BEIJING — U.S. investments in around 50 blacklisted Chinese companies have drawn the attention of the U.S. House of Representatives Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party.
The committee on Tuesday announced it sent separate letters to MSCI and BlackRock asking for more information about the firms’ facilitation of U.S. investments into those Chinese companies.
The Chinese companies were blacklisted over claims of supporting China’s military or alleged human rights abuses, the committee said. It noted the initial review did not include one of the largest blacklists, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Entity List.
“The true scale is likely much larger,” the letters said.
MSCI said in a statement it is reviewing the request for information, and that it doesn’t “facilitate” investments in any country. “MSCI indexes measure the performance of equity markets available to international investors, and comply with all applicable US laws,” the indexing giant said.
BlackRock did not immediately respond to a CNBC request for comment.
Here’s the full list of names, which are primarily state-owned companies:
Combined list of Chinese companies flagged by U.S. House committee
AECC Aero-Engine Control Company Limited
AECC Aviation Power Co., Ltd.
Aerospace Ch Auv Company Limited
AVIC Aviation High-Technology Company Limited
AVIC Electromechanical Systems Company Limited
AVIC Heavy Machinery Company Limited
AVIC Helicopter Company Limited
AVIC Industry-Finance Holdings Company Limited (a.k.a. AVIC Capital Company Limited)
AVIC Jonhon-Optronic Technology Co., Ltd.
AVIC Shenyang Aircraft Company Limited
AVIC Xi’an Aircraft Industry Group Company Limited
Avicopter PLC
BGI Genomics Co., Ltd.
CETC Cyberspace Security Technology Co., Ltd.
CGN New Energy Holdings Co., Ltd.
CGN Power Co., Ltd.
Changsha Jingjia Microelectronics Co., Ltd.
China CSSC Holdings Ltd.
China Mobile Communications Group Company Limited
China National Chemical Corporation Ltd. (ChemChina)
China National Chemical Engineering Group Corporation Limited
China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC)
China National Nuclear Corporation Hua Yuan Titanium Dioxide Company Limited
China National Nuclear Power Company Limited
China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC)
China Railway Construction Corporation Limited (CRCC)
China Spacesat Company Limited
China State Construction Engineering Corporation Limited
China State Construction Group Company Limited
China State Construction International Investment Group Company Limited
China Telecommunications Corporation Group
China United Network Communications Group Company Limited
CNOOC Energy & Technology Services Limited
Costar Group Company Limited ? CRRC Corporation Ltd.
CRRC Corporation Ltd.
CSSC Offshore & Marine Engineering (Group) Company Limited
Dawning Information Industry Company Limited
Fujian Torch Electron Technology Company Limited
Hoshine Silicon Industry Company Limited
Inspur Electronic Information Industry Company Limited
Jiangxi Hongdu Aviation Industry (Group) Corporation Limited
North Industries Group Red Arrow Company Limited
Offshore Oil Engineering Company Limited
Qihoo 360
Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation (SMIC)
The U.S. House committee estimated that five BlackRock funds have invested more than $429 million into the blacklisted names. Those companies also accounted for nearly 5% of the MSCI China A Index’s value as of March 1, the committee said.
U.S.-China tensions
The request for information comes as the U.S. has increased its scrutiny of financial ties with China.
President Joe Biden has long been expected to issue an executive order that would restrict U.S. investment in high-end Chinese tech. No action has yet been announced.
Last month, the House committee said it sent letters to four U.S. venture capital firms over their investments into Chinese artificial intelligence, semiconductor and quantum computing companies.
The committee cited allegations that China was using such technologies for military development or perpetuation of human rights abuses.
TORONTO – Canada’s main stock index was up more than 250 points in late-morning trading, led by strength in the base metal and technology sectors, while U.S. stock markets also charged higher.
The S&P/TSX composite index was up 254.62 points at 23,847.22.
In New York, the Dow Jones industrial average was up 432.77 points at 41,935.87. The S&P 500 index was up 96.38 points at 5,714.64, while the Nasdaq composite was up 486.12 points at 18,059.42.
The Canadian dollar traded for 73.68 cents US compared with 73.58 cents US on Thursday.
The November crude oil contract was up 89 cents at US$70.77 per barrel and the October natural gas contract was down a penny at US2.27 per mmBTU.
The December gold contract was up US$9.40 at US$2,608.00 an ounce and the December copper contract was up four cents at US$4.33 a pound.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 19, 2024.
Losing a loved one is never easy, and the legal steps that follow can add even more stress to an already difficult time.
