china

The world pharmaceutical industry has been sunk in its “Deepseek moment”: China is devouring it

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This summer we estee that, for the first time in history, China beat Europe as a new medication developer. It was not a stroke of luck: the pharmacist is one of the most complex sectors in the world and China has been determined to compete in it at the highest level. A decision that is paying off. So much that, today, the question is not whether China will stand up to the US. The question is whether the western pharmaceutical industry is facing its own “moment Deepseek“: The appearance of a more agile competitor, cheaper and (at least on paper) equally good. A small panoramic. Historically, Europe was always the great world pharmaceutical superpower. However, in the decade that goes between 1995 and 2005, the situation changed: the US made a very strong biomedical commitment and managed to advance the old continent. That has not changed in the last 20 years. In fact, according to the latest edition of the ‘The Pharmaceutical Industry in figures‘(The 2023), they say that the 90 new molecules, 28 were American compared to 17 of European origin. The surprise was another: that China had managed to put 25 on the table. And although that, alone it changes (almost) everything; There was something else. In autumn, summit therapeutics announced that its drug He had surpassed Keytruda, a well -known Merck immunotherapy against lung cancer that moves more than 30,000 million a year. To get an idea of ​​the bombing: only that news catapulted Summit to the top positions of world biotechnology (with a stock market capitalization of billions) even though … it has no approved drug. As David Wainer explained“China’s rise in biotechnology has been managing for years, but now it is impossible to ignore it.” In 2020, less than 5% of the large pharmaceutical transactions worth 50 million dollars or more were related to China. “In 2024, that figure had increased to almost 30%,” According to the journalist. Why does this happen? Although everything has some speculative air, experts agree that There are some key factors behind Of all this: Lower costs: both for the ease of access to highly qualified labor and low cost and access to thousands of people for optimized clinical trials. Minimum bureaucracy and less security obstacles that accelerate the market arrival process. And what consequences can it generate? That may be what most matches all this with What happened to Deep Seek: That the uncertainty about what may be doing in China, makes investors think much more if it is profitable to finance new projects. What is the point of spending hundreds of millions on something they can do in China for a dozen (And what, in fact, are surely doing even if we don’t know it)? And Europe? While innovation seems to go to China, Europe is still changed. Successes like Novo Nordisk and Ozempiceven invisible that we are losing a career that we should not lose (it is more, that we have been losing it for years). Josep Borrellformer high representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, has passed years saying that “When the pandemic arrived we realized that in Europe there was not a single gram of paracetamol.” That was something that did not worry anyone because Europe had always thought it was a problem of productive outsourcing. Now we are discovering that, along the way, we were outsourcing much more than that. Image | Mika Baumeister | Deepseek + Philipp Katzenberger In Xataka | Ozempic is sweeping. So much that it is a problem for supermarkets and sugary drinks

