A spokesperson from the commerce ministry said in a statement that the move was “necessary” and cited national security as one of the reasons. The proposal came as China and the U.S. made progress in dialogues over AI safety and governance and on the setting up of a notification mechanism between the two superpowers for AI incidents that could threaten national security.
søndag 18. oktober 2026
China moves to curb tech exports, including AI, citing national security risks
China on Friday said it plans to restrict or ban exports of 40 technologies that span artificial intelligence, chips and solar power as its technology race with countries including the United States intensifies. The Ministry of Commerce and Ministry of Science and Technology jointly published a draft document with the proposed updates for China’s catalog of technologies subjected to export bans or restrictions.
A spokesperson from the commerce ministry said in a statement that the move was “necessary” and cited national security as one of the reasons. The proposal came as China and the U.S. made progress in dialogues over AI safety and governance and on the setting up of a notification mechanism between the two superpowers for AI incidents that could threaten national security.
A spokesperson from the commerce ministry said in a statement that the move was “necessary” and cited national security as one of the reasons. The proposal came as China and the U.S. made progress in dialogues over AI safety and governance and on the setting up of a notification mechanism between the two superpowers for AI incidents that could threaten national security.
Torbjørn Færøvik: When the Taliban Went to War Against Buddha
The bearded warriors struggled to manoeuvre their cannons into position, but once the barrels were pointing in the right direction, their commander shouted: “Fire!” The bombardment continued for several weeks. When the guns finally fell silent, two of the world's largest standing Buddha statues had been reduced to ruins.
“Allahu akbar!” the warriors cheered, raising their arms towards the heavens.
This happened in Afghanistan 25 years ago. For some 1,400 years, the two statues had stood in separate niches carved into the cliffs of Bamiyan. One was 55 metres tall, the other 38 metres. They had withstood the elements and survived countless wars. But then the Taliban arrived with their artillery. The order to destroy them came from the movement's leader at the time, Mullah Omar.
“We are carrying out this action in accordance with Islamic law,” declared Afghanistan's foreign minister, Wakil Ahmad Mutawakil.
“Allahu akbar!” the warriors cheered, raising their arms towards the heavens.
This happened in Afghanistan 25 years ago. For some 1,400 years, the two statues had stood in separate niches carved into the cliffs of Bamiyan. One was 55 metres tall, the other 38 metres. They had withstood the elements and survived countless wars. But then the Taliban arrived with their artillery. The order to destroy them came from the movement's leader at the time, Mullah Omar.
“We are carrying out this action in accordance with Islamic law,” declared Afghanistan's foreign minister, Wakil Ahmad Mutawakil.
Torbjørn Færøvik: Da Taliban gikk til krig mot Buddha
De skjeggete krigerne slet med å få kanonene på plass, men da kanonløpene pekte i riktig retning, ropte kommandanten: «Fyr!» Skytingen pågikk i flere uker. Da larmen endelig stilnet, var to av verdens største stående buddhastatuer forvandlet til ruiner.
«Allahu akbar», jublet krigerne og løftet armene mot himmelen.
Det skjedde i Afghanistan for 25 år siden. De to statuene hadde stått i hver sin nisje i fjellveggen i Bamiyan i rundt 1400 år. Den ene var 55 meter høy, den andre 38 meter. De hadde overlevd vær og vind og talløse kriger. Men så kom Taliban med sitt artilleri. Ordren om å ødelegge dem kom fra organisasjonens daværende leder, Mullah Omar.
«Vi utfører denne handlingen i samsvar med islamsk lov», forkynte den afghanske utenriksministeren Wakil Ahmad Mutawakei.
«Allahu akbar», jublet krigerne og løftet armene mot himmelen.
Det skjedde i Afghanistan for 25 år siden. De to statuene hadde stått i hver sin nisje i fjellveggen i Bamiyan i rundt 1400 år. Den ene var 55 meter høy, den andre 38 meter. De hadde overlevd vær og vind og talløse kriger. Men så kom Taliban med sitt artilleri. Ordren om å ødelegge dem kom fra organisasjonens daværende leder, Mullah Omar.
«Vi utfører denne handlingen i samsvar med islamsk lov», forkynte den afghanske utenriksministeren Wakil Ahmad Mutawakei.
China invites Katie Zacharia to visit again after she claims nation lacks ‘proper toilets’
Beijing has invited now-ousted White House press secretary Katie Zachariato visit China more often after she claimed the country lacks “proper toilets” in a recent interview. Zacharia, who was sacked by President Donald Trump less than a week into her job following an onslaught of scrutiny, came under fire for her lavatory remarks while speaking with far-right podcaster Jack Posobiec on Thursday.
