Technology
The protection and democratization of undersea communications networks
Ensuring the security of the global, submarine communications infrastructure is becoming a priority for Western governments and agencies concerned that China and Russia are willing to use it for espionage, personal data theft, and general disruptive purposes.
China and Brazil strengthen their fruitful Earth Resources Exploration Satellite collaboration, as China pushes its aerospace sector
As the two nations celebrate the 36th anniversary of their joint Earth Resources Exploration Satellite (CBERS) project, they vow to deepen collaboration on satellite development.
Chinese Private Space Enterprise Completes Vertical Takeoff, Vertical Landing Rocket Test
In January, Chinese private space enterprise LandSpace completed a “hop test” of its Vertical Takeoff, Vertical Landing (VTVL) rocket at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. This was another step in China’s efforts to become commercially competitive in reusable launch technology.
Boeing’s Challenges Press China's Emerging Aircraft Industry
On 27 January a Boeing 737 MAX 8 ordered by China Southern Airlines touched down in Guangzhou. This was the first delivery of a 737 MAX to China following a nearly five-year import ban.
China and Vietnam strengthen diplomatic ties in response to elevated US-Vietnam relations
President Xi Jinping visits Hanoi to discuss Belt and Road Initiatives and diversify semiconductor and communications supply chains in response to the elevation of US-Vietnam relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in September.
China Pharma Market Demand for Diabetes and Weight Loss Drugs Expands
On 26 January China’s National Medical Products Administration announced that it had approved Novo Nordisk’s Rybelsus treatment for Type-2 diabetes, making it the first orally administrated GLP-1 receptor agonist drug available in the burgeoning Chinese market.
China Ups Ante in Quantum Computing Global Competition
Chinese scientists believe the success of domestic firm Origin Quantum’s computer development has given China “a ticket” to global quantum computing competition, despite restrictions imposed by the US on quantum computing chip and technology exports.
China claims to have designed one of the strongest porous ceramics for heat-shielding hypersonic aircraft
The publication of a scientific study regarding the properties of a ground-breaking porous ceramic highlights China’s level of technology applicable to hypersonic aircraft and missiles.
China’s Demand for ASML Semiconductor Equipment Grows
China’s goal of becoming more self-reliant in semiconductor production has manifested as imports of foreign-made manufacturing equipment are rising, while purchases of foreign chips have dropped.
China Accelerates Space Dominance Pursuit
2024 is poised to be a pivotal year for China's space endeavors. A notable milestone will be the Chang'e 6 lunar mission to mark China's second attempt at returning lunar surface samples to Earth following the success of the Chang’e 5 mission in 2023.
China Lifts Boeing 737 MAX Ban, but Scrutiny Increases
Boeing seemed poised to resume aircraft deliveries to China, but the recent Alaska Airlines incident and reported mechanical failures involving US Secretary of State Blinken’s 737 aircraft almost certainly will lead to greater technical scrutiny and possible delays.
China Gains Competitive Edge in Sodium-Ion EVs
On 5 January Anhui Jianghua Automobile (JAC) began deliveries of its Yiwei electric vehicle, which it claims is the world’s first mass-produced car powered by a sodium-ion battery.
US Seeks To Deter Use of Chinese EV Batteries
Beijing has criticized as “protectionist” the December 2023 US decision to deny tax credits to electric vehicles equipped with battery minerals or components originating from “Foreign Entities of Concern”; designated countries are China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea.
China’s Nuclear Developments Expands Naval and Nuclear Fusion Capabilities
In 2023 Chinese entities achieved several breakthroughs in the field of nuclear energy, some of which have implications for China’s ongoing effort to expand its naval capabilities.
The risk and opportunity of satellite 5G service
Satellite services direct to unmodified 5G smartphones, as well as IoT devices and machines, are in their infancy, but a host of satellite service providers and MNOs view it as the ‘holy grail’ of 100% mobile coverage. However, with this opportunity comes security risks, and may require further de-risking from China and other potentially malicious actors.