China has a shortcut called Morocco

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Over time almost fulfilled, the European Union pressed the red button: Activate tariffs to Chinese electric car. With variable rates depending on the company, since the last days of October, all cars of this type from China have had to increase their costs (absorbed by the company or impact to the client), including those of European companies. To the measure, the manufacturers themselves have denounced the European Union before the Court of Justice of the European Unionwith the aim of eliminating this economic barrier that they consider unfair. The complaint has been submitted Byd, Saic, Geely and Tesla. The subject of tariffs is nothing more than One of the last chapters in the negotiation between him Chinese government and the European Union. Although these rates are applied, the agency has made clear its intention to maintain its conversations with the Chinese State and, in fact, did not charge the compensatory rights that have been applied from summer to the end of October. In addition, it has not imposed tariffs on plug -in hybrids. Explain you in your newsletter SAI (but auto insights) Weekly that everything indicates that it is a negotiating measure between both entities. The truth is that Chinese companies are offering their cars much cheaper than European manufacturers just when European regulations force this type of technology to skip a thousand millionaire fines. A shortcut called Morocco Since the application of tariff They aspire to gain market share. In that new strategy, Spain has taken a preponderant role. Our country is taking weight in the production of future electric cars for their low labor and energy costs compared to other European powers such as Germany or France. But, in addition, it also seems to be receiving the prize to turn their positions Regarding tariffs. Since they were applied, the Chinese state seems to have pressed to stop all investments in the countries where it was voted in favor of lifting these commercial barriers. In return countries like Spain have unlocked these (like the Catl factory in Zaragoza) and nations with special commercial treaties with the European Union are experiencing the growing interest of that Asian country. Turkey, for example, is one of the countries where Chinese interest has perched, with Byd studying the construction of a plant in a key geostrategic place. The other great country where China has put its eyes is Morocco. And investments leave no doubt. Morocco is a very attractive bridge for the Asian country. It has a Commercial Treaty that would allow you to skip tariffs on your electric manufacturing their cars on African soil. These investments, which first They have arrived in the form of kits That they are finished in Europe, they are still studied by the European Union that has to define whether or not they are enough to save the commercial barrier. It is, in fact, the way of working that has Omoda in Barcelona and the one that Leapmotor has raised for its production in European soil. The production of vehicles in Morocco is not new either. In fact, in 2023 he surpassed China, Japan and India as Main exporter of vehicles to the European Union. His low labor costs has turned Morocco into the perfect environment to produce cars such as Dacia Sandero o Stellantis’s light quadricycles (Citroën Ami, Fiat Topolino…). This appeal It wants to be exploited by China in car production but also with everything that revolves around the electric car. Among those new business opportunities is Battery production. Chinese official media say that producing in Morocco is 50% cheaper than doing so in Europe, they collect in Political. That savings has been the one that has encouraged Chinese companies such as Cngr Advanced Material, through a Moroccan subsidiary called Cngr Morocco New Energy to invest in a gigantic battery production plant. The project was completed with the signing of a investment of 2,000 million dollars For the same. They calculate, from the company, that production will reach a million electric cars every year, which is 70 GWH capacity. To have a better idea, The plant that Catl has designed for Zaragoza plans to provide 50 GWh. It is not, much less, the only project that comes in this regard. Chinese batteries manufacturers Hailiang and Shinzoom They announced An investment of 450 and 460 million dollars, respectively, in the industrial zone Tanger Tech. Although it is officially called “Cité Mohammed VI Tangger Tech”, so much has been the Chinese interest in the area that already call it the “Shanghai of Morocco” . The port of Tangier has become a Key space for the Moroccan government. Its proximity to Europe makes it a doubly attractive place: manufacturing on its ground is cheaper and moving the product to the European continent is also very little expensive. Investments in the electric car in Morocco are already calculated in 10,000 million dollars among which the phosphate exploitationkey minerals for the production of batteries and which Morocco has huge deposits. “For a long time, Europeans invested in Morocco to take advantage of cheap and unknic labor. Today, this workforce is not simply cheap, it is also competitive and is well trained. The Chinese have realized that they Interesting Investing, “said Mehdi Laraki, president of the Morocco-China Business Council in words collected by the medium Telquel. Photo | Audi In Xataka | Toyota has been one of the few firms that has not opted for the electric car. For now it is doing well

China lives a cherry fever and Chile has become supermarket. It is a danger to the Chilean industry

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The culinary tastes and customs of some countries may seem peculiar. It is not necessary to go very far: a few years ago The #Swedengate occurred for the controversy that, in Sweden, Guests did not feed. It is a more Nordic custom that clashes with the Mediterranean. If we go the other tip of the world, in China, we find that They have predilection for one stinky fruit that put even in pizza. But they also like cherries. Much, very much, so much that they buy them from Mansalva to a country that has become its great supplier and with which they have opened up to a commercial route exclusively for that. And that country is Chile. Grapes Cherries at the end of the year. Each country has its customs and rites associated with certain festivities. The twelve end of the year grapes are the perfect example. While in Spain fresh and green grapes are used, traditionally, in Portugal And some Latin American countries are also twelve, but raisins. In China, tradition is not so much to eat, but to give away, being the fruit predicts the cherry. The reason is that cherries are seen as a symbol not only of good luck to face the new year, but also of renewal. Its red color is associated with fortune, joy and is common as a gift and element of great importance in family celebrations. Globalization. Cherries in China not only symbolize good luck, but also family union. It is not something new, but its cultural impact has been modified in recent years due to a single reason: globalization. In the past, the consumption and gift of cherries was associated with some quality that, therefore, was exclusive. Almost like a luxury article for families. And it was so because in China, although cherries are grown, at this time of year production is limited due to climatic conditions. That’s where Chile, where it is summer, entered the equation, supply The Chinese market with its cherries. Fever. Because of this, its consumption shot. In 2016, Chile exported around 40,000 tons of cherries to China. In 2023, it increased to more than 370,000 tons. For the last season, it is estimated that the figure will be close to 660,000 tons. Chile is flooding the Chinese market and that has allowed this exclusive article to become something more common and that everyone who wants to access. Impact on Chile. Of course, to the Chilean market, this has come as a ring to the finger. Cherry is one of its main products, representing almost 40% of the fruit production value in the country, and it is estimated that this demand from China has caused that more than 90% of exports to that market are cherries. Cherry Express. You had to find new ways to export cherries to China to cover two needs: increase the number and that they would reach the Asian giant faster. Not only to expedite everything, but for the fruit to remain fresh. The road? The “Cherry Express”, a commercial route Inaugurated at the beginning of 2024 focused on improving the communication of the Chilean ports of San Antonio and Valparaíso with that of Tianjing In China. It is a port very close to Beijing, an epicenter of cherry consumption, and with this route the times are shortened and the processes are expedited, which also allows you to lower the price of cherries in the destination market. Besides, I know They incorporated to the route ships a series of technological innovations to monitor all the parameters of the refrigerated containers and guarantee the optimal state of the fruit. Concern for prices. This flood of cherries has a negative appearance that producers are seeing these last months: overproduction and overexport. Seeing China’s taste for cherries, Chilean farmers have focused precisely on their cultivation. It is estimated that production has increased by 40% for the last harvest, but in China they are not sold as many as those exported, the price collapses. It is something that is already worrying To Chilean producers because estimate is that the price of cherries in the last season is between 30% and 60% lower. Not only is there on the price, but a demand that has been reduced Due to the state of the Chinese economy, which can reduce the consumption of non -essential products. Chilean reaction. This situation is making the Latin American country wonder about the long -term sustainability of the industry, so much that there are strategies and the ones it promotes Prochilepointing to the diversification of markets and the improvement of competitiveness with an objective in mind: that the industry does not depend on prices for a single product. Images | Prochile In Xataka | China has been building a megapuerto in Peru for eight years. It has just been released to revolutionize South America