“I remember this very distinctly, having just come from China, thinking, how is China the next country on the horizon? They don’t even have proper toilets,” she said, while discussing a perception around the lead-up to the US election in 2016 that the golden days of America were over, and that China was on the rise.
When asked about those remarks on Friday, China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning quipped: “She’s welcome to come and see China more often when she has the opportunity.”
“I remember this very distinctly, having just come from China, thinking, how is China the next country on the horizon? They don’t even have proper toilets,” she said, while discussing a perception around the lead-up to the US election in 2016 that the golden days of America were over, and that China was on the rise.
When asked about those remarks on Friday, China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning quipped: “She’s welcome to come and see China more often when she has the opportunity.”
Philippines protests Chinese envoy’s remarks, calling them a ‘thinly veiled threat’
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his government on Friday protested remarks by China’s ambassador to Manila, calling them “a thinly veiled threat of the use of force” in the latest flare up in the two Asian countries’ longstanding territorial dispute in the South China Sea.
On the sidelines of a Manila forum on Thursday, Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan was asked by reporters to comment on Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr.’s remarks pointing to China as a “troublemaker” in the region. Jing said that characterization was “nonsense” and added the Philippines should feel fortunate to have China as a neighbor.
“If we want to use force, we may easily win. But no, we will not choose force and we love peace,” Jing said. “In this region, we enjoy peace. Look at other regions: Ukraine, Gaza and even Venezuela.”
On the sidelines of a Manila forum on Thursday, Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan was asked by reporters to comment on Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr.’s remarks pointing to China as a “troublemaker” in the region. Jing said that characterization was “nonsense” and added the Philippines should feel fortunate to have China as a neighbor.
“If we want to use force, we may easily win. But no, we will not choose force and we love peace,” Jing said. “In this region, we enjoy peace. Look at other regions: Ukraine, Gaza and even Venezuela.”
China, Russia quietly moving toward a new Arctic axis
Russian President Vladimir Putin’s advisor Nikolai Patrushev’s recent visit to China points to something more consequential than another round of Russia-China strategic rhetoric: Moscow is trying to turn maritime cooperation with Beijing into infrastructure, technology and logistics that can survive geopolitical pressure.
The proposals discussed during the October 8-13 visit — linking China’s Maritime Silk Road with Russia’s Trans-Arctic Transport Corridor, developing Russian ports, exchanging container-terminal automation technology and conducting joint maritime research — are still largely unimplemented plans.Yet they deserve attention because they sit at the intersection of three trends reshaping the global economy: the securitization of supply chains, the opening of the Arctic and the fragmentation of maritime globalization.
The proposals discussed during the October 8-13 visit — linking China’s Maritime Silk Road with Russia’s Trans-Arctic Transport Corridor, developing Russian ports, exchanging container-terminal automation technology and conducting joint maritime research — are still largely unimplemented plans.Yet they deserve attention because they sit at the intersection of three trends reshaping the global economy: the securitization of supply chains, the opening of the Arctic and the fragmentation of maritime globalization.
Tibet beyond the Dalai Lama and the question of who speaks for its people
A people’s future cannot rest forever on the shoulders of one person, however extraordinary that person may be. Institutions matter. So does memory, language, faith and the right of a people to speak for themselves. For Tibetans, this question has acquired a particular urgency. The 14th Dalai Lama has been the spiritual leader and the most recognised voice of the Tibetan cause for decades. But a political community cannot be expected to leave its future undefined until a moment of succession arrives. That is the larger question behind a new American bill, the Assuring the Future of Tibet Act (AFTA) of 2026.
The bill is not law yet. It was introduced in the US House as H.R. 8982 on May 21, 2026, by Congressman James McGovern, with Republican Michael McCaul as cosponsor. A Senate companion, S. 5362, was introduced on August 7 by Senator Jeff Merkley, with a bipartisan group of cosponsors, and referred to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
The bill is not law yet. It was introduced in the US House as H.R. 8982 on May 21, 2026, by Congressman James McGovern, with Republican Michael McCaul as cosponsor. A Senate companion, S. 5362, was introduced on August 7 by Senator Jeff Merkley, with a bipartisan group of cosponsors, and referred to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
Another former top Chinese leader in Tibet sacked for corruption
Ding Yexian, who last served as deputy head of the standing committee of the People’s Congress of Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) from 2021 has been expelled from the Communist Party of China (CPC), reported China’s state news agency Xinhua Sep 9, citing both the top party and state anti-corruption bodies. He was earlier put under investigation on suspicion of “serious violations of laws and regulations” in Apr 2026.
