Opinion | Allies United Against China on Rare Earths

Beijing has issued a warning to its citizens to avoid traveling to Japan following remarks from Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who stated that Japan would defend itself if China attempted to seize Taiwan. This statement has provoked a furious response from Beijing, escalating tensions between the two nations amidst ongoing disputes over Taiwan.

AI company Anthropic reported that it successfully disrupted a cyber attack that its researchers have linked to the Chinese government. This incident highlights concerns over the use of artificial intelligence in cyber warfare and the potential involvement of state actors in such activities.

The Chinese government has expressed 'extreme disappointment' with Dutch Minister Vincent Karremans, who commented on the semiconductor supply chain crisis affecting the car industry. In a recent interview, Karremans described the ongoing tensions between China and the European Union as a 'wake-up call for western leaders.' This situation highlights the critical role of semiconductor supply in global industries and the geopolitical implications of trade relations.

Global markets experienced a volatile trading day following a significant tech sell-off that led to Wall Street's worst performance in a month. The FTSE 100 index in London dropped by 1.1%, closing down approximately 100 points at 9,698. Major banking stocks, including Barclays, Lloyds, and NatWest, saw declines ranging from 2.7% to 3.6%. Additionally, weak economic data from China revealed an unprecedented slump in investment, contributing to fears regarding the Chinese economy.

Researchers have raised alarms about an AI-driven hacking campaign allegedly linked to China. The use of artificial intelligence to automate parts of these cyberattacks marks a concerning trend in cybersecurity, as it could enhance the efficiency and scale of such malicious activities.

Chinese AI models are increasingly being adopted by US firms in Silicon Valley, receiving positive feedback from tech leaders. This trend poses a significant challenge to established Big Tech companies, highlighting the growing influence of Chinese technology in the competitive landscape of artificial intelligence.

She Zhijiang, an alleged transnational crime kingpin linked to over 200 illegal online gambling operations, has been extradited from Thailand to China. His gambling complex, Shwe Kokko, is associated with regional scam and trafficking networks, raising concerns about cybercrime in Asia.

Apple has removed two popular gay dating apps from its app store in China following an order from the country's cyberspace regulator. This action has raised concerns within the LGBTQ community in China, as it reflects ongoing restrictions on LGBTQ rights and visibility in the country. The removal of these apps is seen as a significant setback for the community, which already faces challenges in expressing their identities and accessing supportive resources. The situation highlights the tension between global companies and local regulations, particularly regarding issues of human rights and freedom of expression.