Latest news with #Chinese-manufactured
Time of India
6 days ago
- Time of India
Chinese 'kill switches' found in equipment at US solar firms trigger national security fears. What are they?
Chinese "kill switches" that could allow Beijing to cripple power grids and trigger blackouts across the West were found in equipment at US solar farms earlier this month, raising fears that China could manipulate supplies or 'physically destroy' grids across the US, UK and Europe. US energy officials re-assessed the risk posed by small communication devices in power inverters - an integral component of renewable energy systems that connects them to the power grid. According to Times, the rogue devices, including cellular radios, were discovered in Chinese-made power inverters that are used to connect solar panels and wind turbines to electricity grids across the world, including the UK. The hidden communications equipment could be deployed remotely to switch off inverters with potentially catastrophic results. But US experts found rogue communication devices in some solar power inverters not listed in product documents, Reuters reported citing sources. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Book Your Dream Home at Signature Global SPR Just ₹11 Lacs Signature Global Book Now Undo ALSO READ: Did Harvard reject Barron Trump? Truth behind his college choice has sparks buzz online Using these devices to skirt firewalls and switch off inverters remotely, or change their settings, could destabilise power grids, damage energy infrastructure and trigger widespread blackouts. The discovery has sparked concerns that Beijing could potentially disrupt power grids in Western nations, given the heavy reliance of renewable energy systems on Chinese-manufactured components. Live Events British solar panels incorporate parts from various countries, including China. However, it remains unclear whether any power converters installed at UK wind or solar farms contain the suspected Chinese "killswitches." What are kill switches? A kill switch is a mechanism used to shut down or disable a device or program, according to Tech Target. A kill switch is typically used to prevent the theft of equipment or data, or to shut down machinery in emergency situations. The extent to which it restricts, modifies, or halts an action or process depends on the specific system, operation, or software it is designed to safeguard. Kill switch is a broad term when it comes to the types of technology, software and tools used to create and facilitate it. In manufacturing, for example, a factory might use a kill switch -- also called a big red button -- to shut down machinery if a worker is in danger. Kill switch software, on the other hand, can sometimes include software-encoded kill switches such as anti-piracy mechanisms. ALSO READ: Is Trump targeting Harvard because the elite university rejected his youngest son Barron? What you need to know Cellular radios, acting as kill switches, were discovered embedded in power inverters produced by Chinese manufacturers and supplied to US power generators. The inclusion of these remotely controllable devices introduces potential cybersecurity vulnerabilities within the nation's power infrastructure. Power inverters are essential components in solar and wind farms, converting renewable energy into a form compatible with the national grid. This makes them a critical point of vulnerability. If compromised, these devices could be manipulated—potentially by China—to cause widespread blackouts across the West or even disrupt the entire power grid. "We know that China believes there is value in placing at least some elements of our core infrastructure at risk of destruction or disruption," said Mike Rogers, a former director of the US National Security Agency. "I think that the Chinese are, in part, hoping that the widespread use of inverters limits the options that the West has to deal with the security issue." ALSO READ: Why Melania Trump's $40 million documentary deal with Amazon has sent Hollywood into a tizzy Over the last nine months, US experts discovered suspicious devices hidden inside inverters and batteries from several Chinese manufacturers. These specialists carefully dismantle the equipment to identify potential security threats before the products are integrated into power grids. Inverters typically have remote access capabilities through cellular networks, and utility companies usually install firewalls to block unauthorized access and prevent communication with China. However, these unauthorized components were not disclosed in the product documentation when the equipment was shipped to the United States.
