Tag: China

  • Tesla Teases New 6-Seat Model Y L Interior Before China Launch

    Tesla Teases New 6-Seat Model Y L Interior Before China Launch

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Tesla Model Y L will seat six passengers with captain’s chairs for easier access to the rear seats.
    2. Upgrades include powered armrests in the second row, new C-pillar vents for airflow, and enhanced front seat features.
    3. The last two rows of seats can fold flat with a button, increasing cargo space for travelers.
    4. Deliveries of the Model Y L in China are expected to start in September, with production already underway.
    5. The Model Y L for China will feature an 82 kWh NMC battery, offering a driving range of 751 km based on CLTC standards.

    Photos of the Tesla Model Y L in China have been circulating widely across the internet. The automaker has also released a teaser video on the Chinese social media platform Weibo, revealing the interior of this updated SUV.

    Interior Features and Seating

    In the 18-second video, it’s confirmed that the Model Y L will accommodate six passengers. The second row is designed with captain’s chairs, which allows for easy access to the rear seats. This added space in the larger cabin makes it a better option for families needing extra room.

    Other improvements to the seating include powered armrests for the second row, new vents located on the C-pillar for enhanced airflow to those in the third row, and additional cupholders. The front seats have also been upgraded with adjustable headrests, lumbar support, and leg-rest extensions.

    Cargo Space and Cabin Upgrades

    The last two rows of seats can be folded flat with the simple press of a button, creating more cargo space, a feature that will surely be appreciated by campers and road travelers. The cabin has also seen several minor updates, such as new door panels, aluminum accents, and a sleek black headliner.

    Tesla is anticipated to commence deliveries of the Model Y L in China come September. There are reports indicating that the production of the larger SUV has already begun, as shown by the recent sighting of a car carrier transporting at least three uncovered units.

    Expansion Plans and Battery Details

    Recent sightings in Germany hint that Tesla may have plans for the Model Y L beyond the Chinese market. The version designed for China is expected to come equipped with an 82 kWh NMC battery, providing a driving range of 751 km based on CLTC standards.

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  • China’s Foundry Capacity Expected to Reach 30% by 2030

    China’s Foundry Capacity Expected to Reach 30% by 2030

    Key Takeaways

    1. By 2030, Mainland China’s semiconductor foundry capacity is projected to reach 30%, surpassing Taiwan’s stable 23%.
    2. China’s growth is driven by state-supported funding, particularly from the “Big Fund,” which supports domestic companies like SMIC and Hua Hong Semiconductor.
    3. Three new fab projects in China are set to begin in 2025, focusing on crucial mature nodes (8 nm to 45 nm) for various industries.
    4. China faces challenges in producing leading-edge products, with SMIC struggling to achieve consistent 5 nm processes while competitors advance to 2 nm.
    5. The shift in global semiconductor capacity reduces reliance on Taiwan and shows that market share does not guarantee technological leadership.

    According to new estimates from Yole Group, it appears that Mainland China is on track to surpass Taiwan in the global semiconductor foundry capacity by the time this decade concludes. The research company anticipates that by 2030, China will hold 30 percent of the worldwide capacity, an increase from 21 percent this year. Meanwhile, Taiwan’s share is expected to remain stable at about 23 percent. South Korea, Japan, and the United States follow behind with shares of 19 percent, 13 percent, and 10 percent, respectively.

    The Driving Force Behind Change

    The reason behind this transformation is largely due to Beijing’s “whole-nation” approach. The state-supported funding from the China Integrated Circuit Industry Investment Fund—commonly referred to as the “Big Fund”—has played a significant role in establishing national players like Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp (SMIC) and Hua Hong Semiconductor. Currently, domestic companies are responsible for around 15 percent of China’s foundry output, and Yole forecasts that this percentage will increase significantly as new fabs become operational.

