EU says China's links with Russia now 'determining factor' in ties
24/07/2025
EU tariffs on chinese EVs strain trade and diplomatic ties with Beijing
Economy
24/07/2025
Thailand and Cambodia clash with jets and rockets in deadly border row
Asia / Pacific
24/07/2025
At least 12 people killed as Thai, Cambodian border tensions spiral
Asia / Pacific
24/07/2025
Thailand F-16 jet bombs Cambodian targets as border clash escalates
Asia / Pacific
24/07/2025
Thailand and Cambodia border closed after weeks of tensions
Asia / Pacific
24/07/2025
Xi urges deeper China-EU trust as Brussels calls for 'real solutions'
Asia / Pacific
24/07/2025
Spain beats Germany in Women's Euro 2025 and will play England on Sunday
Europe
24/07/2025
War in Ukraine : Russia agrees prisoner swap but no deal on ceaserfire
Europe
22/07/2025
Bangladesh plane crash kills at least 27, including 25 children
Asia / Pacific
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Sustainability Times
23 minutes ago
- Sustainability Times
As China's Bullet Train Readies for Launch, Americans Ask 'Why Can't We Build Anything That Actually Works?'
IN A NUTSHELL 🚅 China's CR450 bullet train, inspired by bird aerodynamics, reaches speeds of 250 mph, setting new standards in high-speed rail. bullet train, inspired by bird aerodynamics, reaches speeds of 250 mph, setting new standards in high-speed rail. 🛠️ Engineers designed a cutting-edge braking system for the CR450, allowing it to stop from 250 mph in just 4.04 miles, ensuring safety and efficiency. 🌏 With 48,000 kilometers of high-speed rail, China leads the world , connecting major cities and promoting economic growth. , connecting major cities and promoting economic growth. 🇺🇸 The US faces challenges as $4 billion in federal funding for California's high-speed rail project is canceled, highlighting a gap in infrastructure development. As the race for high-speed rail supremacy heats up, China is making groundbreaking strides with its latest innovation, the CR450 bullet train. Designed by CRRC and operated by China Railway High-speed, this remarkable train is poised to redefine speed and energy efficiency on the tracks. Meanwhile, the United States finds itself grappling with setbacks in its own high-speed rail endeavors. As China prepares to unveil this engineering marvel, the challenges and advancements in high-speed rail technology reveal a tale of contrasting fortunes between these two global giants. Breaking Speed Barriers with Nature-Inspired Design High-speed rail technology has long been constrained by the challenges of air resistance, particularly when speeds surpass the 217 mph mark. With the CR450, China has ingeniously overcome this limitation. Inspired by the aerodynamics of fast-flying birds, engineers reimagined the train's design to minimize drag. The streamlined shape of the train's front reduces drag by 2.6 percent, a significant achievement in the quest for higher speeds. Attention was also directed towards the train's undercarriage, an often overlooked area. Engineers developed a unique cladding system that covers the exposed parts of the bogie, resulting in a 22 percent reduction in aerodynamic resistance. These innovations enable the CR450 to achieve a top speed of 250 mph while maintaining the same energy consumption as its predecessor, the CR400 Fuxing, which operates at 217 mph. This remarkable feat underscores China's commitment to advancing high-speed rail technology while ensuring energy efficiency. 'They Stole Our UFO and Made It Scarier': Pentagon Officials Furious as China Unveils Alien-Looking Surveillance Drone Copy Braking Technology: From 250 mph to a Full Stop Achieving high speeds is only part of the challenge in high-speed rail technology. Equally important is the ability to safely decelerate. The CR450 features a cutting-edge braking system that can bring the train to a complete stop from 250 mph in just 4.04 miles. This remarkable capability is made possible by a new brake material designed to withstand extreme heat and resist fatigue and deformation. The development of this breakthrough material involved hundreds of tests to perfect the formula, reflecting the dedication and expertise of the engineers involved. During braking, the system releases enough energy to boil 7.5 tons of water in just two minutes, highlighting the immense power managed by this advanced technology. The CR450's braking system represents a significant milestone in ensuring passenger safety without compromising on speed and efficiency. Toyota's $15,000 Electric SUV Is Crushing the Competition in China With Local Tech, High-End Features, and Record Sales China's Dominance in High-Speed Rail Networks China's commitment to high-speed rail is not limited to technological