China is building submarines faster than ever, think tank says. Why that’s a problem for Washington
"During the years 2021 to 2025, China’s submarine building surpassed that of the US in both numbers of subs launched – 10 to 7 – and tonnage – 79,000 to 55,500, says the report, which looked at shipyard satellite imagery to draw estimates of China’s construction."
--- Considering China's military build-up, by now you almost have to wish for Emperor Xi attacking Taiwan in 2027. Which might be a similar mistake to Hitler's in 1939.
"The numbers represent subs launched but not necessarily completed and added to the active-duty fleet, where the US still maintains a large advantage."
--- But Chinese subs are concentrated in the Pacific, USA has its subs worldwide.
"“Chinese designs almost certainly lag behind US and European boats in terms of quality,” the report says."
--- Actually, you can be very certain of that.
China’s dancing robots: how worried should we be?
"They lunged and backflipped (landing on their knees), they spun around and jumped. Not one fell over."
--- Of course, not one fell over. It was a propaganda event, not broadcast live. What's more: they practiced for this for months.
"Experts have mixed opinions, with some saying the robots had limitations and that the display should be viewed through a lens of state propaganda."
--- Only some are saying this? Then the rest must be morons.
"Pointing to intensifying competition in the tech space between China and the US, Chan added: “While China and the US are neck-and-neck on AI, humanoid robots are an area where China can claim to be ahead of the US, particularly in terms of scaling up production.”"
--- Only in terms of scaling up production. Everything else is bullshit.
"Stieler also noted: “Stage performance does not equate to industrial robustness, yet.” He said what the robots did was the result of being trained for a routine “hundreds or thousands of times – you could not just tell them to change direction or do something completely different”"
--- Yep.
China shock: Will Merz take on Germany's top rival?
"China's rise from poverty to the world's second‑largest economy rewrote the rules of globalization."
--- Well, there are still some 700 million people in China who actually live in poverty. Although, they do not meet the CCP's definition of poverty.
"While the United States and United Kingdom had decades to absorb the first China shock at the turn of the century, those confronting the second — above all Germany — have had far less notice"
--- Bullshit, they had lots of notice. You could see it coming for the last 20 years at least. Because German companies were actually propping up their competitors in China.
"The research paper warned that "without a credible threat to restrict access to the European market, China would have little incentive to rein in its exports," while German industry would continue to "struggle against a much larger competitor who is not playing by the same rules.""
--- Yep.
China is hitting Japan where it hurts. Will PM Takaichi give in?
"it is clear that China also wants to hit Japan where it hurts - its economy.
Beijing has imposed restrictions on exports to Japan for dual-use technologies including rare earth elements and critical minerals, in what has been seen as a form of economic coercion.
It has also warned Chinese citizens to avoid Japan for their studies and holidays, and cancelled flight on 49 routes to Japan, leading to a drop in tourists and a slide in some stocks. Chinese nationals make up a quarter of all foreign tourists to Japan, according to official figures.
Even entertainment and culture is not off the hook."
--- Actually, this might be good for Japan. Because they learn they need to cut down on dependence on China.
Officials Pressuring Uyghurs in France
China has tightened restrictions on officials with family members overseas
Twelve killed in China's Hubei as firecracker store explosion triggers blaze
--- China Uncensored: "America Could LOSE A War With China in 30 Days!"
--- China Uncensored: "China Threatens Retaliation After Panama HUMILIATION"
--- BBC World Service: "Inside China’s intense work culture and holiday system"
Charmeoffensive und Drohkulisse
"Bartsch warnt jedoch davor, sich auf Aussagen der Pekinger Führung zu verlassen: "In der aktuellen geopolitischen Situation wäre es sehr dumm, solche öffentlichen Aussagen für bare Münze zu nehmen.""
--- So sieht's aus.
"Auch Chinas Monopol auf sogenannte Seltene Erden, die für Hightech nötig sind, sei nicht in dieser Weise zu verstehen. "Wir wurden von den USA gezwungen, die Seltenen Erden zu nutzen, um uns gegen die USA zu wehren. Wir sind die Einzigen, die es gewagt haben, Trump etwas entgegenzusetzen.""
--- Aber klar doch. China hat den Zugang auf seltene Erden für die Europäer beschränkt, um sich gegen die USA zu wehren. Sicher.