    Construction Trends Align with Projections

    Data regarding construction backs up these predictions. SEMI, a U.S. industry group, has reported that three new fab projects in China are expected to commence in 2025, which accounts for one-sixth of the total worldwide. Many of these projects are aimed at mature nodes ranging from 8 nm to 45 nm, a capacity that remains crucial for automotive, industrial control systems, and the growing Internet-of-Things market.

    Challenges Ahead for China

    However, China faces challenges when it comes to leading-edge products. SMIC has not yet proven a consistent 5 nm process, two years after it launched its first 7 nm chips in Huawei devices. On the other hand, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. and Samsung Electronics are pushing rapidly towards mass production at 2 nm. Lacking similar lithography tools—due to U.S. export restrictions—Chinese fabs are likely to concentrate on volume production instead of cutting-edge density.

    In conclusion, the shift in capacity is significant. It diminishes the global reliance on a few Taiwanese locations and indicates that merely having market share does not assure technological dominance anymore.

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  • GPUs Exempt from New Tariffs, But 25% Aluminum Tariffs Remain

    GPUs Exempt from New Tariffs, But 25% Aluminum Tariffs Remain

    Key Takeaways

    1. President Trump’s administration implemented “reciprocal tariffs” affecting around 90 countries, raising concerns about GPU price increases.
    2. A federal order suggests that GPUs are unlikely to be impacted by these reciprocal tariffs.
    3. Graphics cards will still incur a 25% tariff related to aluminum imports from China and other nations.
    4. Important tariff codes for GPUs and related components are missing from the federal order’s list of affected products.
    5. Current tariffs on products from China to the US reach 104%, with China retaliating with 84% tariffs on American goods.

    President Trump’s administration has put in place what is being called “reciprocal tariffs” affecting around 90 countries, which has raised worries about the potential impact on GPU prices, already expected to rise. However, as per the federal order released on April 7, it appears that components like GPUs are unlikely to be influenced by these reciprocal tariffs. Nonetheless, graphics cards will still face a 25% tariff focused on aluminum for imports from China and other nations.

    Details on Tariff Codes

    The federal order enumerates all products and components impacted by the reciprocal tariffs with their HTSUS or Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States codes. According to Annex II, the order includes “Electronic integrated circuits: processors and controllers,” “Electronic integrated circuits: memories,” and “Parts of electronic integrated circuits and micro assemblies,” along with their respective HTSUS codes.

    Missing Codes

    However, the list does not mention codes for graphics cards or “Printed circuit assemblies for rendering images onto computer screens (graphics processing modules)” and “Parts and accessories of machines with heading 8471, whether or not including fan hubs or LEDs but not including other goods of heading 8541 or 8542).” These are classified under tariff codes 8473301180 and 8473305100, which PCMag points out are both absent from the Annex.

    This indicates that GPUs might be free from at least the reciprocal tariffs. Yet, since they’re categorized as aluminum-related products, they remain subject to the overarching 25% tariffs that were first imposed on imports. While this is the present scenario, there’s a chance for things to worsen as separate chip-focused tariffs may come into play. Currently, products coming from China to the US are facing a total tariff of 104%, while China has responded with retaliatory tariffs of 84% on all American goods.

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  • Chinese Hackers Steal Data from US Telecom Companies, Authorities Warn

    Chinese Hackers Steal Data from US Telecom Companies, Authorities Warn

    Last month, it was reported by Reuters that hackers believed to be connected to China successfully breached telecommunications networks in the United States. Their target was phones associated with individuals involved in the electoral campaign for Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential candidate.

    Additionally, the breach also affected Republican candidates, including Donald Trump and JD Vance, who were similarly targeted during this incident.

    Confirmation of the Breach

    Recently, U.S. officials have confirmed the hacking incident. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) issued a joint statement. They mentioned, “We have identified that PRC-affiliated actors have compromised networks at multiple telecommunications companies to enable the theft of customer call records data, the compromise of private communications of a limited number of individuals who are primarily involved in government or political activity, and the copying of certain information that was subject to U.S. law enforcement requests pursuant to court orders.”

