US Bunker Buster's "Weak Spot" Revealed? China Finds Attack Tactic to ‘Stop' Bomb That Hit Iran
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India.com
31 minutes ago
- India.com
Meet Satellite-Killer Laser Crystal: Gamechanger weapon developed by China for in Space Warfare, Trump now plans to..., US satellites to...
Beijing: China has reportedly developed the world's most powerful laser crystal weapon designed to blind enemy satellites in space. According to a report by the South China Morning Post, Chinese scientists have discovered the world's largest barium gallium selenide (BGSe) crystal. This technology uses a crystal to disable the functioning of satellites. Professor Wu Haixin and his team are working on the technology at the Hefei Institutes of Physical Science. The crystal, a 60-millimeter diameter synthetic structure, can convert short-wave infrared light into mid- and far-infrared beams. It can withstand laser intensities of up to 550 megawatts per square centimeter, which is the highest tolerance compared to any crystal developed so far. How will the latest technology help China? The step will take China a step forward in establishing dominance in space by developing laser crystals. With this technology, it could potentially blind America's low-Earth orbit satellites. For context, the United States has deployed hundreds of satellites in low-Earth orbit for surveillance, allowing it to monitor every inch of the Earth. In the event of war, China could easily neutralize these satellites, giving its military forces on the ground a strategic advantage. Chinese experts claim that these crystals could also be used in infrared sensors, missile tracking, and the medical field. China Claims Development of Anti-Satellite Laser Crystals China has planned to spend in operational infrastructure to expand and strengthen its anti-satellite (ASAT) technology, according to the reports. China has built facilities at secret locations in Korla and Bohu in the Xinjiang province. These are key sites for its ground-based ASAT program, aimed at blinding or disabling foreign satellites to conceal sensitive military assets. Ground-based laser systems have been deployed at both locations. The report states that the purpose of operating these systems is to 'blind' the American ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance) network. General Bradley Saltzman, during a hearing of the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission (USSC) in April 2025, mentioned that China's ground-based lasers are intended to target critical space-based ISR assets, potentially leaving the U.S. military 'blind and deaf.'
Time of India
16 hours ago
- Time of India
Beijing at US' doorsteps: Tensions flare as China's Xue Long 2 moves into US waters — here's what happened next
Chinese research icebreaker enters U.S. extended continental shelf waters near Alaska- In a new display of growing maritime tensions in the Arctic, the Chinese icebreaker Xue Long 2 entered the waters north of Alaska's coast, prompting a swift and visible response from the U.S. Coast Guard. The incident occurred on July 25, 2025, when the Chinese vessel was detected approximately 290 nautical miles north of Utqiagvik, Alaska—well within what the United States claims as its Extended Continental Shelf (ECS). While not within territorial waters, the ECS grants the U.S. exclusive rights to explore and manage natural resources on or beneath the seafloor, such as oil, gas, and minerals. According to U.S. officials, the Xue Long 2's activity within this sensitive Arctic zone triggered deployment of a C-130J Hercules aircraft from Air Station Kodiak as part of Operation Frontier Sentinel, a U.S. operation designed to monitor and respond to foreign activity near American maritime claims. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category Data Science MCA healthcare Data Analytics Management Data Science Finance others Cybersecurity Product Management Design Thinking Leadership Digital Marketing Others PGDM Project Management Degree CXO Healthcare Technology MBA Public Policy Skills you'll gain: Strategic Data-Analysis, including Data Mining & Preparation Predictive Modeling & Advanced Clustering Techniques Machine Learning Concepts & Regression Analysis Cutting-edge applications of AI, like NLP & Generative AI Duration: 8 Months IIM Kozhikode Professional Certificate in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence Starts on Jun 26, 2024 Get Details Skills you'll gain: Data Analysis & Interpretation Programming Proficiency Problem-Solving Skills Machine Learning & Artificial Intelligence Duration: 24 Months Vellore Institute of Technology VIT MSc in Data Science Starts on Aug 14, 2024 Get Details Why the U.S. extended continental shelf matters more than ever? The Extended Continental Shelf is an increasingly critical geopolitical