China’s ‘silent sanction’ on US semiconductors creates a weapons generation gap

China’s ‘silent sanction’ on US semiconductors creates a weapons generation gap

In addition to the spectacle of Wednesday’s military parade in Tiananmen Square, with its rows of never-before-seen weapons and equipment, was a less visible but highly consequential shift. At its heart lies China’s growing dominance in gallium nitride (GaN) semiconductor technology, giving it a strategic advantage that is reshaping the global arms race, according to…

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China’s military parade shows the power of maths: Shing-Tung Yau

China’s military parade adds up to the power of maths: Shing-Tung Yau

Mathematics plays a big role in developing advanced weapons, top mathematician Shing-Tung Yau said in an interview with a Chengdu-based media outlet after watching China’s military parade in Tiananmen Square on Wednesday. “The development of cutting-edge weapons relies heavily on foundational disciplines such as mathematics and physics. Without original innovations and deep accumulation in basic…

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AI, lasers and chips: the science and tech of China’s military parade

AI, lasers and chips: the science and tech of China’s military parade

China’s military parade on Wednesday – featuring the latest AI-powered uncrewed vehicles, laser weapons and missiles – signalled an arms race fuelled by scientific and technological advances. Artificial intelligence, optics and physics and information technologies have underscored how innovations will shape the future of modern warfare, paving the way for futuristic intelligent systems. “The parade…

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Russia’s Vladimir Putin vows to deepen China ties, slams ‘distortion’ of WWII history

Russia’s Vladimir Putin vows to deepen China ties, slams ‘distortion’ of WWII history

Russian President Vladimir Putin has condemned “attempts to distort” World War II history while pledging to deepen strategic collaboration with China on the eve of a state visit to the country. During his four-day trip, described by the Kremlin as “absolutely unprecedented”, Putin is expected to join regional leaders for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)…

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Signs of a new drone boat surface from China’s Victory Day parade rehearsal

Signs of a new drone boat surface from China’s Victory Day parade rehearsal

According to photos and footage circulating online, the uncrewed vessel was transported on a heavy semi-trailer and features a number of obvious stealth designs, including angled surfaces, a faceted hull and concealed superstructure. Online commenters said the structure would also have concealed antenna and radar, all aimed at reducing infrared, visual, and acoustic signatures. The…

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Ahead of Victory Day military parade, Chinese experts cast doubt on US aid during WWII

Ahead of Victory Day military parade, Chinese experts cast doubt on US aid during WWII

US aid to China during World War II was driven by Washington’s self-interest, and the dynamics between the two nations before 1949 was that of “coloniser and oppressed”, according to a top Chinese government-backed historical journal. Another paper in the same issue of the periodical characterised Moscow’s wartime support as “offering fuel in snowy weather”…

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