Author: Resham

U.S. and Taiwan Finalise Trade Deal to Boost Semiconductor Cooperation The United States and Taiwan finalised a significant trade agreement on Thursday, 16 January, aimed at strengthening cooperation in the technology sector. The deal reduces tariffs on many of Taiwan’s key semiconductor exports and directs new investments into the U.S. technology industry, a move expected to provoke a sharp response from China. Strengthening Semiconductor Ties Semiconductors, a cornerstone of modern technology, were first invented in the United States. Although many are still designed there, a large share of global manufacturing now takes place abroad, particularly in Taiwan. The new trade…

China Launches Algerian Remote Sensing Satellite AlSat-3A into Orbit China successfully launched a remote sensing satellite for Algeria on Thursday, marking another milestone in its expanding international space cooperation. The satellite, named AlSat-3A, was carried into orbit by a Long March-2C rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in northwest China. The launch took place at 12:01 p.m. Beijing time, and the satellite entered its planned orbit shortly afterwards. Strengthening Sino-Algerian Space Cooperation The AlSat-3A mission reflects growing collaboration between China and Algeria in space technology and scientific research. The satellite will primarily support land-use planning, as well as disaster…

China Bans U.S. and Israeli Cybersecurity Software over National Security Concerns Chinese authorities have instructed domestic firms to stop using cybersecurity software from more than a dozen U.S. and Israeli companies, citing national security risks, according to three people familiar with the directive. The move highlights Beijing’s ongoing campaign to reduce reliance on Western technology amid escalating tensions with Washington over trade and technological dominance. The ban targets several major U.S. firms, including Broadcom-owned VMware, Palo Alto Networks, and Fortinet. Israeli companies affected include Check Point Software Technologies, CyberArk, Orca Security, and Cato Networks. Other U.S. firms reportedly on the…

U.S. Approves Conditional Nvidia AI Chip Sales to China The Trump administration has formally approved the sale of Nvidia’s H200 artificial intelligence chips to Chinese customers under new restrictions designed to limit military use and protect U.S. technological advantages. The decision, announced on Tuesday, is expected to restart shipments of Nvidia’s second most powerful AI processor despite strong opposition from U.S. lawmakers concerned about national security. Conditional Approval with Security Oversight Under the new export regulations, all China-bound H200 chips must undergo review by an independent third-party testing laboratory to verify their technical capabilities. Nvidia will be required to certify…

China’s “Are You Dead?” app mirrors rising urban loneliness, offering daily check-ins for users living alone amid social isolation. In four years time, China will have nearly 200 million people living alone, usually far from home. The current figure is 125 million. Many are young people who have moved to the cities for work, and don’t know anybody, which can be unsettling for some, even suicidal for others. Enter “Are You Dead?” an app built by a small three-person team Moonscape Technologies, that has climbed to the top of Apple’s paid app charts in China. It is designed for people…

Shenzhou-21 Crew Advances Scientific Research and Training on Tiangong Space Station The Shenzhou-21 astronauts have continued to make steady progress in scientific experiments and operational training aboard China’s Tiangong space station over the past week. The crew, composed of commander Zhang Lu and astronauts Wu Fei and Zhang Hongzhang, has now been in orbit for more than 70 days, focusing on scientific, technical, and emergency preparedness tasks. Strengthening Operational and Emergency Capabilities Last week, the crew carried out scheduled training for remotely operated rendezvous and docking procedures. Using specialised control handles, they practised precise adjustments to the spacecraft’s speed and…

China Stocks Hit Decade High as AI and Space Shares Fuel Rally China’s stock markets surged to their highest level in a decade on Monday, lifted by strong performances in artificial intelligence and commercial space sectors. Investors welcomed a robust start to the trading year, pushing both onshore and Hong Kong shares higher. Mainland Markets Extend Gains The blue-chip CSI300 Index rose 0.4% by midday, while the Shanghai Composite Index climbed 0.8%, reaching its strongest level since July 2015. The gains followed a 3.8% rise last week, marking the market’s best weekly performance in 14 months. In Hong Kong, the…

CrowdStrike to Acquire Identity Security Startup SGNL for $740 Million Amid Rise in AI Threats CrowdStrike Holdings announced plans to acquire identity security startup SGNL in a $740 million deal as part of its strategy to strengthen defences against artificial intelligence-driven cyber threats. The purchase, expected to close in the first quarter of fiscal 2027, will be paid mainly in cash, with part of the amount in stock subject to vesting conditions. Strengthening AI-Era Cyber Defences The acquisition will allow CrowdStrike to integrate SGNL’s “continuous identity” technology into its Falcon cybersecurity platform. The system enables constant real-time verification of user,…

China Says Export Ban to Japan Targets Only Military Firms, Not Civilian Industry China’s commerce ministry said on Thursday that its new export ban on dual-use items to Japan would only apply to military-linked entities, easing fears that the restrictions could disrupt rare earth supplies vital to Japan’s automotive and electronics industries. Civilian Users Unaffected, Beijing Assures “Civilian users will not be affected,” said ministry spokesperson He Yadong during a press briefing. “China has always been committed to the stability and security of global production and supply chains,” he added. The clarification came after concerns that Beijing might curb rare…

Japanese Chemical Stocks Drop as China Launches Anti-Dumping Probe into Chipmaking Materials Shares of major Japanese chemical manufacturers fell on Thursday after China’s commerce ministry announced an anti-dumping investigation into imports of dichlorosilane, a key chemical used in semiconductor production. The move comes amid rising tensions between Tokyo and Beijing and renewed efforts by China to strengthen self-sufficiency in advanced technology sectors. Japanese Stocks Slide, Chinese Rivals Surge In Tokyo, shares of Shin-Etsu Chemical dropped 3.4%, while Mitsubishi Chemical fell 0.5%, matching the broader Topix index’s decline. A Shin-Etsu spokesperson said the company was reviewing the situation but did not…