A native of Yanggu County, Shandong province, where he was born in 1960, Ding spent over 20 years of his party and government career in TAR’s Lhokha (Chinese: Shannan) Prefecture, before moving to TAR-level posts.
Upon the approval of the CPC Central Committee, the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) and the National Commission of Supervision (NCS) had conducted an investigation into Ding’s case, the report said, citing a statement from both of them on Oct 9.
A native of Yanggu County, Shandong province, where he was born in 1960, Ding spent over 20 years of his party and government career in TAR’s Lhokha (Chinese: Shannan) Prefecture, before moving to TAR-level posts.
Upon the approval of the CPC Central Committee, the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) and the National Commission of Supervision (NCS) had conducted an investigation into Ding’s case, the report said, citing a statement from both of them on Oct 9.
Visa row prevents Arunachal weightlifter from crucial world championship meet in China
India has been forced to withdraw a weightlifter belonging to Arunachal Pradesh from the upcoming Senior World Weightlifting Championships to be held in Ningbo after Chinese authorities indicated that he would be issued a visa stapled on a piece of paper, rather than a regular one stamped on his Indian passport. This was meant to suggest that China does not recognise India’s sovereignty over the state, which it claims is part of Tibet, a territory under its occupation rule since the 1950s.
The Indian Weightlifting Federation (IWLF) withdrew his name after the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre (CVASS) in New Delhi sought an undertaking from it confirming Charu Pesi’s acceptance of a stapled visa, reported the timesofindia.com Oct 16.
The Indian Weightlifting Federation (IWLF) withdrew his name after the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre (CVASS) in New Delhi sought an undertaking from it confirming Charu Pesi’s acceptance of a stapled visa, reported the timesofindia.com Oct 16.
Thorough probe urged on arson attack on Office of Tibet in South Africa to rule out transnational repression
Following a second nighttime arson attack, which practically destroyed the building housing the office and residence of the Representative of His Holiness the Dalai Lama located in South Africa’s capital Pretoria on Oct 14, the Desmond & Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation, like many others, has called for a thorough probe of this and the previous, Jul 6, 2026, incident. At least one Tibet group has attributed the attacks to China’s transnational repression, given the degree of Beijing’s routine expressions of hostility towards the Dalai Lama and what it derisively calls the “Dalai Lama clique”.
This attack is a direct assault on the fundamental freedoms provided to the Office of Tibet and its staff under South Africa’s own Constitution, which protects the rights of all people in South Africa, including non-nationals, said Washington-based International Campaign for Tibet (savetibet.org) Oct 16.
This attack is a direct assault on the fundamental freedoms provided to the Office of Tibet and its staff under South Africa’s own Constitution, which protects the rights of all people in South Africa, including non-nationals, said Washington-based International Campaign for Tibet (savetibet.org) Oct 16.
fredag 16. oktober 2026
How China came to dominate consumer technology
Do you remember the days when GoPro was synonymous with action cameras? At its peak in 2015, the US company reigned supreme with around 6.6 million units sold that year and a market share of over 70%. Today, the pioneer is fighting for survival.
The main culprit? Chinese competition. GoPro's biggest rivals, DJI and Insta360, entered the action camera market in 2019 and 2021, respectively. Today, they account for more than 90% of global smart handheld camera sales.Alexander Hannemann, who regularly uses action cameras to film his motorcycle rides, says he switched from GoPro to Insta360 around two years ago.
"The quality is much better than a GoPro, even when I'm speeding up and going into corners at like 80 kilometers per hour," he told DW. GoPro's case is not an exception. Since around 2010, many Chinese brands have not only caught up but surpassed once-dominant Western rivals across the consumer technology industry, from smart TVs to robot vacuums.
The main culprit? Chinese competition. GoPro's biggest rivals, DJI and Insta360, entered the action camera market in 2019 and 2021, respectively. Today, they account for more than 90% of global smart handheld camera sales.Alexander Hannemann, who regularly uses action cameras to film his motorcycle rides, says he switched from GoPro to Insta360 around two years ago.
"The quality is much better than a GoPro, even when I'm speeding up and going into corners at like 80 kilometers per hour," he told DW. GoPro's case is not an exception. Since around 2010, many Chinese brands have not only caught up but surpassed once-dominant Western rivals across the consumer technology industry, from smart TVs to robot vacuums.