Epoch Times
23-05-2025
- Business
- Epoch Times
Trump Threatens Apple With 25 Percent Tariff
President Donald Trump has threatened to impose a 25 percent tariff on Apple if the tech giant does not manufacture iPhones in the United States. In a May 23 statement posted on social media platform Truth Social, Trump Shares of Apple fell by Apple CEO Tim Cook said on The majority of the iPhones heading for the United States in the coming months will instead be made in India, while Vietnam will be the main production point for products such as iPads and Apple Watches. During a call with investors discussing Apple's second-quarter results, Cook was asked how the company planned to adapt to the new U.S. tariff regimen, which significantly targets Chinese-manufactured goods. Related Stories 5/2/2025 5/23/2025 'For the June quarter, we do expect the majority of iPhones sold in the U.S. will have India as their country of origin and Vietnam to be the country of origin for almost all iPad, Mac, Apple Watch, and AirPods products also sold in the U.S,' Cook said. Later in the month, speaking in Qatar, Trump admonished Apple and Cook over the tech company's plans. 'I had a little problem with Tim Cook yesterday,' said Trump. 'I said to him: 'Tim, you're my friend. You're coming here with $500 billion, but now I hear you're building all over India. I don't want you building in India.' Trump also said on Friday that he is recommending a 50 percent tariff on goods from the European Union starting on June 1. 'The European Union, which was formed for the primary purpose of taking advantage of the United States on TRADE, has been very difficult to deal with,' Trump said on Guy Birchall contributed to this report.
Time of India
23-05-2025
- Time of India
Kolkata cops arrest ‘Bangla national' from Topsia, seize China-made drones
KOLKATA: Police on Thursday arrested a Topsia-based exporter for allegedly possessing an illegal Chinese-manufactured drone at his home. Parts of another drone were also discovered during the investigation, police said. According to police reports, this Topsia resident is actually a Bangladeshi national, originally from the Tangail region. Topsia police, who conducted the arrest, coordinated with the Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) to confirm the authenticity of the documents. Upon verification that his passport was indeed fake, law enforcement moved to apprehend Imran Ahmed in the early hours of Thursday. While Ahmed operated an export business in the area, he allegedly failed to provide satisfactory explanations regarding the possession of the drone, which lacked proper documentation. Kolkata police STF and the detective department are also helping with the probe. The matter also came up in the Calcutta High Court on Thursday. The HC is hearing a 2024 case filed by Ahmed's wife, which claimed that police are putting pressure on her husband and her to pay up in the pretext of a financial fraud investigation. Police claimed while it began as a fraud probe, it took a serious turn when authorities discovered that both Ahmed's passport and those of his family members were forged. The HC refused to intervene in this case immediately. Ahmed's wife's passport was also taken by police for inquiry. The state had earlier told the HC that Ahmed's wife is also a Bangladeshi national. The woman's passport was submitted in court. Justice Tirthankar Ghosh, while hearing the case, held: "There are allegations against the investigating officer in this case. However, the court does not wish to intervene in the investigation at this moment." The judge noted the submissions of the state that "substantial material has been collected by the investigating agency and the investigation is in progress." However, he directed the DC (south-east) to monitor the probe and consider any representation made by the woman. Her counsel told the court that she was praying for quashing of proceedings against her and initiation of departmental action against the IO regarding him acting in a personal capacity "beyond the reach of the investigation". Her case was that "the IO acted beyond his jurisdiction in attempting to recover private civil dues in the name of criminal investigation, exerting pressure on banking authorities for unfreezing accounts in the absence of fair judicial orders, intimidating and harassing the woman." The woman's counsel told the court, "When the petitioner's husband was arrested, the IO started a frivolous recovery process through the petitioner, called her to the police station and made her execute documents, she had to sell jewellery and car to give them money. " Regarding the prayer for preservation of the CCTV footage at the PS, the court directed the woman's counsel to make an application before the jurisdictional court.