After tariffs to the electric car, China has a “Troy horse” to win the European market: combustion

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At the end of October last year, the European Union applied the Chinese electric car tariffs. From that moment, the cars that entered the European ports had to face rates that depended on the company that exported the vehicle. We must wait to see how the industry faces this change at a time when China was betting hard on Europe. But what is clear is that, beyond the electric car, China has a plan B to follow flooding the European Cars Union: The combustion engine. Tariff mess. They are not really “tariffs”, but “compensatory rights”, according to The European Commission. As much as they are, they are levies that apply to importation with one objective: protect their own market. Each manufacturer has an additional tariff and 35.3% is not the same to SAIC cars, 18.8% to Geely or 7.8% to Tesla. Before applying tariffs, China marked the goal of following Invading Europe with their carsbut regardless of increasing exports, the Asian giant took other measures. For example, one Research against European Porka very consumed product in the country that matters from Europe and that would affect several countries, especially Spain. It could also rareproduct that dominates and is vital for the development of practically all industries. Neighborhood discussion. These pressures have paid off, and an example is Spanish. Spain, initially, was in favor of the European measure, but after China’s threats, The Spanish position was relaxing. Germany too I was on that ship Because your trade with China It is key in this segment. On the contrary that France, fearful that Byd or Mg take away market share of their Peugeot, Citroën or Renault, which have little presence in China. The Troy Phev. However, something key in this whole issue is that tariffs have the Chinese electric car as a goal. That is, the 100%electric, leaving aside other electrification variants that remain important in a European market with countries where the loaders are not so developed. And, there, it is where China has a weapon to continue filling the territory of own production cars. Plug -in hybrids, or Phev, are an alternative strategy of the country. Not being taxed with the same tariffs, manufacturers can expand in the European market showing its technology, design and competitive prices. An example is cars that are plug -in hybrids in practice, but electric in theory. Jaecoo 7, for example, has gasoline and plug -in hybrid versions The limits of hybridization. He Mazda MX-30for example, it is a car that always prioritizes electric mode. It does not pull the combustion engine until it lacks enough energy in the battery to move the car, but the combustion engine is not dedicated to moving the wheels when it has to act, but to produce electricity that is stored in the battery, this being this the one used to move the wheels. Catl, Eminence in battery technologya few months ago a Battery with an autonomy of 400 kilometers and fast charge. But not for a 100%electric, but for a hybrid. It is like a 2.0 plug that, in practice, has a combustion engine, even if it is not used for the conventional purpose. Pure and hard combustion. In addition to technology, the point in favor of Chinese manufacturers is the price. Brands like byd and Mg have entrance hybrids to significantly lower prices than those of the competition. But there is life beyond electrification and, although China is Pushing Strong by the passage to these “new energies” inside and outside their borders, if you have to adapt to avoid tariffs, they can do it with several models of pure and hard combustion. He MG ZS Combustion It is an example. It was one of the gasoline cars best selling in Spain During last year. There are more players in this market, and omoda is an example. He arrived in Spain last year And it has expanded rapidly with dealers in which there are electric, hybrid and combustion cars. Jaecoo also has cars exclusively with combustion, such as Jaecoo 7and that is where the potential of Chinese companies is to gain market share by alternative roads to that of the Full Electric. Don money. Apart from the strategy for hybrids, when tariffs were already on the horizon, it was speculated with strategies by China to manufacture in Europe and dodge these tariffs. The idea was to assemble the critical pieces of cars in Chinese factories, disassemble it and take it to European factories, where they would reassemble to shape the final car. A kind of Lego that was not official and that, from Europe, it was said that it would not serve to dodge tariffs. But it is clear that what is working so that some countries have relaxed their position are economic pressures. Apart from the threats already commented, Chinese companies have been getting important plants to make cars. For example, Chery was done with the Nissan factory in Barcelona (What he gave A second life to Ebro). But during the last votes, They delayed their plans. And not only in Spain, Also in Italywhere they were going to make important investments. Meanwhile, Chinese companies continue to erre with their strategy to fill Europe with their cars. Despite tariffs, we see that giants like Byd continue to get ships huge that allow to continue maintaining the rhythm of exports. It is a very juicy market with Germany betting on electrification, Norway being the King of Cotarro and territories as the Netherlands in which China has land to conquer. Image | Engin Akyurt In Xataka | The EU has insisted on making the jump to the electric car: ten advantages of staying in a plug -in hybrid