Beyond Military Exercises: Is China Testing the Conditions for a Taiwan Blockade?
The possibility of a conflict over Taiwan is frequently discussed in terms of a Chinese amphibious invasion. Yet an invasion is not the only way Beijing could attempt to compel Taiwan to accept its political demands. A blockade, a selective restriction of maritime and air traffic, or a law enforcement operation designed to control access to the island could create a serious crisis without an immediate attempt to occupy Taiwanese territory.
Developments reported in October 2026 have renewed questions about this possibility. Reuters reported on 8 October that a Chinese maritime militia vessel had been observed operating alongside a China Coast Guard cutter and a research vessel off Taiwan’s Pacific coast in August. The report described this as the first known sighting of such a vessel in that sensitive area. Reuters subsequently reported on 10 October that the United States had criticised Chinese maritime activity off Taiwan as deeply destabilising.
Developments reported in October 2026 have renewed questions about this possibility. Reuters reported on 8 October that a Chinese maritime militia vessel had been observed operating alongside a China Coast Guard cutter and a research vessel off Taiwan’s Pacific coast in August. The report described this as the first known sighting of such a vessel in that sensitive area. Reuters subsequently reported on 10 October that the United States had criticised Chinese maritime activity off Taiwan as deeply destabilising.
China’s qualms with long Trumpism
Beijing may believe that Donald Trump’s 2016 election and his return to office eight years later are not accidents but part of a deeper American current. Beyond Trump himself, the America that has emerged since 2016 increasingly seems unwilling to worry about the world.
For a century, beginning with America’s intervention in the First World War in 1917, the United States concerned itself with the global order through three great conflicts: World War I, World War II, and the Cold War. Trump’s 2016 election, however, gave voice to an America tired of international affairs, once again “selfish” and feeling cheated by the world for its generosity. This America is undermining the very international institutions it created, including the United Nations and the World Trade Organization.
China has never truly felt that these institutions fully represented it, its values, or its way of thinking. The American world order does not belong to China. If America wants to destroy that order, why should China support it?
For a century, beginning with America’s intervention in the First World War in 1917, the United States concerned itself with the global order through three great conflicts: World War I, World War II, and the Cold War. Trump’s 2016 election, however, gave voice to an America tired of international affairs, once again “selfish” and feeling cheated by the world for its generosity. This America is undermining the very international institutions it created, including the United Nations and the World Trade Organization.
China has never truly felt that these institutions fully represented it, its values, or its way of thinking. The American world order does not belong to China. If America wants to destroy that order, why should China support it?
Twenty Harbin Students Disciplined for Unauthorized VPN Use After Reportedly Being “Informed on” by Classmate
Twenty students at Harbin Engineering University (HEU) were given disciplinary warnings for using unauthorized VPNs to circumvent the Great Firewall in order to access overseas websites and conduct academic research. The university released a statement announcing that, during a two-day period in late September, it had caught and punished seven undergraduates and 13 graduate students for unauthorized VPN use.
As the university’s statement about the disciplinary actions spread online, it fueled intense debate, particularly after rumors surfaced that the school was tipped off by a student “informer” motivated by the desire to bring down an academic rival and move up the recommendation list for admission to HEU’s mathematics department graduate program.
As the university’s statement about the disciplinary actions spread online, it fueled intense debate, particularly after rumors surfaced that the school was tipped off by a student “informer” motivated by the desire to bring down an academic rival and move up the recommendation list for admission to HEU’s mathematics department graduate program.
Who Are the Houthis and Why Are They Attacking Saudi Arabia’s Airports?
The European Union and Gulf Cooperation Council on Thursday announced the postponement of a joint summit set to take place in Saudi Arabia next week, amid safety concerns prompted by Houthi attacks on airports in the kingdom. Citing the “continued attempts by the terrorist Houthi militia to target the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its civilian infrastructure, which threatens the security and safety of innocent civilians,” the council said the Gulf-European Summit will be rescheduled.
The postponement comes after Yemen’s Houthi rebels on Wednesday vowed to forge ahead with the attacks on Saudi Arabia’s airports and oil facilities, just hours after striking oil giant Saudi Aramco’s headquarters.
“Operations toward Saudi depths will continue in the coming days,” said Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree, describing the locations as “legitimate targets” and framing their attacks as a direct response to Saudi strikes on Yemen. Saudi-led forces said they had intercepted a ballistic missile fired by the Houthis towards Riyadh on Wednesday and local journalists reported hearing “loud blasts” in the Saudi capital.
