Long-term time deposits

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2017

Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]

Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Marketable Securities [Text Block]

8. Long-term time deposits

Long-term time deposits are time deposits with maturities of longer than one year. Time deposits with original maturities of longer than one year but due within the next 12 months are included in short-term investments. As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, short-term investments include $1.0 million and $4.8 million, respectively, of time deposits with original maturities of longer than one year but due within the next 12 months.

As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Company had pledged long-term time deposits of nil and RMB 6.0 million (equivalent to approximately $0.9 million), respectively, to secure loans under the credit facility issued by ICBC Brazil. The use of the pledged long-term time deposits is restricted (See Note 13).