    While the statement was brief and did not specify which government personnel or agencies were impacted, it described the situation as a “significant cyber espionage campaign.” Previously, The Wall Street Journal had reported that Chinese hackers may have obtained classified information from systems that are used for court-authorized wiretapping.

    Ongoing Concerns

    With these developments, concerns about cybersecurity and foreign interference in U.S. politics have intensified. The involvement of Chinese hackers in such activities raises alarms about the integrity of communication systems used by political figures, and it can potentially threaten national security. As investigations continue, authorities are working to determine the full extent of the breach and its implications for the future.

    The situation highlights the need for stronger security measures in telecommunications and the importance of vigilance against cyber threats that could undermine democratic processes.

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  • China’s Semiconductor Patents Soar 42% Amid U.S. Sanctions

    China’s Semiconductor Patents Soar 42% Amid U.S. Sanctions

    China has surged ahead of the United States in securing semiconductor patents, despite significant obstacles in its microelectronics industry. A report from the intellectual property law firm Mathys & Squire indicated that the total global semiconductor patent applications rose by 22 percent from March 2023 to March 2024, reaching 80,892. A substantial portion of this growth was attributed to China, which experienced an impressive 42 percent increase in filings, jumping from 32,840 to 46,591.

    U.S. Patent Growth Lags Behind

    In contrast, the United States experienced only a slight increase, with patent applications rising by a mere 9 percent, from 19,507 to 21,269. This data aligns with findings from the World Intellectual Property Organization, which typically illustrates that Chinese firms are quicker to file for patents compared to their American counterparts.

    The Impact of U.S. Sanctions

    Analysts believe that China’s surge in patent applications is largely a response to U.S. limitations on semiconductor exports and reflects its ambition to enhance technological advancement. Nevertheless, the Chinese chip industry has faced significant difficulties following the imposition of U.S. sanctions in 2019 and 2020.

    Since then, over 22,000 Chinese companies in the semiconductor sector have closed, with 2023 marking the most challenging year so far, as a record 10,900 firms lost their registrations—nearly double the 5,746 closures recorded the previous year. This translates to an average of 30 Chinese chip businesses ceasing operations each day throughout the past year.

    Looking Ahead: The Future of Semiconductor Patents

    As competition intensifies between the U.S. and China over semiconductor patents, especially with the rapid growth of AI technology and increasing R&D investments, a pressing question arises: will China’s rising number of patents contribute to the advancement of cutting-edge microelectronics on a global scale?

    Mathys&Squire (in English)

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  • Nvidia Reveals Two New AI Chips for China Amid Export Issues

    Nvidia Reveals Two New AI Chips for China Amid Export Issues

    Nvidia’s Strategic Move in China Amid U.S. Export Restrictions

    Nvidia, a prominent player in the tech industry, is strategically maneuvering in China by unveiling two new AI chips despite the challenges posed by U.S. export restrictions. Jensen Huang, the CEO of Nvidia, recently disclosed that these chips are now available for testing by selected customers. This move signifies Nvidia’s commitment to maintaining its foothold in the Chinese market amidst the intricate web of international trade laws.

    New Chips Tailored to Comply with Regulations

    While Huang’s announcement did not delve into the specifics of the chips or the identity of the testers, there are speculations surrounding Nvidia’s plans. Insights from sources like the SemiAnalysis newsletter suggest that Nvidia is gearing up to launch three chips – H20, L20, and L2 – tailored specifically for the Chinese market. These chips are said to incorporate Nvidia’s cutting-edge technology while being adjusted to adhere to the new U.S. regulations.

    Challenges Faced by Nvidia in China

    Nvidia has encountered challenges in the Chinese market recently, primarily due to the U.S. government’s tightened export controls. These regulatory changes have had a significant impact on Nvidia’s sales in China, once a lucrative source of revenue for the company. The implementation of these measures has led to a noticeable decline in earnings from the region.

