Torbjørn Færøvik's Blog, page 22

China bumps Germany off the top 10 list of most innovative nations

China moved into the top 10 of the United Nations’ annual ranking of most innovative countries for the first time Tuesday, replacing Europe’s largest economy, Germany, as firms in Beijing invest heavily in research and development. Switzerland remained in first place, a position it has held since 2011, followed by Sweden and the United States, while China was in 10th place in the Global

Xi hints TikTok deal has his blessing – if Trump makes concessions elsewhere

Donald Trump’s much-touted call with Xi Jinping failed to finalize a long-awaited deal to spin off TikTok’s US operations, but China’s top leader did signal his blessing for the plan – as long as it aligns with Beijing’s interests. At first glance, Beijing’s willingness to play ball on TikTok looks like a sharp reversal from its years of resistance to relinquishing control over the viral video

Kim Jong Un says he has ‘fond memories’ of Trump, open to talks if US drops denuclearization demand

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said there is no reason to avoid dialog with the US if Washington stops insisting his country give up nuclear weapons but he will never trade away the nuclear arsenal to be free of sanctions, state media reported on Monday. In a speech at the Supreme People’s Assembly on Sunday, Kim said: “Personally, I still have fond memories of US President (Donald) Trump,” KCNA

India sends more skilled workers to the US than any other country. Trump’s visa hike has sparked panic

A wave of panic and confusion has spread through Indian communities and the global tech industry, following US President Donald Trump’s surprise order imposing a $100,000 fee for the H-1B visa, impacting the largest group of beneficiaries of the skilled-worker program.The initial announcement on Friday ignited immediate and widespread confusion, culminating in chaotic scenes like the one aboard

Most powerful storm on earth this year lashes Philippines. Hong Kong, Taiwan and southern China on alert

The strongest storm anywhere in the world this year is passing over the northern Philippines with destructive winds and torrential rain, prompting evacuations of thousands of people and preparations in nearby Hong Kong, Taiwan and mainland China.After undergoing rapid intensification over the Philippine Sea, Ragasa – known in the Philippines as Nando – was a large and powerful super typhoon,

China Embraces Cleaner Energy, While US Is Stuck in the 20th Century

This summer, officials with the China Green Development Group showcased a sprawling solar park nearing completion in the country's Xinjiang region that covers more than 230 square miles of the Gobi Desert, an area roughly the size of Chicago. The Midong solar project is the world's largest single-solar power producer, potentially generating enough electricity for 5 million households.In October,

China's Life Expectancy Catches Up to US

Chinese citizens are now living as long as Americans, reaching a milestone nearly two decades earlier than experts had forecast, according to official data. Life expectancy in China has risen sharply in recent decades, driven by improvements in nutrition, sanitation, access to clean water and expanded healthcare as the country's economy has grown.By contrast, the United States now lags behind

Subic Bay: Ex-US Navy Base Revived in China's Backyard

Philippine port once home to the United States Navy's largest overseas base is reemerging as a center of allied activity and shipbuilding. At the center of the Freeport Zone's transformation is the Agila Subic shipyard, operated by Hyundai Heavy Industries. New investment from the U.S. and South Korea revives Subic Bay's strategic importance at a time of rising regional tensions with China.Subic

Inside China’s Surveillance and Propaganda Industries: Where Profit Meets Party

China’s surveillance and propaganda industries are often depicted as a seamless extension of state power, directed by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) from the top down. Yet the latest leaks from two firms, Geedge Networks and GoLaxy, reveal something more complex: a commercial ecosystem in which private companies compete for contracts, leverage academic ties, and build sophisticated products to

How Chinese rare-earth mining threatens the Mekong River

Ecologists are warning that mainland Southeast Asia faces a looming ecological disaster unless urgent steps are taken to address the rare-earth mining boom in war-torn Myanmar. According to Global Witness, a London-based watchdog, Myanmar has become the world's largest source of heavy rare-earth elements. These minerals are essential for manufacturing high-tech products like wind turbines,