China

Heavy rain expected in parts of Vietnam and southern ‌China, as another storm system, Typhoon Saudel, heads for Japan and TaiwanWidespread flooding triggered by Typhoon Narra has submerged homes and forced mass evacuations in southern China, as another storm system tracked towards Japan and Taiwan.Authorities in Chongzuo, in China’s Guangxi region – famous for its giant waterfalls and karst limestone mountains – on Tuesday evacuated more than 15,000 people after water ⁠levels surpassed a record high set in 2008. Continue reading...

• China has criticized new U.S. sanctions against Iran, warning that the measures will further intensify regional tensions. • Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stated on Tuesday that the U.S. will face defeat in its economic actions, following alleged military and political failures. • Iran has declared it is "fully prepared" to retaliate and counter the impact of the new sanctions.

Among those charged are two Super Micro employees and one from Nvidia, marking another flashpoint in US-China AI rivalryTaiwanese prosecutors charged nine people Monday, including one from Nvidia and two from Super Micro, for illegally exporting “high-end AI servers” to mainland China, adding another wave of turbulence in the AI ​​rivalry between China and the United States.Prosecutors said the servers involved were graphics processing units known as “B300,” which have been banned from sale to China. Continue reading...

• China has indefinitely delayed the launch of its Chang'e 7 mission to the moon's south pole due to a storm near the launch site. • The ambitious mission is specifically designed for "ice-hunting" to search for water-ice deposits in the lunar south pole region. • This delay pauses a historic effort to expand China's lunar exploration capabilities and understand the moon's volatile resources.

• China has formally criticized new U.S. sanctions against Iran, with foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian warning that the measures will intensify tensions and create "spillover risks." • In response to the sanctions, Iran has declared it is "fully prepared" to retaliate and counter the U.S. actions. • China emphasized that its cooperation with Iran remains within the framework of international law and stated it will take necessary measures to safeguard its own interests.

• The United States is considering the imposition of 7.5% tariffs on Chinese imports to combat industrial overcapacity. • This move serves as a strategic step to revive the protectionist trade agenda of the US president ahead of upcoming talks between Donald Trump and Xi Jinping. • The proposed tariffs highlight escalating trade tensions and the US effort to protect domestic industries from an influx of low-cost Chinese goods.

Beijing says it will take ‘all necessary measures’ to protect its interests as US steps up efforts to isolate TehranExplainer: could US sanctions threaten China-Iran ties?China has denounced the threat of US sanctions for its trade with Iran, saying any such measures would be illegal, and warned it will take “all necessary measures” to protect its national interests.Beijing’s rejection of the US threat of secondary sanctions for any country or entity continuing to trade with Tehran had been predicted. China buys an estimated 80% of Iran’s oil exports and it has defied previous US efforts to limit the flow of revenue to the Tehran regime. Continue reading...

There has been a 76% increase in under-construction gas-fired projects amid ‘frenzy’ to build more datacentersThe US has surged ahead of China in the building of new gas-fired power generation, largely to feed a boom in artificial intelligence (AI) that is adding vast amounts of planet-heating emissions, a new analysis has found.For decades, China’s rapid economic growth has seen it outpace the US in the addition of new gas power generation but a recent “frenzy” in datacenter construction for AI has reversed this, said Global Energy Monitor (Gem) in its new report. Continue reading...

• China has designated quantum technology as a priority frontier field within its new 2026-2030 Cyber Industry plan. • The initiative directs companies to advance basic research and develop core technologies, specifically targeting high-end chips, cybersecurity, data security, and industrial software. • This strategic shift highlights network information technology as a critical innovation area intended to drive breakthroughs and exert influence across multiple industrial sectors.

• China's top internet regulator unveiled a strategic action plan on Friday aimed at transforming cyberspace enterprises into primary drivers of economic and social development by 2030. • The initiative focuses on achieving breakthroughs in critical technologies, specifically targeting high-end chips, industrial software, network communications, and data security. • This plan matters as it seeks to balance the rapid growth and invigoration of tech firms with a framework for "orderly and healthy" development.

• China has postponed the launch of its robotic Chang’e-7 mission, which was originally scheduled to take place during a planned window this year. • The mission aims to explore the moon’s south pole to search for water ice, a critical resource for sustaining human life and fueling spacecraft. • This delay occurs amid an intensifying international space race, as frozen water is essential for establishing permanent lunar bases and enabling deep-space exploration.

• India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval is scheduled to meet with China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing on Tuesday, August 25, 2026. • This high-level diplomatic engagement follows the previous year's Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit and aims to address ongoing bilateral tensions. • The meeting is significant as it represents a critical effort to stabilize relations and manage security concerns between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.

• AI is rapidly transforming China's microdrama industry, disrupting traditional production methods and reducing the need for physical studio spaces like Hengdian. • The shift has sparked concerns among creatives regarding the future role of human actors and artists in an increasingly automated entertainment landscape. • To maintain quality, the streaming app Hongguo recently implemented higher production standards for AI-generated content to ensure viewer satisfaction.