China has great plans with its “new silk route.” An unexpected corner of the world threatens to truncar them: Myanmar

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China has too many open fronts. On the one hand, the Technological War With the West who is serving to boost your technology industry. On the other hand, the Commercial War which is making natural resources monopolize. Also his impulse to renewable energiesbecoming the main power and growing so much that their companies have beenNzarzado in a price war. To add more pepper to the matter, its great project of the new silk route encounters an unexpected enemy: a neighboring country at war since 1948. New Silk Route. For hundreds of years, the Silk route connected the Southeast Asia with the Mediterranean. It was a series of commercial routes open by China that not only allowed a trade between many countries, but a way of expanding their influence abroad. With the decline of China due to Opium wars Already new commercial routes, in the nineteenth century, the silk route passed to the background. In the 21st century, with the new Chinese economic splendor and the desire to recover that international influence, the country impulse The initiative of the new Silk route. In 2013, President Xi Jinping advertisement His intention to revitalize the old commercial ties between Asia, Europe and in North Africa, this being one of China’s most ambitious strategies. Milmillonaria investment. The advantages seem obvious. Currently, the vast majority of world trade depends on a few maritime routes. The Portenero ships They are a ‘cheap’ solution to transport tons of goods, but they depend on a few points of passage that, if they see interrupted its activity For any reason, They cause world chaos. With a land transport, not only another route is achieved to move merchandise, but you can shorten times. With a land transport from Southeast Asia to Germany, the merchandise would take about two weeks to arrive. With the same route by sea, time is dilated until just over a month. China, being the great producer of the world, has sought to increase its position with this rail transport, something for which you have had to invest Much money in infrastructure deployment and in route width adaptations with certain paths, such as the old Soviet lines with a different path width. HE esteem that this investment has been almost a billion of euros not only in a railroad, but in ports, airports, stations and other infrastructure. Criticism. Countries around the world They benefit of these investments promoted by China. Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Thailand, Malaysia or Vietnam have received important investments in land and maritime infrastructure. Russia has also improved its rail connections, improving trade between two countries (that they are needing so much). Italy and Greece have also received investments in ports. Egypt, more of the same with the strategy of the Chinese economic and commercial cooperation zone. And Panama also signed a agreement for the expansion of the train line (which just had fall After Trump’s arrival) It is one tremendous strategy both for sea and land that involves many countries and, as expected, it does not do it Too much grace. The reason is that they consider that it is a strategy from China to gain influence on developing countries, something that can play against US interests in countries, especially the Middle East, in which they have military facilities. Myanmar. The problem is that they have encountered a civil war. Myanmar, previously Burma, has been in crisis for two centuries. In the nineteenth century there were the Anglo-Birian wars, which continued in 1948 with the civil war of Myanmar. They achieved the independence of the United Kingdom, but their society was fragmented and a tremendous civil war that persists to this day began. Everything was intensified with the 2021 coup d’etat to overthrow the democratic government, which has led to a new war situation with millions of internal displacements in recent years. And, in that lack of lack of control, with internal struggles to control territories and commercial roads, China has encountered an important stumbling block in the development of its new silk route. Rare earth. China and Myanmar share more than 2,100 kilometers of border, being the Chinese province of Yunnan is the most affected. And the problem is that the presence of military groups and ethnic tensions is preventing China Agreements of the new silk route. The area, in addition, is rich in Rare earthsomething that China dominates and wants to continue controllingso the country is showing warm with the situation of its neighbors. China’s role. As we read in BBCChina did not want to get wet in this whole matter, which is now splashing. When the army gave the coup d’etat, Xi Jinping did not condemn him and continued to sell them weapons. However, he also did not recognize the military as the new heads of state. In fact, experts already consider that China is pressing so that things are again as before, not because they want to return to democracy or peace, but because they want to continue developing their commercial strategy. From the Myanmar regime it is suspected that Beijing is playing two bands supporting both the army and the rebels, who use Chinese weapons. But, the only thing China can do right now is to wait and press on both sides to achieve a peace agreement that allows them to continue with their businesses. Meanwhile, and as always, the people are the one who is suffering the consequences, with more than three million displaced and thousands of dead since 2021. Images | Rowanwindwhistler In Xataka | China has been building a megapuerto in Peru for eight years. It has just been released to revolutionize South America