NDTV
22-05-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
Why China's Fighter Jets Should Worry The US And Taiwan: Karishma Vaswani
The recent aerial clash between Pakistan and India offers a glimpse of how China is narrowing the gap in military airpower with the US. It's a warning not just for Washington, but for Taipei, too. Claims from both sides remain contested, but a broader picture is emerging among experts who track China's air force and fighter jet development: Beijing's defense systems are growing increasingly credible. Pakistan said its deployment of Chinese-manufactured J-10C fighters downed multiple Indian aircraft, although New Delhi denies this. There are caveats: Even if Islamabad's claims are accurate, Beijing's equipment doesn't offer a direct comparison to US capabilities. The J-10C isn't a full stealth fighter like the F-22 or F-35, but it does have some features to make it less visible to radar. Still, the incident highlights the significant investments the Communist Party has made in the People's Liberation Army Air Force, and speaks to President Xi Jinping's target for full military modernization by 2027. The use of the J-10C in this regional conflict suggests that goal may be steadily progressing, despite ongoing high-profile graft issues. Several senior military officers have been removed from their posts because of allegations they were involved in corruption. For now, the US is still the world leader, with more military aircraft than Russia, China, India, South Korea and Japan combined, notes FlightGlobal's World Air Forces 2025 report. But much of America's inventory is beyond its prime, filled with decades-old fighters, bombers, and tankers. Meanwhile, the PLA's air force is growing quickly, although it remains far from rivaling the US in overall size. But it is catching up. Washington currently maintains an advantage in fifth-generation aircraft such as the F-22 and F-35, although Beijing is closing the gap there, too. It's reportedly manufacturing more than 100 fifth-generation J-20 fighters annually, and nearly tripling production of other aircraft types, such as the J-10C and J-16, notes the Center for Strategic and International Studies. This is possible because of the PLA's centralized, whole-of-government approach. Taken together, the manufacturing of major combat assets like ships and planes shows a military and industrial base increasingly prepared for conflict with the US, CSIS adds. China is also beginning to match the US when it comes to systems integration, notes Mike Dahm, senior resident fellow for aerospace and China Studies at the Mitchell Institute for Aerospace Studies. "The US military has excelled at linking different ground, space, and airborne systems together in an effective kill chain," he told me. "I believe the Chinese have now demonstrated that in the India-Pakistan conflict." Geography matters, too, Dahm said. Beijing has the advantage of being in the same neighborhood as the potential wars it might fight. That's not the case for the US, even with its numerous bases in the Indo-Pacific. Beijing's airpower capabilities have been ringing alarm bells in Washington. The latest Pentagon annual China Military Power Report points to a dramatic rise in the PLA's nuclear, space, missile, and aviation capabilities in recent years. China wants to expand its long-range reach beyond the First Island Chain, a virtual line drawn from the islands of Japan, passing the Philippines, and curving at the southern end of the South China Sea between Malaysia and Vietnam, the report notes. The chain is a key aspect of Washington's security architecture in the Indo-Pacific - but crucially, it also encompasses Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its own. Xi has vowed that China will unify with the self-ruled island by 2049 - it's a central part of his national rejuvenation plan. But that timeline might change. For the first time in its annual military drills earlier this year, Taiwan's Defense Ministry cited 2027 as a potential year for a Chinese invasion. That would align with Xi's goal of building a modern military by then. US officials have also echoed that view, citing China's rapid buildup of warships, fighter jets and missile stockpiles since 2020. Still, capability doesn't equal intent but China's expanding reach raises the stakes for both the island's defense and American military dominance in the region. Admiral Samuel Paparo, commander of US Indo-Pacific Command, said the PLA demonstrated growing capabilities through persistent operations against Taiwan, which escalated by 300% in 2024. Testifying before Congress in April, he also warned they were not merely exercises but "dress rehearsals for forced unification." Taiwan is already reassessing its defense strategy, with purchases of Patriot PAC-3 systems and PAC-3 MSE anti-aircraft missiles capable of intercepting threats. In theory, this will also allow it to detect advanced fighters at higher altitudes. Despite the ongoing gridlock in parliament over the defense budget, Taipei will be under increasing pressure to expand its military spending. Washington should also keep investing in next-generation aircraft technology to stay ahead of Beijing, which is working on a so-called sixth-generation fighter jet of its own. Embracing allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific would also help - a task made more difficult by the White House tone on defense and trade. The India-Pakistan clash was a taste of what China's air force may now be capable of. Washington and Taipei shouldn't wait till the next demonstration.