• Indian women's doubles pair Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand secured a historic bronze medal at the BWF World Championships 2026 in New Delhi. • The duo ended a 15-year medal drought for India in the women's doubles category after losing their semifinal match to China's top-seeded pair, Tan and Liu. • This achievement follows a successful comeback for Treesa, who recently competed in the Indonesia and US Opens and won the Philippine International Challenge.

• China is scheduled to launch its Chang'e 7 moon probe this weekend on August 24, targeting the lunar south pole. • The mission is described as the most ambitious and complex robotic lunar effort ever attempted, deploying a lander, a rover, a hopper, and various science experiments. • This mission matters as it represents a significant leap in lunar exploration capabilities and a strategic push to study the south pole's unique environment.

• China has officially rejected U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat to launch an “economic D-Day” against Iran. • In response to the proposed escalation, Chinese officials stated that imposing further sanctions does not "fit the interest of any party." • This tension highlights the geopolitical friction between the U.S. and China, as China remains a critical trading partner for the Iranian economy.

• The US has vowed to apply its toughest pressure on Iran and expanded sanctions against Hezbollah to curb regional instability. • While Hamas has expressed support for Donald Trump’s Gaza peace roadmap, Iran has dismissed the US campaign as a failed attempt to force its capitulation. • China has rejected the use of sanctions, urging the involved parties to seek political and diplomatic solutions instead.

• Indonesia and China recently conducted a joint military exercise in strategically sensitive waters east of Taiwan, signaling a deepening security partnership. • The collaboration is based on a "2+2 mechanism" established in 2023, which now serves as a model for similar arrangements with Malaysia, Cambodia, and Thailand. • Chinese official Wang emphasized that the partnership aims to oppose "unilateral bullying" and safeguard the interests of developing countries against regional power politics.

• India has attracted over $500 million (Rs 4,895 crore) in foreign direct investment (FDI) from China following a relaxation of investment rules. • The policy change, implemented in May, now allows companies and funds with less than 10% Chinese ownership to invest in the country. • This shift is significant as it eases previous restrictions on Chinese capital, aiming to boost domestic growth and funding.

• California Attorney General Rob Bonta stated in a CNBC interview on Thursday that any settlement regarding the Paramount merger would require "robust structural remedies." • Bonta is leading a coalition of 12 states challenging the merger on antitrust grounds to prevent unfair market consolidation. • The Attorney General criticized Paramount, claiming the company is focusing on discussions that are not central to the core antitrust lawsuit.

• China increased its exports of yttrium to the United States in July, providing critical relief to U.S. aerospace firms facing supply chain pressures. • This surge occurs despite persistent trade tensions and existing export controls imposed by the Chinese government on strategic minerals. • In contrast, Japan has been largely cut off from exports of yttrium, terbium, gallium, and dysprosium following a diplomatic dispute in November.

Hui Ka Yan also forfeits all his personal property and the company he set up is given hefty finesBusiness live – latest updatesThe founder of Evergrande, one of China’s largest property developers, has been sentenced to life in prison and had all of his personal property confiscated.Hui Ka Yan, 67 and once named by Forbes as China’s richest man, with a net worth of $42.5bn (£31.2bn) in 2017, pleaded guilty in April to eight charges. Continue reading...

• European governments are aggressively seeking new ways to fund cutting-edge start-ups to bridge a nearly $1 trillion investment gap. • The initiative aims to bolster Europe's ability to compete with the United States and China in the development of pioneering technologies. • Officials attribute the current competitive disadvantage to soaring energy costs, high labor expenses, and the European Union's slow decision-making processes.

A weak yuan guarantees Beijing massive trade surplus even as the White House tries tamp down on Chinese importsSince China offered a truce in the trade war last October following its threat to deprive the United States of rare-earth magnets, the Trump administration has been happy to stop escalating. After all, imports from China have been falling, down by 40% in the year to June, compared with the same period in 2024. Best to declare victory and call it a day.But the US hasn’t won this battle – and there’s strong evidence to show it’s too chicken to really try. Continue reading...

• China is intensifying its crackdown on online rumors targeting businesses, with a specific focus on combating AI-generated misinformation. • To support these efforts, the Supreme People's Court is currently developing new judicial policies regarding AI and data rights. • The country's top legislature has officially added AI-related legislation to its preliminary legislative agenda to strengthen the legal framework.

Industrial output and retail sales slump in July after one of the country’s weakest quarterly growth rates everChina’s economy is showing signs of extending a slowdown with a slump in industrial output and retail sales in July, adding to pressure on Beijing to intervene with measures to support activity.After the world’s second largest economy posted one of its lowest quarterly growth readings on record in the three months to June, the latest figures suggest it continued to falter in July. Continue reading...

• The author warns of a "China shock" driven by the global adoption of open-source AI models developed in China. • Beyond technology, countries integrating these models will likely absorb Chinese technical standards and governance frameworks. • This shift matters because it could erode Western influence over AI safety and ethical norms while expanding China's digital diplomacy.

• India is accelerating its electronics and AI infrastructure ambitions, highlighted by Google advancing a US$15 billion AI data center. • Key industry players are expanding, with Dixon Technologies growing its smartphone OEM business and Larsen & Toubro restructuring its cloud operations. • The push faces significant headwinds, including mounting environmental opposition, tighter visa restrictions for Chinese nationals, and fierce global competition for semiconductor investments.