The electric car is an overwhelming success in China. So much so that it makes no sense to call it like this

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The adoption of electric car in China It is far from what we have been watching in Europe for some time. Specifically, with a market share of 20% compared to just 6% in the EU, despite the efforts of manufacturers to electrify their fleets. This It has been growing firing for yearsthanks to direct subsidy policies, tax exemptions and, above all, a colossal investment in infrastructure. The world’s largest network for electric car recharge is there, with more than 8 million load points Ay Byd as a sales leader. The rhythm is being so vertiginous that, for some, the term “electric car” is beginning to become obsolete. The next step is the intelligent electric car. Catl word. Catl is the largest battery manufacturer globally, and one of the main weight names in the world of electric car. It provides batteries for many of the manufacturers, and at the annual meeting of the Davos Economic Forum put on the table A new term: ‘EIV’. Currently, we refer to electric vehicles such as EV (Electric Vehicle) but Pan Jian, Co -president of CALT, states that the term EIV begins to gain strength. The message is clear: the electric car is ceasing to be, simply, an electric car. Intelligence. Beyond marketing strategies, the reality is that the electric car is rotating much more than a car moved by electricity. Manufacturers like byd are planned to invest 13.6 billion dollars in IA development For electric cars. Others, such as Xiaomi, focus efforts on offering driver and Aito assistance systems, a company participated by Huawei, have given several lessons to European manufacturers about The autonomous parking. China leads the integration of intelligent technologies into electric vehicles, and the focus on software (in front of the chaos of some European manufacturers), It is a good proof of this. Upward forecasts. By 2025, It is expected that China sells a total of 12 million electric. To know if it is much or little, you can use the fact that in Europe less than one million were enrolled in Europe. Despite The obstacles that Europe wants to put to China In its price war, the country is enough and left over its local brands both in its land and outside it. Image | Byd In Xataka | NEW BYD ATTO 2: already available in Spain the bet of ByD in the electric car segment of 25,000 euros (or less)

China has built such a huge laser that is seen from space

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Last year, China revealed a budding technology to which They had called Crazy Li. It was an unpublished combat laser capable of cutting metal or causing blindness on the battlefield. What has now discovered an American satellite is completely different from everything known. By size, we are facing an unusual development, so much that it is seen from space. A technological colossus. Apparently, everything indicates that China is developing in the city of Mianyang, Sichuan province, A huge laser fusion research centera technology with the potential to provide clean and unlimited energy. A project that also could also have military applications in the design and modernization of nuclear weapons, According to analysts from two independent intelligence organizations. And how have we learned? Satellite images have revealed A structure with four gigantic arms that will house laser bays directed towards an experimentation center where fusion tests will be performed using hydrogen isotopes. According to analyst Decker Evelethof the CNA Corporation, this installation is at least 50% larger than the National Ignition Facility (NIF) in the United States, which would make it the largest nuclear fusion center in the world. The company would have been monitoring its evolution from space since in 2020 it was just “a land patch.” The project, called Laser Fusion Major Device Laboratoryit had not been previously reported, which has generated concern in the international community about its true purpose. How the laser fusion works: star energy. Nuclear fusion consists of joining hydrogen atoms to generate energyreplicating the process that occurs in the sun and other stars. Unlike the nuclear fission currently used in nuclear plants, Fusion does not generate long -term radioactive waste or pose catastrophic accident risks. In this type of facilities, the powerful lasers shoot on a central chamber that contains hydrogen isotopes, compressing them until they merge and release a huge amount of energy in a process known as ignition. In the case at hand, the design of the Chinese installation presents those four huge arms that They will channel the laser energy towards a central tower where the fusion chamber is located. China vs.euu. Until now, the National Ignition Facity from the United States has led the laser fusion research for decades, achieving in 2022 a historical milestone: The first fusion reaction with net energy gain. The only “but”: the advance did not tell the energy expenditure necessary to feed the lasers, which still leaves the merger far from being viable as a commercial source of electricity. For its part, China, With its aggressive approach in technological developmentcould be shortening the distances. Analysts such as Melanie Windridge, director of Fusion Energy Insights, highlight that the Asian country is advancing with determination and speedwhich could give it a strategic advantage. For Andrew Holland, director of the Fusion Industry Association, if the United States and its allies do not accelerate the investment in nuclear fusion, China could win the race in a short time. Its ability to carry projects from the concept to construction is remarkably faster than that of the West. China East Fusion Reactor Energy or weapons? It is the big doubt after knowing the images. Beyond its application in energy production, these facilities can also perform A crucial role in the development of nuclear weapons. Both China and the United States are signatories of Complete prohibition treaty of nuclear testswhich prevents testing with atomic explosives. The problem? The capacity of these facilities It allows to simulate nuclear explosions without physically detonating themoffering key data to improve the design and performance of nuclear eyes. In this regard, William Alberque, analyst at the Henry L. Stimson Center, He pointed to the CNN that any country with an installation similar to the NIF inevitably will use its ability to improve its nuclear arsenals. Eveleth coincides, suggesting that the Chinese project It could allow the development of more sophisticated weapons, even smaller and more efficient versions. While some experts believe that this advance reduces the need for real nuclear tests, it could also mean a modernization of the Chinese arsenal without the country needing to perform test explosions, thus avoiding international sanctions. And a hybrid reactor? It is the other possibility that is considered, that the installation in Mianyang is not only a conventional laser fusion installation, but A hybrid fusion-fission reactor, which would further raise its strategic potential. The reason? This type of technology combines nuclear fusion with fission to generate energy more efficiently. According to Holland, if China develops this type of reactor, It would be more advanced than any similar installation in the Westwhich would consolidate its leadership in the field of advanced nuclear energy. Geopolitical implications. China’s advance in the construction of this installation points to part of an ambitious energy and military development program, marking a new phase in technological competition with United Statess. As we said, nuclear fusion has been considered The “energy of the future” for its ability to provide clean and unlimited electricitybut also represents a powerful tool in terms of national and geopolitical security. While the United States continues to lead scientific achievements in the field, China accelerates or seems to be demonstrating A much faster construction and scalability capacity. A development that could influence the balance of global power, not only in the energy field, but also in the strategic and military. A fact to consider: China has performed 45 nuclear tests in its historya significantly lower number than The 1,054 of the United States. In other words, its detonation database is more limited, so the use of advanced fusion simulations could be crucial to improve their designs without the need for real evidence. Image | Planet Labs PBC, Chinese Academy of Sciences In Xataka | His name is Crazy Li and is able to cut metal or cause blindness: China has developed an unpublished combat laser In Xataka | This is ‘Orca’, the new Chinese military ship without crew and up to weapons