advancements. The nation's expansive rail network spans 48,000 kilometers, covering over 70 percent of the world's total high-speed rail tracks. This extensive network connects nearly all Chinese cities with populations exceeding 500,000, fostering economic growth and regional integration. The CR450 is set to further strengthen China's position as a global leader in high-speed rail technology. The train was recently showcased at a railway industry conference in Beijing, where it garnered significant attention. With its debut, China is poised to redefine the future of rail travel, setting new standards for speed, efficiency, and sustainability. As the CR450 prepares to enter commercial service, it underscores China's commitment to continuous innovation and its determination to lead the world in high-speed rail development. 'They Can See Us Even in Silence': China's New Magnetic Wake Tech Shatters Submarine Stealth in Shallow Waters Like the Taiwan Strait The US Faces Challenges in High-Speed Rail Ambitions In stark contrast to China's progress, the United States is experiencing setbacks in its high-speed rail initiatives. Recently, the administration of former President Donald Trump canceled $4 billion in federal funding for California's high-speed rail project. The decision was announced on Trump's social media platform, Truth Social, where he criticized the project as a 'HIGH SPEED TRAIN TO NOWHERE.' The California High-Speed Rail Authority has faced numerous challenges, including delays, cost overruns, and political opposition. The project aimed to connect major cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco, but the recent funding cut has cast doubt on its future. As China prepares to launch the CR450, the US must reevaluate its commitment to high-speed rail if it is to compete on the global stage. This divergence in high-speed rail development highlights the contrasting priorities and challenges faced by these two nations. As China charges ahead with the CR450 and the US grapples with its high-speed rail ambitions, the global race for rail supremacy continues to unfold. The technological advancements achieved by China stand as a testament to the power of innovation and determination. Yet, the setbacks faced by the US raise important questions about the future of transportation infrastructure in the country. Will the US find a way to overcome its challenges and join the high-speed rail revolution, or will it be left behind as other nations speed ahead? This article is based on verified sources and supported by editorial technologies. Did you like it? 4.4/5 (22)
Fashion Network
34 minutes ago
- Fashion Network
Temu under EU scrutiny for illegal goods on its platform
The European Commission announced on Monday that Temu, the Chinese online marketplace owned by PDD Holdings, is violating European Union rules by not doing enough to stop the sale of illegal products through its platform. According to the Commission, its preliminary findings indicate a high risk for EU consumers to encounter unsafe or non-compliant goods on Temu, including products such as baby toys and small electronics. 'Evidence showed that there is a high risk for consumers in the EU to encounter illegal products on the platform,' the Commission said in an official statement. 'Specifically, the analysis of a mystery shopping exercise found that consumers shopping on Temu are very likely to find non-compliant products among the offer, such as baby toys and small electronics.' The Commission criticized Temu's risk assessment procedures, calling them inadequate and overly general. According to EU regulators, the company's evaluations were based on broad industry trends rather than the specific risks present on its own platform. If the Commission's findings are confirmed, Temu would be in breach of the Digital Services Act (DSA) — sweeping legislation designed to make large digital platforms more accountable for user safety in the EU. 'Such a decision could entail fines of up to 6% of the total worldwide annual turnover of the provider and order the provider to take measures to address the breach,' the Commission said. A spokesperson for the Commission confirmed that Temu will be allowed to respond to the allegations in the coming weeks, though no exact deadline was given. A Temu representative said the company plans to 'cooperate fully' with EU authorities throughout the process. The announcement pertains to one aspect of a wider investigation into Temu's operations under the DSA. The platform is also under scrutiny for other possible breaches, including the use of addictive interface designs, the opacity of its recommendation algorithms, and insufficient data access for independent researchers.
