U.S. touts export curbs on surveillance tools at democracy summit

Participant list shows focus on Africa amid competition for clout with China, Russia

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President Joe Biden delivers remarks March 29 in Washington during the virtual Summit for Democracy. © Reuters

YUKIHIRO SAKAGUCHI, Nikkei staff writer

WASHINGTON -- As the official first day of the latest Summit for Democracy wrapped up Wednesday, the U.S. announced international guidelines for curbing exports of technology that could be used by authoritarian nations to violate human rights.

The White House said the voluntary code of conduct is supported by 20 countries including Japan, South Korea, the U.K., Germany and France, and "commits subscribing states to better integrate human rights criteria in their export control regimes."

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