China is devouring the televisions market. So much that Panasonic considers abandoning it

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Samsung is the manufacturer who has been selling the most televisions for 18 years. His imperturbable leadership in such a competitive market is unusual, but This domain is being threatened. And not for its compatriot LG, the company with the one that has dealt with more intensity during most of his reign. TV manufacturers that are growing most in the world market They arrive from China. And they seem willing to snatch Samsung his throne. According to the consultant Counterpoint Research During the third quarter of 2024, Samsung’s fee in the global televisions market was 15%, while Chinese and TCL companies reached 12%. However, it is interesting that we also observe the trend. The Samsung quota was slightly reduced to the second quarter of 2024, while that of Hisense increased by 19% compared to the same quarter of 2023. Panasonic is making a very difficult decision in uncertain times Hisense seems unstoppable. His growth has allowed him to place second only behind Samsung during the third quarter of 2024. In fact, he has surpassed TCL. And these two Chinese brands have beaten by 2% the LG market share during that same quarter. This “photography” helps us identify in what state is the television market today, but we can do something else. We can investigate the always interesting segment of prémonic televisions. If we stick to the high range the Samsung market share fell from 43% of the third quarter of 2023 to 30% during the third quarter of 2024 Again according to Counterpointif we stick to the high range the Samsung market share fell from 43% of the third quarter of 2023 to 30% during the third quarter of 2024. The interesting thing is that in this same period the fees of Hins and TCl experienced A very different evolution than Samsung’s. Hisense went from 14 to 24%, and TCL from 11 to 17%. It is important that we take this into account because it reflects that Chinese brands do not sell only low -price televisions; They also do well with high -end models. At this juncture and without deviating from the Prémona segment, LG has gone from second position in this category with a 20% market share to fourth position, with a fee of 16%. He has Samsung not only; Also to Hisense and TCl. In recent years I have had the opportunity to Analyze several televisions Of these two Chinese brands, and objectively their technology is very competitive. In fact, they are not only intimidating South Korean companies; Japanese brands are also suffering. And a lot. Yuki Kusumi, the president of Panasonic, declared Yesterday that the company that leads is willing to part with its televisions manufacturing division. “We are prepared to sell it if necessary, but we have not yet decided,” Kusumi said. Panasonic has embarked In a deep business restructuring which seeks to increase its medium -term competitiveness and enhance its agility when making decisions to adapt to the market. A last interesting note: for 2024 the Chinese televisions manufacturers with TCL and Hisense at the head managed to get More than 50% of the Japanese market. More information | Forbes | Nikkei Asia In Xataka | Panasonic has ready its two 2025 flagship televisions. And one of them is committed to a spectacular OLED panel

