China and US share technology

One of the biggest problems associated with military technologies is that they often have civilian uses too. For example, some of the equipment used to make nuclear fuel can also be used to develop nuclear weapons. And the kind of technology in a state-of-the-art airplane could also be used to develop a fighter jet.

So how do companies developing these new inventions make sure they're not misused? Usually, it has meant not trading with potentially risky countries. Until recently, this rule has applied between historically hostile China and the US.

But, as relations soften, a new trade rule means that China will now be able to buy dual-use technologies from American firms.
Reuters reports that, "The agreement is good news for U.S. aircraft manufacturer Boeing Co. and Applied Materials Inc., the world's biggest supplier of machines used to make semiconductors."

More importantly, it's a sign that China and the US are closer than ever. After all, you can't trust just anyone with your high-tech toys.