China is quietly extracting itself from a US helium ‘stranglehold’, experts say

China is quietly extracting itself from a US helium ‘stranglehold’, experts say

In recent years, China has been discreetly reducing its dependence on US-sourced helium – a rare and strategic resource widely used in medical and hi-tech industries, including semiconductors and quantum computers. The endeavour has involved a series of measures including diversifying overseas supplies and increasing domestic production with scientific and technological breakthroughs. The strategy appears…

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China retrieves its first reusable satellite in a quest to cut space research costs

China retrieves its first reusable satellite in a quest to cut space research costs

The China National Space Administration said the Shijian-19 satellite met its targets on various technological fronts, from reusability to payload ratio and re-entry. “Shijian-19 is … an efficient platform for research in microgravity science and space life sciences,” state broadcaster CCTV reported on Saturday. “Additionally, the Shijian-19 satellite provided an in-orbit flight test verification opportunity…

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Image taken in China falsely linked to Typhoon Krathon hitting Taiwan -- with flying undies digitally added

Image taken in China falsely linked to Typhoon Krathon hitting Taiwan — with flying undies digitally added

A photograph taken when Typhoon Yagi hit southern China in September was edited and shared with a false claim that it showed underwear flying in the wind as another cyclone, Krathon, hit Taiwan in October. The original picture — which did not include the airborne undergarment — was taken on China’s Hainan island. “Flying underpants…

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