The treasure desired by all nations that China dominates with iron fist can be key in Ukraine: its rare earths

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Trump has had to get there An unexpected negotiating element In the war in Ukraine. Moscow and Kyiv have been waiting for the new administration with respect to the conflict for weeks. The answer, unexpected for the majority, is about to see if it is as it seems. If affirmative, the United States would enter fully into the contest to help Ukraine, although in exchange for very precious minerals with incalculable geopolitical value. Rare lands in exchange for support. Donald Trump’s recent statement on a possible agreement with Ukraine, in which The United States would receive rare minerals in exchange for military assistancehas shaken the geopolitical panorama and generated international mixed reactions. The proposal, presented by Trump himself in the Oval office, seeks to condition Kyiv aid, linking it with strategic resources such as lithium, uranium and titanium, fundamental to the technological and military industry. This strategy, which reflects its transactional approach in foreign policy, represents a significant change regarding the unconditional military assistance that the American nation has provided so far, where it was practically reduced to money and weapons. A turn in the relationship. Since Trump’s re -election, uncertainty about American commitment to Ukraine has been a matter of concern for Kyiv. Everything changes, a priori (and being real), with this offer, since Ukraine could ensure Washington’s support when a “strategic interest” In his future. In fact, the answer has not been expected, and Ukrainian officials have explained that The administration of Volodymyr Zelensky would be willing to sign joint agreements with the United States To guarantee the collaboration in the exploitation of these resources, in an attempt to consolidate military support in the middle of the wear of the conflict with Russia. Moreover, Zelensky has warned that Without American intervention, these resources could end up in the hands of adversaries As Iran or North Korea, in case of a Russian victory. Geopolitical impact As we said, the international reaction to Trump’s words has not been waiting. In Europe, the German Chancellor Olaf Scholz harshly criticized the proposaldescribing it as selfish and stressing that minerals should be used for the reconstruction of Ukraine instead of being exchanged for weapons. A European diplomat expressed doubts about the viability of the plansuggesting that it is not yet clear if it is a negotiation strategy or a firm demand. In addition, he stressed that European countries have already considered more transactional approaches with the United States, although without compromising essential resources of Ukraine. And from Russia? From Moscow, the Kremlin spokesman, Dmitry Peskov interpreted Trump’s proposal as a sign that the United States will no longer deliver free helpwhat Russia sees as an opportunity to weaken Western support to Kyiv. This perspective coincides with Russian military advances in eastern Ukraine, where many of the rare mineral reserves are found. The minerals. It We have counted before. In the case at hand, the elements of rare earths that Donald Trump seeks to ensure through an agreement with Ukraine in exchange for military aid They are essential strategic metals for key industriesfrom advanced technology to defense. Despite its name, these 17 elements are not particularly scarce, since There are large deposits in China, Brazil, Vietnam and Russia. However, its extraction implies highly polluting and expensive processes, which has limited its production outside of Chinawho dominates the global market thanks to massive investments in refinement and more lax environmental regulation. The importance of rare earths. These metals They are practically irreplaceable in many industrial applications. Neodimium and Disposio, for example, allow to manufacture ultra -policy magnets essential for wind turbines and electric motors, while the Europium is crucial for television screens and the hill is used in oil refining. Besides, They play a key role in the development of modern armamentincluding in the equation guided missiles. Since production is concentrated in China (and therefore, The dependence of most countries), we have the best of the clues for which United States and EU seek to reduce its dependencepromoting new sources of supply and recycling of materials. Trump’s interest. Linking with the above, Trump possibly sees in Ukrainian deposits An opportunity to strengthen US supply and reduce that Chinese influence In the sector, more convulsed than ever with The war of tariffs imposed. In this sense, one of the greatest attractions of the agreement for Washington is Access to lithium deposits of Ukraine, essential for the manufacture of microchips and batteries for electric vehiclesstrategic sectors where the United States competes directly with China. Within the framework of its transactional policy, the tycoon proposes that Ukraine guarantees access to these resources in exchange for military support, An idea previously suggested by Volodymyr Zelensky. The geopolitics of these materials, therefore, is key, since a greater dependence on China could represent strategic risks, as happened in 2010 when Beijing blocked exports to Japan in a territorial conflict. Difference with other critical minerals. Rare earths are just a part of The so -called critical mineralsa broader category that includes tungsten, tellurium and Indian, essential for clean energy and advanced technologies. In fact, China has already imposed export controls of some of these materials In response to American tariffs, reinforcing the need to diversify the global supply. Paradigm change. Be that as it may, Trump’s interest in convert military assistance into an agreement based on resources It represents a fundamental change in the way in which the United States could handle its relationship with Ukraine (or other nations in conflict). While Kyiv sees this as an opportunity to maintain American support, the proposal It has also generated tensions with Europe and criticism about ethics to condition aid to an exchange of strategic goods. On the other hand, and at least publicly, Russia does not see it either bad, but as a chance. In a context of prolonged war and with Moscow gaining ground, this new approach could define the future of the conflict and remodel geopolitical balance in the coming years. Of course, it is about to see if Trumop’s … Read more

