Comment | The Moral Value of Business in China

The report seeks to standardize the number of companies operating in China. “This study does not think that doing business in China is inherently wrong,” the authors wrote. But support “is for Beijing’s military modernization, territorial integrity and human rights abuses” and “corporate leaders need to be aware of this.”

The United States has said the Communist Party is committing genocide against the Uighurs, particularly in Zinjiang. Advice from the state, treasury and many other sectors last summer warned that “given the severity and magnitude of these violations, businesses and individuals with supply chains, enterprises and / or investments associated with Zingjiang could pose a significant risk. In violation of American law ”

The report confirms that Dell has an office in the capital, Xinjiang. Dell recently announced the opening of a retail account manager in Urumki, promising that the successful applicant would join a “diverse and inclusive group” and “have a profound social impact.” “The office is in the process of being shut down due to low usage” and “we are constantly reviewing and adjusting our global footprint,” Dell spokesman Carly Tatum said in an email.

General Electric HDGG works with a Chinese government company, Huadian. Last year, China signed a strategic cooperation agreement with the Chinese government of Xinjiang, according to Polaris Solar Photovoltaic Network News.

GE declined to comment on China-Hudai trade deal. China has stated that it does not have a list of U.S. trade embargoes on the United States. Treasury Department list of restrictions; Or list of Chinese military companies of the Ministry of Defense. GE says its work with China Hoodia does not include control technologies.

Journal In 2019, Chinese monitoring systems used Intel chips. The authors of Communist and Horizon Victims have reviewed China’s procurement records and confirmed that public safety bureaus in Zingyang bought Intel hard disks by 2020 and Intel servers by 2021, although “Intel does not know or control those uses.” Some Intel products are sold by brokers.

“Our contracts require our international customers to comply with US export laws and regulations,” said William Moss, a spokesman for Intel. He added: “Intel’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights sets out our commitment to respect for human rights and encompasses a number of common principles, including the United Nations Trade and Human Rights Guidelines.

If Intel recognizes that a business partner may use its products in connection with human rights violations, it states: “We are committed to maintaining and improving systems and processes to prevent participation in human rights abuses related to our operations, supply chains and products.”

Microsoft appears to have a difficult relationship with Chinese police and surveillance. Haiyi Software — A company that provides surveillance-related products to public safety offices in China, such as the “Social Face and Vehicle Verification Platform”, lists Microsoft as a “partner” on its website. Beijing Zongke Fucking Information Technology also lists “success issues” with several detention centers, including in Zinjiang. On the last day, Microsoft did not respond to inquiries about its relationship with both companies.

The report raises concerns about how the partnership between the United States and several international companies could help the Chinese government access sensitive technologies, including those with military applications.

According to Made in China 2025, Beijing wants to acquire foreign technology. China-based Dell subsidiary has prepared the 2018 Digital Industrialization Report in collaboration with China’s top management and State Council. “He clearly mentioned the development of new technologies such as Cloud Computing, Big Data and Artificial Intelligence — in addition to civilians, the victims of Communism and the authors of the Horizon report. “China is committed to being a faithful partner of the Chinese government and enterprises in the digital transformation process,” said Huang Chenyang, president of Dell Technologies Great China.

Dell spokeswoman Emily Laderman said in an email: “Dell technologies are working with governments around the world on digital transformation. The report includes recommendations on how to make the Chinese economy more technologically efficient.

A.D. In 2018, Microsoft announced a strategic partnership to bring advanced AI and machine learning capabilities to DJI drones, based on Shenzhen-based DJIang Innovations (better known as DJI). According to the report, DGI has selected Microsoft Azur as its “preferred cloud computing partner” and will help thousands of businesses to translate a large number of aerial images and video data into practical insights using “AI and machine learning capabilities”. The Pentagon said last summer that “systems produced by DGI could pose a threat to national security.” In response to our inquiries, Microsoft did not comment on its business relationship with DJI or its continuation.

Microsoft has partnered with Huawei, although A 2012 report by the Homeland Security Committee stated that it had received “significant” national security concerns and that it had received information that a Chinese company was “violating US law.” The United States has imposed general sanctions on Huawei in 2019.

“Microsoft is committed to fully complying with US laws, including US export controls, trade sanctions and regulations,” the company said in an email. “We honor our partnership with the US Department of Defense and take seriously the importance of safeguarding the interests of the United States.” He added: “We have strong policies in place to prevent the misuse of our technologies and clear code of ethics that supports human rights, manpower, health and safety and business ethics in our international operations” and regularly reviews its practices.

These are just a few of the tragic findings of Communism and the general report on the horizon. The authors conclude that US corporations “have largely supported Beijing’s military modernization, territorial integrity, and access to the Chinese market.” But “in an environment where the private sector is at the forefront of innovation, capital and influence, the role of this facilitator is significant.”

Ms. Melchior is the Editor-in-Chief and Ms. Keller is the Editor-in-Chief of the Journal.