    Forward Momentum Despite Setbacks

    Despite the obstacles, Nvidia is forging ahead with its strategic initiatives. The company has opened pre-orders for the H20 chip, positioning it as a formidable competitor against industry players like Huawei. However, there have been obstacles along the way, with delays arising from difficulties faced by server manufacturers in integrating the chip into their systems.

    Nvidia’s proactive approach in introducing new AI chips tailored for the Chinese market showcases its resilience in the face of challenging circumstances. By adapting to regulatory changes and addressing market demands, Nvidia is poised to maintain its competitive edge in China’s tech landscape.

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  • China Leads Innovation with Over 1.6 Million Patents and Growing

    China Leads Innovation with Over 1.6 Million Patents and Growing

    China is making significant strides in the world of inventions, with the latest data from the China National Intellectual Property Administration revealing a substantial increase in high-value invention patents. As of the end of 2023, China had accumulated more than 1.66 million of these patents, representing a 25.7% surge from the previous year. This notable figure underscores China’s commitment to establishing itself as a frontrunner in innovation, particularly in technology and other future-focused industries.

    Increasing Patents per Person

    When considering the number of patents per capita, there are now 11.8 patents for every 10,000 individuals in China. While this ratio may appear modest at first glance, it signifies a significant trend towards the proliferation of creative and practical inventions throughout the country. Notably, the spotlight is on emerging strategic industries, which currently account for approximately 1.17 million patents, constituting 70% of the total.

    Utilizing Patents for Growth

    One interesting development is the growing utilization of patents by businesses. There has been a remarkable 37.4% increase in patents being leveraged as collateral for loans, enabling companies to amplify their investment in expansion initiatives. This trend not only underscores the value of patents but also signals the emergence of a thriving ecosystem where innovative ideas drive additional investment and progress.

    Driving Economic Growth and Competitiveness

    Innovation plays a pivotal role in fueling economic advancement, enhancing global competitiveness, and tackling complex societal challenges. By prioritizing innovation, China harnesses its extensive technological resources and skilled workforce to pioneer cutting-edge technologies and services. This strategic shift extends beyond traditional manufacturing, positioning China at the forefront of key sectors such as technology, green energy, and biotechnology. Ultimately, investing in innovation solidifies China’s standing as a prominent player on the global stage.

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  • Pre-ordering of Xiaomi 14 Ultra begins in China

    Pre-ordering of Xiaomi 14 Ultra begins in China

    Xiaomi is gearing up to launch the Xiaomi 14 Ultra smartphone in China later this month. The company has already started accepting pre-bookings for the device, offering customers six exclusive gifts and a chance to win the phone for free.

    Exciting Features

    Although specific details about the Xiaomi 14 Ultra are still under wraps, leaks have provided some insight into what users can expect from the upcoming smartphone.

    Display and Performance

    The Xiaomi 14 Ultra is rumored to sport a 6.73-inch AMOLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate and HDR10+ support, promising users a top-notch viewing experience. Powering the device is expected to be a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor, paired with 16GB of RAM and up to 1TB of storage, making it an ideal choice for power users and gamers.

    Camera System

    As with other Ultra smartphones in Xiaomi’s lineup, the spotlight of the Xiaomi 14 Ultra will be on its camera system. Reports suggest that the phone will feature four 50-megapixel sensors catering to wide-angle, ultra-wide, and 3.2x and 5x zoom functionalities. The primary 50MP lens is said to come with a 1-inch sensor, offering excellent light capture with a maximum aperture size of F/1.6 and sizable sensor pixels.

    Battery and Connectivity

    Additionally, the Xiaomi 14 Ultra is expected to pack a 5300mAh battery that supports fast charging. The device will also come equipped with the latest connectivity technologies, including WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, NFC, and IP68 water and dust resistance.