space as climate change opens new Arctic shipping lanes and exposes previously unreachable mineral and energy deposits. While the ECS lies outside of the U.S. 200-nautical mile Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), it is recognized under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) as an area where coastal nations have sovereign rights to seabed resources. Although the U.S. has not ratified UNCLOS, it adheres to its principles in practice and has spent years mapping the Arctic seafloor to support its ECS claims. The Xue Long 2's presence within this area is seen by American officials as a challenge to those claims and part of a broader strategy by China to establish itself as a legitimate Arctic player—despite being a 'near-Arctic' nation geographically. Coast guard sends aerial surveillance to monitor Chinese vessel Rear Admiral Bob Little, commander of the U.S. Coast Guard Arctic District, stated that the Coast Guard acted quickly to "establish presence with presence", echoing its policy of proactive enforcement of U.S. rights and responsibilities in the Arctic. Live Events The aircraft performed a flyover and established visual contact with the Xue Long 2 but made no physical attempt to alter its course or intervene directly. The response was largely symbolic but strategically important—it demonstrates to both domestic and international audiences that the U.S. will defend its maritime claims, especially amid rising tensions in the polar regions. This aerial deployment was not an isolated incident. The Coast Guard regularly patrols Arctic waters during the summer season, when ice levels retreat and allow for increased shipping, research, and exploration activity. Canada joins monitoring effort as Arctic cooperation gets tested Canada also closely followed the Xue Long 2's movements. Using a CP-140 Aurora surveillance aircraft operating from Alaska under joint agreements, Canadian forces confirmed the vessel did not enter Canadian territorial waters. This collaboration reflects a growing U.S.-Canada security alignment in the Arctic, especially as both nations navigate increasing foreign interest from Russia and China. This comes just weeks after U.S. officials tracked Chinese and Russian navy vessels conducting joint exercises in the Bering Sea, another hot-button region where geopolitical interests are overlapping. Such moves are seen as part of a larger effort by China and Russia to test boundaries, provoke reactions, and gather intelligence in the Arctic theater. China defends its presence, claims lawful scientific activity China's state-run Global Times responded critically to the U.S. reaction. In its editorial, the newspaper accused the U.S. of 'hyping the China threat' and insisted that the Xue Long 2 was engaged in lawful scientific research, conducted in line with international norms. Beijing has long maintained that its Arctic research program is peaceful and focused on climate, oceanography, and marine biodiversity. However, Western analysts remain skeptical, pointing to the dual-use nature of many Chinese maritime platforms and the strategic data that such missions can gather. The Global Times also challenged the legitimacy of the U.S. ECS claim, noting that it is a 'unilateral assertion' not recognized globally, and highlighted that the U.S. has yet to formally join UNCLOS—the very treaty underpinning its shelf claim. U.S. icebreakers step up presence in key Arctic zone Interestingly, the incident occurred while the USCG Cutter Healy, the Coast Guard's most advanced icebreaker, was deployed about 500 nautical miles east of the Chinese vessel, conducting its own Arctic science missions. Another key vessel, the USCGC Storis, had also just arrived in Alaska for its Arctic commissioning scheduled in August 2025. These deployments reflect Washington's effort to modernize its Arctic capabilities. The Coast Guard has publicly acknowledged that it is behind in icebreaker capacity when compared to Russia and even China. The arrival of the Storis is part of a broader modernization push to ensure the U.S. has credible and constant Arctic access as interest in the region skyrockets. The strategic significance of the Arctic continues to grow This incident isn't isolated—it is part of a much broader geopolitical contest over the Arctic. As melting sea ice opens up new routes and access to untapped energy reserves, nations like the U.S., China, Russia, and Canada are intensifying their efforts to assert control over vast, resource-rich areas that were once largely inaccessible. The presence of Chinese vessels—particularly dual-use scientific and research ships like the Xue Long 2—is now a regular point of concern for U.S. defense and maritime agencies. These operations often blur the line between civilian science and strategic surveillance, raising questions about long-term Chinese intentions in the region. Operation frontier sentinel becomes more important for Arctic security The U.S. Coast Guard's Operation Frontier Sentinel has become a critical tool in deterring foreign incursion and ensuring American visibility in contested maritime zones. Established to monitor and respond to foreign research and military vessels operating near or within U.S.