Russia, China and North Korea have hypersonic weapons. The US has decided to defend itself with its own iron dome

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In the Reagan era, the United States proposed one of those defense plans that would give for an uncertain genre. The project was from such a draft that The media called him “Star Wars Initiative” for its similarities to what seemed like a shield in the full -fledged space. Now that Trump has come to power, the country somehow revives that rimbombante idea, although perhaps more earthly. A copy of Israel. What is known at this time is that Donald Trump has signed an executive order to develop an antimile defense system Similar to Iron Dome (iron dome) from Israelarguing that Ballistic threats represent the greatest danger For the National Security of the United States. In his own way, of course. So, just like With the “new” Gulf of Americathe project would be done Under the name of “Iron Dome for America”an order that instructs the Pentagon to present in 60 days a detailed plan that includes the accelerated development of hypersonic missiles and the deployment of space interceptors. The problem? Many experts question the viability of the proposal pointing out that The geography and size of the nation make a system like the Israelidesigned for a significantly smaller territory and short -range threats. Dusting Star Wars. In addition, and as we said at the beginning, Trump’s plan also seems to resume Ronald Reagan’s vision with his strategic defense initiative, The known as “Star Wars”which failed after having cost billions of dollars without concrete results. Its objective was to intercept enemy missiles before they achieved their goal, eliminating the need for nuclear retaliation. However, the program was canceled in the 90s due to its technical unfeasibility and its high costs. Despite this, some of their ideas have endured in the current defense systems, Like the Ground-Based Midcourse Defense (GMD)although its success rate remains limited. In this regard, critics like Sidharth Kaoushal warned in the New York Times That an antimile shield at national scale could be economically unsustainable, while Marion Messmer underlines The technical difficulties of intercepting missiles released from multiple directions and platformsincluding submarines. Again, the United States is not Israel. Space and new technologies in the equation. Trump’s plan emphasizes the use of spatial interceptors and sensors, Defense systems before launch (Left-Of-Launch) and energy weapons directed as lasers. There are already names on the table with Companies like Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman and RTX, which have shown interest in the project highlighting recent advances in lasers defense for cruise missiles. Threats and strategic challenges. Although the order does not specify which countries are considered threats, It is assumed by all that we talk about old acquaintances. Namely: Russia, China, Iran and, possibly, North Korea (it remains to be seen with Trump in power), all nations that They have developed increasingly sophisticated arsenalsincluding hypersonic missiles capable of evading current defenses. In Washington, the idea of ​​strengthening antimisile defense has some support, and experts like Robert Soofer argue that the current approach is insufficient Given the growing offensive capacity of these countries. In any case, the objective is clear: hypersonic weapons, with irregular trajectories and extreme speeds, They represent a significant challenge for traditional defensive systems. In addition, the Great Nuclear Arsenal of Russia, with around 1,700 eyes deployed (And the growing of China), they could overcome any anti -mile shield. Guam as an initial test. While the United States antimisile defense remains in a planning phase, The territory of Guam, a strategic enclave In the Pacific, he has advanced in the implementation of a multicapa defense system. We have counted it before. The island, which houses key military bases, It is less than 3,000 km from China and North Koreacountries that have been indicated as a objective in military exercises and threats. As we explained in December, the US army successfully performed the first interception of a ballistic missile from the islandusing the Aegis Guam Systema land -based system that has proven effective in ships of the Navy. Besides, THE THAAD SYSTEM (HIGH ALTIVITY TERMINE AREA DEFENSE) and the Patriot batteries They will be integrated to form a defensive shield of 360 degrees, capable of facing ballistic, hypersonic and cruise missiles. This system, although advanced, will take at least a decade to complete, reflecting the difficulty of building a similar shield at the national level. The great uncertainty. No doubt, at this time, lack of details in the executive order, the possibility that the Trump administration opts for a gradual deployment is left open, increasing investment in existing programs instead of developing a completely new system. In any case, the debate on the feasibility and costs of such a project are on the table, with warning that a plan of this magnitude could be economically unfeasible without offering an effective solution to the growing threat of long -range missiles. That without counting on The size of the United States to display an iron dome to use. Image | Israel Ministry In Xataka | Israel has an effective defense weapon in the iron dome. Except if all your enemies attack at the same time In Xataka | The United States fears that China’s long -range missiles will reach Guam. So he just launched one himself

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