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  • China’s latest satellite may hold the solution to tackling urban light pollution

    China’s latest satellite may hold the solution to tackling urban light pollution

    We have been battling against urban light pollution, because let’s be honest, we all miss the stars that have been blocked out by the bright city lights. However, the answer comes in the form of SDGSAT-1, a satellite developed by Chinese scientists. This earth science marvel is making extremely fast progress in analyzing the effects of modern lighting on cities. The team behind this innovative approach, hailing from the Aerospace Information Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, has showcased a method that could change the way we light up our urban nights.

    SDGSAT-1: A Game-Changer in Analyzing Light Pollution

    The transition to energy-efficient lighting, mainly through LEDs, has been a double-edged sword. While cutting down on carbon emissions, it’s introduced a new challenge: blue light pollution. In turn, this not only affects human health but also disrupts wildlife and wastes energy. The need for a solution has never been more pressing.

    Unveiling the Capabilities of SDGSAT-1

    Enter SDGSAT-1, a satellite equipped with the capability to discern various light sources with incredible accuracy. By focusing on Beijing, the scientists have demonstrated a 92 to 95 percent success rate in identifying different types of artificial light at night (ALAN) and streetlights. This high-resolution, multispectral analysis is a game-changer, offering a clear picture of how light pollution varies across different parts of the city.

    Informing Smarter Urban Planning

    This study doesn’t just highlight problems; it opens the door to smarter urban planning. With detailed insights into the spatial distribution of light pollution, city planners can now make informed decisions on reducing its impact. The data points to significant differences in lighting based on road types and streetlight technologies, underscoring the role of thoughtful infrastructure development in mitigating pollution.

    Supporting the U.N. 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

    Launched with the aim of supporting the U.N. 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, this satellite provides invaluable data for monitoring how we interact with our environment. Last year’s release of the world’s first urban nighttime light atlas, covering 147 cities across 105 countries, is just the beginning.

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  • In Two Years, China’s New Telescope JUST to Seek Exoplanets Across the Universe

    In Two Years, China’s New Telescope JUST to Seek Exoplanets Across the Universe

    Imagine peering into the depths of space, not just to see, but to truly understand. That’s the mission of the Jiaotong University Spectroscopic Telescope (JUST), a powerful new tool set to become China‘s leading eye on the cosmos, opening its gaze in 2026. Nestled atop Saishiteng Mountain, JUST isn’t your average stargazer. With a gaping maw of 4.4 meters, it can quickly switch between targets. This agility allows it to capture fleeting moments in the universe, like the birth of newborn stars.

    This telescope can provide more information about Exoplanets orbiting distant stars

    But JUST isn’t just about sight; it’s about understanding. Equipped with a super-sensitive spectrometer, it can break down light from distant objects, revealing their secrets. Think of it like reading celestial fingerprints, each line telling a story about the object’s composition and history.

    This ability makes JUST a champion exoplanet hunter. These elusive worlds, orbiting distant stars, often hide in the glare of their suns. But JUST can sniff them out by analyzing their starlight, searching for tiny chemical clues that betray their presence.

    While telescopes like JUST come with a hefty price tag, the potential payoff could be astronomical. Research like this pushes the boundaries of human knowledge, unveiling the secrets of our universe and our place within it. Every discovery fuels further exploration, potentially leading to groundbreaking advancements in fields like medicine, materials science, and even space travel. Moreover, understanding our cosmic neighborhood helps us prepare for potential threats like asteroids and solar storms. Ultimately, research like this isn’t just about satisfying our curiosity; it’s an investment in the future, paving the way for a deeper understanding of ourselves and the universe we inhabit.

    In 2026, keep your eyes peeled (metaphorically, of course). With JUST and JWST (James Webb Space Telescope) scanning the heavens, we might just be on the cusp of unlocking some of the universe’s greatest mysteries.

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