-claimed waters, the program plays a vital role in projecting American sovereignty and defending national interests. While no confrontation occurred during the flyover of the Xue Long 2, the message was clear: the U.S. is watching and will not allow unmonitored foreign activity in its claimed zones—especially those as strategically vital as the Arctic. What's next: Arctic diplomacy or growing confrontation? As Arctic maritime activity continues to increase, incidents like this are likely to become more frequent. The U.S. will need to strike a delicate balance between enforcement of maritime rights, scientific cooperation, and avoidance of direct conflict. At the same time, nations like China will keep pushing for influence in the region, using scientific missions as soft-entry tools into geopolitically sensitive waters. Ultimately, the real challenge may lie in forming multilateral Arctic agreements that prevent escalation and promote transparency, while still respecting national interests and resource rights. But as the ice melts, competition for the Arctic's riches is heating up—and so is the race for influence. FAQs: Q1: Why did the U.S. Coast Guard respond to the Chinese icebreaker Xue Long 2? Because it was operating inside the U.S. Extended Continental Shelf near Alaska. Q2: What was the Chinese vessel Xue Long 2 doing near Alaska? China says it was doing legal scientific research in Arctic waters.
Time of India
18 hours ago
- Time of India
India discovers rare earth in MP coalfields as China curbs squeeze industries: Minister
Promising reserves of rare earth elements have been found in the Singrauli coalfields of Madhya Pradesh, Coal and Mines Minister G Kishan Reddy told Parliament on Monday. Rare earth elements (REE) are a group of metallic elements, including scandium and yttrium, widely used in clean energy technologies, electronics, electric vehicles and various industrial applications. Replying to a question in the Rajya Sabha, Reddy said that Coal India Ltd (CIL) has undertaken research and development projects linked to rare earth elements present in coal mine waste. 'Results from appraisal of Gondwana Sediments (coal, clay, shale, Sandstone) for Trace Elements & REE concentration in the Singrauli coalfield, indicate that REE are 'promising' in nature (with an enrichment of 250 ppm on a whole coal basis in coal samples and 400 ppm in non-coal samples),' the minister said. He added that extracting REEs economically would depend on advances in technology and achieving economies of scale. Findings from the assessment of rare earth elements and other resources in the North Eastern Region Coalfield indicate that while the total REE content is low, the proportion of heavy REE is relatively high. Efforts are underway to develop indigenous technology for extracting critical minerals , including REE, from the overlying strata of coalfields in the northeast. The objective is to create an enrichment method for critical metals from non-coal strata using physical separation techniques, as well as a method to extract these metals from non-coal strata and acid mine drainage through ion-exchange resin. The minister said that Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) has entered into memoranda of understanding with the Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology (IMMT), Bhubaneswar; the Non-Ferrous Materials Technology Development Centre (NFTDC), Hyderabad; and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Hyderabad to conduct research in this area. India's key industrial sectors, ranging from transport equipment to electronics, depend heavily on imports of rare earth elements, with China being the main supplier. A recent analysis by the State Bank of India (SBI) suggested that continuing restrictions on Chinese rare earth exports could have a significant effect on domestic manufacturing. It said these curbs could influence local production capacity, hurt the export competitiveness of Indian industries that rely on these materials, and potentially affect the financial exposure of banks lending to these sectors. Rare earth is a subset of critical minerals with wide applications in many emerging technologies. Critical minerals, including rare earth elements, are central to modern industrial production because of their unique physical and chemical properties, which help reduce energy consumption, enable miniaturisation and provide thermal stability in advanced manufacturing processes. (with PTI inputs)
