China to ease stance on U.S. export end-use checks

China to ease stance on U.S. export end-use checks    The U.S. Commerce Department has signed an agreement with China’s Ministry of Commerce outlining procedures for so-called “end-use” visits by American export control officials.
   In recent years, the Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security has complained about the lack of cooperation from China when it comes to checking whether licensed U.S. exports are being used for their intended purpose.
   “The understanding resolves a long-standing issue of great importance to the U.S.-China high-technology relationship,” the Commerce Department said in a brief statement April 21. “We hope this understanding will enable increased U.S. exports to China of high-technology items.”