Eyebrows were raised throughout the entire electronics industry following IPC's acceptance of a three-year, $400,000 financial assistance award from the U.S. Commerce Department and our ensuing announcement that the funds will support IPC's activities in China and our new office in Shanghai. IPC said it would use the grant money to assist in the adoption and use of industry standards in China; the translation of standards and programs to Mandarin; the training of China-based manufacturers; leading a trade mission to China; and the collection of market research data. Let's be candid: IPC's initiative in China is not popular, especially with some segments of the electronic interconnection industry. For some, I doubt any explanation of why IPC has expanded its efforts to China will be convincing. To these individuals, China and our grant are emotional "hot buttons" and our position elicits an emotional response. "Aiding and abetting the competition" probably best sums up their position.
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