President Donald Trump has decided against using much-anticipated new measures to restrict Chinese access to US technology and instead will use existing tools, according to a White House announcement this morning.

President Donald Trump issued a presidential memorandum Monday directing US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer to consider whether to launch an official investigation into China’s intellectual property rights and innovation and technology policies and practices.

China’s internet and security regulators are ratcheting up enforcement of virtual private network (VPN) compliance to rein in uncensored access to the internet. In recent letters, state-owned telecommunication companies are beginning to notify companies of internet access requirements and VPN restrictions, according to US-China Business Council (USCBC) member companies.

China has set ambitious goals for the development and use of autonomous vehicles (AVs), but related policies could limit foreign company participation and prevent China from meeting its targets.

Beijing’s more active role in cyberspace governance raises concerns about how an

US and Chinese government officials are gearing up for the eighth annual Strategic and Economic Dialogue (S&ED) in early June in Beijing. Priority issues for negotiators regarding US industry include industrial overcapacity, investment liberalizations, intellectual property rights, and transparency.

The PRC National People’s Congress concluded this month with the release of China’s 13th Five-Year Plan (FYP) on National Economic and Social Development. Outlining economic policies and targets to drive industry development in China through 2020, the plan focuses on maintaining economic growth and social stability while continuing reform efforts.