Fashion Network
34 minutes ago
- Fashion Network
France lashes out as EU agrees to tariff pact with Washington
France has denounced the new trade agreement between the European Union and the United States as a 'submission,' even as most EU members acknowledged the deal was unequal but necessary to avoid an economically damaging trade war with Washington. The framework agreement, announced Sunday between two economies representing nearly a third of global trade, allows the U.S. to impose a 15% import tariff on most EU goods starting next month. The deal offers limited protection for key sectors, including the automotive and pharmaceutical industries. While the 15% rate is half of what Washington initially threatened, it still exceeds European expectations significantly. U.S. President Donald Trump, who has sought to reshape global trade using tariff leverage since returning to the White House earlier this year, praised the accord during a visit to Scotland, calling it 'the biggest deal ever made.' But France, the EU's second-largest economy, was outspoken in its disapproval. 'It is a dark day when an alliance of free peoples, brought together to affirm their common values and to defend their common interests, resigns itself to submission,' French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou wrote on X (formerly Twitter). French President Emmanuel Macron has made no public statement on the matter. While the mood across Europe was subdued, most governments agreed that failing to reach an agreement would have triggered a far worse scenario. 'This agreement has succeeded in averting a trade conflict that would have hit the export-oriented German economy hard,' said German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, whose country leads the EU bloc's economic rankings. EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic said during a press conference that allowing 30% tariffs to be imposed would have been 'much, much worse.' 'This is clearly the best deal we could get under very difficult circumstances,' he added. Some member states acknowledged the deal provides stability following months of trade tensions with the U.S. Sweden described it as the 'least bad alternative,' while Spain supported it 'without enthusiasm.' A final deal will likely require ratification from EU capitals. Still work to do Because trade policy falls under the European Commission's authority, French objections are unlikely to derail the framework agreement. However, the deal has not yet been finalised. Many of the agreement's specifics remain unknown. EU officials said they expect clarification in a joint statement to be released by August 1. Additional negotiations will follow to turn the agreement into a full-fledged deal. Germany also called for further negotiations, particularly regarding the steel sector. President Trump said the deal—alongside an investment package that exceeds the Japan agreement signed last week—would strengthen trans-Atlantic relations after years of what he described as unfair treatment of U.S. exporters. Japan's package will include up to $550 billion in equity, loans and guarantees from state-run agencies, to be invested at Trump's discretion, according to Tokyo. In contrast, EU officials stated that the EU's $600 billion investment figure is based on non-binding intentions from the private sector. The agreement is expected to bring regulatory clarity to European industries, including those in the automotive, aerospace, and chemical sectors. However, EU negotiators had originally pushed for a zero-for-zero tariff deal. A 15% tariff remains significantly higher than the U.S.'s average import tariff rate of 2.5% before Trump's return. More clarity, but a challenge European stocks opened higher on Monday, with the STOXX 600 reaching a four-month high. Tech and healthcare sectors led the gains. 'The 15% rate is better than the market was fearing,' said Jefferies economist Mohit Kumar. Still, many European businesses remain conflicted about the outcome. 'Those who expect a hurricane are grateful for a storm,' said Wolfgang Große Entrup, head of the German Chemical Industry Association (VCI). 'Further escalation has been avoided. Nevertheless, the price is high for both sides. European exports are losing competitiveness. U.S. customers are paying the tariffs.' A major concern remains how the EU's promise to invest hundreds of billions of dollars in the U.S. and sharply increase energy imports can be realized. It remains unclear whether specific investment pledges have been made, or if the details are still being finalized. While the EU has committed to $750 billion in strategic purchases over the next three years—including oil, liquefied natural gas (LNG), and nuclear fuel—the U.S. may struggle to meet the demand. Though U.S. LNG production capacity is expected to nearly double over the next four years, analysts say it still won't be enough to meet Europe's needs. Oil production forecasts have also been revised downward. Despite the uncertainties, analysts say the deal has reduced market instability. Oil prices edged up on Monday.