For years, families in Vancouver (and Canada in general) have struggled with a complex probate process—filled with paperwork and legal challenges.
Thankfully, recent changes to Canada’s probate laws aim to make this process simpler and easier to navigate.
Let’s unearth how these updates can simplify the process for you and your family.
What is probate?
Probate might sound complicated, but it’s simply the legal process of settling someone’s estate after death.
Here’s how it works.
Validating the will. The court checks if the will is legal and valid.
Appointing an executor. If named in the will, the executor manages the estate. If not, the court appoints someone.
Settling debts and taxes. The executor (and you) pays debts and taxes before anything can be given.
Distributing the estate. Once everything is settled, the executor distributes the remaining assets according to the will or legal rules.
Probate ensures everything is done by the book, giving you peace of mind during a difficult time.
Recent Changes in Canadian Probate Laws
Several updates to probate law in the country are making the process smoother for you and your family.
Here’s a closer look at the fundamental changes that are making a real difference.
1) Virtual witnessing of wills
Now permanent in many provinces, including British Columbia, wills can be signed and witnessed remotely through video calls.
Such a change makes estate planning more accessible, especially for those in remote areas or with limited mobility.
2) Simplified process for small estates
Smaller estates, like those under 25,000 CAD in BC, now have a faster, simplified probate process.
Fewer forms and legal steps mean less hassle for families handling modest estates.
3) Substantial compliance for wills
Courts can now approve wills with minor errors if they reflect the person’s true intentions.
This update prevents unnecessary legal challenges and ensures the deceased’s wishes are respected.
These changes help make probate less stressful and more efficient for you and other families across Canada.
The Probate Process and You: The Role of a Probate Lawyer
(Image: Freepik.com)
Working with a probate lawyer in Vancouver can significantly simplify the probate process, especially given the city’s complex legal landscape.
Here’s how they can help.
Navigating the legal process
Probate lawyers ensure all legal steps are followed, preventing costly mistakes and ensuring the estate is managed properly.
Handling paperwork and deadlines
They manage all the paperwork and court deadlines, taking the burden off of you during this difficult time.
Resolving disputes
If conflicts arise, probate lawyers resolve them, avoiding legal battles.
Providing you peace of mind
With a probate lawyer’s expertise, you can trust that the estate is being handled efficiently and according to the law.
With a skilled probate lawyer, you can ensure the entire process is smooth and stress-free.
Why These Changes Matter
The updates to probate law make a big difference for Canadian families. Here’s why.
Less stress for you. Simplified processes mean you can focus on grieving, not paperwork.
Faster estate settlements. Estates are settled more quickly, so beneficiaries don’t face long delays.
Fewer disputes. Courts can now honor will with minor errors, reducing family conflicts.
Accessible for everyone. Virtual witnessing and easier rules for small estates make probate more accessible for everyone, no matter where you live.
With these changes, probate becomes smoother and more manageable for you and your family.
How to Prepare for the Probate Process
Even with the recent changes, being prepared makes probate smoother. Here are a few steps to help you prepare.
Create a will. Ensure a valid will is in place to avoid complications.
Choose an executor. Pick someone responsible for managing the estate and discuss their role with them.
Organize documents. Keep key financial and legal documents in one place for easy access.
Talk to your family. Have open conversations with your family to prevent future misunderstandings.
Get legal advice. Consult with a probate lawyer to ensure everything is legally sound and up-to-date.
These simple steps make the probate process easier for everyone involved.
Wrapping Up: Making Probate Easier in Vancouver
Recent updates in probate law are simplifying the process for families, from virtual witnessing to easier estate rules. These reforms are designed to ease the burden, helping you focus on what matters—grieving and respecting your dead loved ones’ final wishes.
Despite these changes, it’s best to consult a probate lawyer to ensure you can manage everything properly. Remember, they’re here to help you during this difficult time.
TORONTO – Canada’s main stock index was higher in late-morning trading, helped by strength in energy stocks, while U.S. stock markets also moved up.
The S&P/TSX composite index was up 34.91 points at 23,736.98.
In New York, the Dow Jones industrial average was up 178.05 points at 41,800.13. The S&P 500 index was up 28.38 points at 5,661.47, while the Nasdaq composite was up 133.17 points at 17,725.30.
The Canadian dollar traded for 73.56 cents US compared with 73.57 cents US on Monday.
The November crude oil contract was up 68 cents at US$69.70 per barrel and the October natural gas contract was up three cents at US$2.40 per mmBTU.
The December gold contract was down US$7.80 at US$2,601.10 an ounce and the December copper contract was up a penny at US$4.28 a pound.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 17, 2024.
