At a webinar today, Matthew Axelrod, Assistant Secretary for Export Enforcement at the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), discussed various aspects of U.S. export controls as they relate to China.

The two leaders of a key U.S. House Committee dealing with China issues are pressing the administration for action against Chinese company Quectel Wireless Solutions, citing national security concerns.

Last week, Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL) proposed a Section 232 investigation that could lead to additional import restrictions on Chinese garlic for "security" reasons, and also proposed or put forward legislation to restrict or ban Chinese garlic and seafood imports.

As the Canadian Parliament debates an amended version of its investment screening legislation, concerns about Chinese investment have been prominent, especially from the Conservative opposition.

In recent years, the U.S. has made an active push to convince other countries not to use Huawei products in their telecoms networks. Through a FOIA request, CTM obtained some details of U.S. efforts to convince Oman to choose Ericsson over Huawei.

In recent months, there have been reports and commentary about investor-state dispute settlement (ISDS) lawsuits by Huawei against the governments of both the United Kingdom and Portugal, as well as a lawsuit in domestic court against Portugal.

Last week, Beijing announced that it will sanction two U.S. companies -- Northrop Grumman and a Lockheed Martin unit -- over their arms sales to Taiwan. But experts pointed out that what comes next as part of the sanctions is unclear at the moment.