information technology workers overseas as it increasingly relies on cyberattacks and other online crimes to funds its weapons programs, US and South Korean officials said, anticipating the easing of the isolated country’s strict Covid lockdown.

Taiwan’s de facto ambassador to the US said the lack of a double taxation treaty is “unfair” and discouraging investment from Taiwanese semiconductor firms, while adding she hopes recent trade talks lead to a deeper deal between the two governments.

The US is turning to economic sanctions in Sudan after continued violence led to the effective collapse of a cease-fire between warring factions in a conflict that’s killed more than a thousand people in the North African nation.

Indian opposition leader Rahul Gandhi, on a visit to the US, accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of making economic missteps and undermining democratic institutions, just weeks before President Joe Biden hosts him for a state dinner.

CIA Director William Burns made a secret visit last month to Beijing, where he met with Chinese intelligence officials, according to a US official, a visit that comes as the Biden administration tries to stabilize relations with its main geopolitical rival.

The US will soon add a senior diplomatic role to help boost integration in the Middle East, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Monday, an announcement that comes as the Biden administration tries to reduce regional tensions between Israel and nearby Arab countries, including Saudi Arabia.

The US and China have only just started renewing diplomatic exchanges after tensions led to a rupture in communications and the trajectory of any rapprochement remains “uncertain,” the White House’s top Asia official said.