The Sun
22-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Asean-GCC-China ties signal growing demand for multilateralism
THE US's persistent efforts to maintain its fading unipolar dominance – through tariffs, sanctions, military presence and dollar hegemony – have sparked a global pushback, prompting nations to seek refuge in multilateral alliances. Among the most notable is the BRICS organisation, which has grown in prominence. However, this is just one of many such organisations, all of which share the common theme of nations outside the traditional Western sphere banding together to insulate themselves from Washington's overreach. This shift is driven not by ideology but by necessity. One recent example of this trend is the imposition of tariffs on the photovoltaic sector of several Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) members. These new duties follow previous tariffs placed late last year, under the pretext that Asean is merely a transshipment hub for Chinese-manufactured goods. These measures have fuelled dissatisfaction among Asean members, especially given the historical trade dynamics in the region. Originally formed during the Cold War to address tensions between non-communist Southeast Asian nations, Asean has since evolved into a diverse bloc. It now includes republican democracies, constitutional monarchies and socialist states, all united in the pursuit of regional integration and socioeconomic development. The timing of Malaysia's chairmanship of Asean in 2025 is fortuitous. Under Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Malaysia is pushing for a neutral, trade-focused course, seeking economic cooperation with multiple nations while avoiding confrontation. Though there are exceptions, the overarching policy remains intact. Similarly, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), established in 1981 amid geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, has evolved from a regional security pact into a significant player in global energy markets. With vast reserves of hydrocarbons, the GCC now seeks greater economic diversification and long-term fiscal sustainability in light of the rise of new energy industries. During the early 1990s, the US sought to integrate these blocs into its sphere of influence, positioning itself as the uncontested global hegemon. However, over the past three decades, China has emerged as a major rival, challenging traditional powers not only in military and economic terms but also in technology. Unlike certain Western powers, China does not carry the same history of foreign interventions. This makes it an appealing partner for many nations, offering an alternative model of engagement that contrasts sharply with approaches seen in the past. As global power dynamics shift, countries are increasingly noticing the contrast – a declining Western power that alienates its allies such as the European Union, Japan and South Korea versus a rising China that promotes globalisation and economic cooperation. Shaping a new balance Asean and the GCC are not seeking to replace one dominant power with another. Instead, they are focused on creating a new balance, where cooperation among regional powers reduces dependence on any single nation. China, aware of the risks of foreign entanglements, has intentionally avoided the aggressive tactics seen in other parts of the world, including economic coercion or military interventions. These approaches have often been ineffective, as demonstrated by situations like nuclear proliferation and ongoing control conflicts. Moreover, actions by certain global powers have inadvertently strengthened rival nations, such as Russia, and may lead to a more nuclear-armed Middle East, underscoring the unpredictability of current global relations. These developments further destabilise the international order and contribute to the fragmentation of global trade systems. In response to these shifts, regional blocs like Asean, the GCC and China have distanced themselves from what is seen as self-destructive US behaviour. These organisations are not formal alliances but rather pragmatic collaborations aimed at increasing leverage against larger powers. The combined population of Asean, GCC and China of over two billion people forms a massive consumer market. Additionally, the energy and commodity reserves within these regions, coupled with China's manufacturing power and technological advances, particularly in renewables and electric vehicles, create a formidable economic force. While Asean members may seek tariff relief on a bilateral basis, the bloc's commitment to regional coordination remains strong and this alignment is appealing to GCC members. The GCC, with its energy resources and growing interest in economic diversification, stands to benefit from closer cooperation with China, especially in the energy and technology sectors. The recent actions by the US have not only eroded trust among its allies but also shaken confidence in the US dollar. A growing share of global trade is now being conducted in alternative currencies and US treasuries and bonds are losing appeal, with foreign assets at risk of seizure. These developments have raised concerns among Asian powers about the reliability of Western partners. The future of a multipolar world remains uncertain but the trends are clear. Regional and intergovernmental organisations will continue to emerge as new power centres, seeking to defend their interests and fortify themselves against external pressures. In the short term, such cooperation will help mitigate trade and supply chain disruptions, offering hope for greater stability and economic cooperation. Dr Julia Roknifard is a senior lecturer at the School of Law and Governance at Taylor's University, specialising in Middle Eastern studies and international security. She is also involved in Taylor's University's newly launched Bachelor of Philosophy, Politics and Economics (Honours) programme.