The postponement comes after Yemen’s Houthi rebels on Wednesday vowed to forge ahead with the attacks on Saudi Arabia’s airports and oil facilities, just hours after striking oil giant Saudi Aramco’s headquarters.
“Operations toward Saudi depths will continue in the coming days,” said Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree, describing the locations as “legitimate targets” and framing their attacks as a direct response to Saudi strikes on Yemen. Saudi-led forces said they had intercepted a ballistic missile fired by the Houthis towards Riyadh on Wednesday and local journalists reported hearing “loud blasts” in the Saudi capital.
Myanmar’s coup leader-turned-president wins back neighbours despite war
When Malaysia invited Myanmar’s coup leader-turned-president Min Aung Hlaing for a visit in September, it insisted the trip did not amount to recognition. The purpose, an official said, was to address the “longstanding issue” of refugees and migrants from Myanmar in Malaysia.
But when Min Aung Hlaing arrived in Kuala Lumpur last week, the former general – whose power grab in 2021 triggered a devastating civil war – received a red carpet welcome, complete with an honour guard. After an official luncheon on Thursday, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said Myanmar was prepared to take its nationals back at its own cost, a message with appeal in a country where anti-refugee sentiment is growing. Malaysia hosts about 193,000 Myanmar nationals, most of them from the persecuted Rohingya Muslim minority.
“Because the weather is favourable, I will dispatch Navy ships to repatriate them,” Min Aung Hlaing said.
But when Min Aung Hlaing arrived in Kuala Lumpur last week, the former general – whose power grab in 2021 triggered a devastating civil war – received a red carpet welcome, complete with an honour guard. After an official luncheon on Thursday, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said Myanmar was prepared to take its nationals back at its own cost, a message with appeal in a country where anti-refugee sentiment is growing. Malaysia hosts about 193,000 Myanmar nationals, most of them from the persecuted Rohingya Muslim minority.
“Because the weather is favourable, I will dispatch Navy ships to repatriate them,” Min Aung Hlaing said.
China tells Israel to stop ‘forced establishment’ of West Bank settlements
China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi has told Israeli President Isaac Herzog during a meeting in Azerbaijan that Israel should stop and reverse its “forced establishment” of West Bank settlements, China’s foreign ministry said in a statement.
Wang told Herzog that China has consistently viewed the Palestinian question as the greatest historical injustice of this century, the ministry said in the statement on Friday. Wang emphasised that the “two-state solution” is the right path to a resolution and said the immediate priority is to fully open access to the Gaza Strip so a humanitarian “catastrophe” is not allowed to spread.
Wang added that China is willing to work with the international community to push all parties to return to dialogue as soon as possible and seek a political settlement.
Wang told Herzog that China has consistently viewed the Palestinian question as the greatest historical injustice of this century, the ministry said in the statement on Friday. Wang emphasised that the “two-state solution” is the right path to a resolution and said the immediate priority is to fully open access to the Gaza Strip so a humanitarian “catastrophe” is not allowed to spread.
Wang added that China is willing to work with the international community to push all parties to return to dialogue as soon as possible and seek a political settlement.
torsdag 15. oktober 2026
What's the impact of China's influence on the gaming industry?
In a dark underground hideout, dim light spills from a handful of oil lamps. A comrade fiddles with a rifle. A red flag hangs on one of the roughly hewn stone walls, bearing a hammer and sickle on a white star — the symbol of the ChineseWorkers' and Peasants' Red Army. Weapons are scattered on the ground. One is picked up, and soon the action moves into the snowy forest, where gunfire erupts among the trees.
Such a scene could fit in a new installment of "Call of Duty," the popular first person shooter game that transports players to battlefields past, present and future. But it is actually from "The Defiant." The game is currently being developed by the Chinese studio Hoothanes Technology in Hangzhou. It tells the story of Chinese forces fending off the Japanese army in the 1930s and 1940s.
Developer Connor Xu tells DW the weapons featured in the game are unique. They were used only in Asia and are therefore unfamiliar to many Western players, he says. The same goes for the story, which Xu says has never before been told in a video game.
Such a scene could fit in a new installment of "Call of Duty," the popular first person shooter game that transports players to battlefields past, present and future. But it is actually from "The Defiant." The game is currently being developed by the Chinese studio Hoothanes Technology in Hangzhou. It tells the story of Chinese forces fending off the Japanese army in the 1930s and 1940s.
Developer Connor Xu tells DW the weapons featured in the game are unique. They were used only in Asia and are therefore unfamiliar to many Western players, he says. The same goes for the story, which Xu says has never before been told in a video game.
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