T/F

7. T

8. F (allow  restrict)

9. F (US  China)

Headings

b. chips and clouds: US – China trade war escalated

Main ideas

The US and China’s war in trading which is getting much more severe especially
can be seen clearly in their policies about tech transformation and production.

Comprehension questions

1. Why did China decided to restrict exports of key metals used in chip-
making?
 Because of US efforts to restrict Chinese from accessing to some chips and
related technologies
2. What are the possible next steps of Washington?
 The Biden Administration is preparing to restrict Chinese access to US cloud
computing services
3. What is the concern with the tech industry?
 It may require firms like Amazon and Microsoft to get permission before
supplying some services to Chinese customers
4. What action did the recent news prompt industry players to take regarding
critical metals?
 The news sent industry players scrambling to secure supplies of the critical
metals
5. Which country holds the greatest influence over the supply of critical
metals?
 China

News reproduction
 US – China trade tensions look to be escalating. First, the news that Beijing was
set to restrict exports of key metals used in chip-making officials that would cover
some shipments of garlium and germanium products. Analysts said Monday’s
move was a response to US efforts to restrict Chinese access to some chips and
related technologies. The news sent industry players scrambling to secure supplies
of the critical metals. Then, on Tuesday came news of Washington’s possible next
steps. The Wall Street Journal says the Biden Administration is preparing to restrict
Chinese access to US cloud computing services. If confirmed that would likely
require firms like Amazon and Microsoft to get permission before supplying some
services to Chinese customers. The report says the move will come within weeks.
Now, the question is what might come next? Some in tech-industry fear China
could respond with restrictions on the supply of rare Earth’s those specialized
metals used in key tech like electric cars and military equipment. China is by far
the biggest producer giving it major power over supplies.