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The Hill
5 days ago
- Business
- The Hill
Washington needs to get serious about robotics
After years of treating robotics policy as a novelty or niche concern, Washington is finally beginning to wake up to reality: we cannot win the race for artificial intelligence leadership if we ignore the robotics race. Artificial intelligence is software. Robotics is hardware. The two are inextricably linked. A national AI strategy that doesn't include robotics is not a national AI strategy but a mere half-measure. And as China pours state resources into dominating both AI and robotics — with over $350 billion in planned investment made over the past decade as part of its Made in China 2025 initiative — the United States risks falling behind in the physical deployment of smart systems across our economy, from the factory floor to the battlefield. Fortunately, there are signs of a long-overdue policy shift in the nation's capital. Several major think tanks and associations, including the Special Competitive Studies Project, the Association for Advancing Automation, and the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International, have all recently called for urgent action and attention toward robotics. This spring, the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party hosted a 'Robotics Symposium,' which marked one of the most focused congressional discussions to date on robotics competitiveness. And in May, a bipartisan group of lawmakers launched a reinvigorated Congressional Robotics Caucus, aiming to educate their colleagues and shape a comprehensive legislative agenda on robotics. These moves echo growing recognition across government that robotics is essential to our national competitiveness. Just last month, Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick rightly called robotics 'the future of American manufacturing' and a critical pillar of domestic industrial revitalization. Over 50 organizations mentioned the importance of robotics in their submissions to the White House's National AI Action Plan, and many expect robotics-related recommendations to be incorporated into the Action Plan. But momentum alone isn't strategy. The U.S. needs a full-fledged national robotics strategy — one that ensures we out-innovate, out-produce, and out-compete global competitors. That means investing in next-generation robotics research and development, rebuilding our advanced manufacturing base, countering unfair trade practices, and equipping the American workforce with the skills to lead in robotics engineering, design, operations, and maintenance. An executive order is one way to do this. An executive order on robotics could meet the moment by mobilizing all relevant government agencies to prioritize robotics policies and unleash America's robotics industry. There are several meaningful actions that could help do so, including, but not limited to: The Office of Science and Technology, as the leading federal science and technology body, could organize and direct a whole-of-government strategy, establish a central robotics office in government and an interagency working group with academic and industry leaders. The Bureau of Industry and Security could investigate unfair trade practices by foreign competitors and recommend policy actions to secure the domestic robotics supply chain. Other agencies, including the National Institute of Standards and Technology, as the nation's standards setting body, could develop technical standards associated with robotics and automated technologies. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration, as the nation's workplace safety governing body, could issue best practices for the deployment and usage of robotics to give industry increased confidence to buy and sell robotics. The National Science Foundation, as the nation's scientific research entity, could begin to prioritize grants and awards for applied robotics and support training and education opportunities in robotics. Congress could also take a big step this year by establishing a national commission on robotics, akin to successful commissions on key technology fields such as artificial intelligence, cyber and biotechnology, to identify specific recommendations to ensure the U.S. leads and doesn't fall behind other countries. Robotics drives productivity. It underpins national security. And it is poised to transform sectors ranging from agriculture to elder care. In short, robotics is the physical expression of American ingenuity — and it's time our policies and strategy reflected that. Washington must act with urgency. The robotics race is not just a subset of AI — it is the proving ground where AI becomes real. And it's a race we can't afford to lose.


Canada News.Net
15-07-2025
- Business
- Canada News.Net
Taiwanese businesses abandon China amid rising costs
Taipei [Taiwan], July 14 (ANI): Taiwanese investment in China has plummeted to a historic low, with experts attributing the decline to China's deteriorating business environment, rising authoritarianism, and increasing strategic risk, Taipei Times reported. According to Li Pao-wen, spokesperson for the Straits Exchange Foundation (SEF), the percentage of Taiwanese businesses investing in China has dropped from a staggering 83.8 per cent in 2010 to just 2.7 per cent in the first quarter of 2025. In an exclusive interview with Liberty Times, the Taipei Times' sister publication, Li confirmed that this exodus reflects a long-term trend of economic disillusionment and rising distrust toward Beijing. 'Seventy per cent of Taiwanese businesses reported profit declines in China last year,' Li said. He explained that Taiwanese firms began scaling back China investments over a decade ago, not due to Taiwan's New Southbound Policy, but because of Beijing's own economic and political missteps. Regulatory burdens, environmental costs, and inflated labour expenses have all made investment in Chinese cities far less appealing, the Taipei Times noted. Li highlighted that China's 'Made in China 2025' policy has worsened the situation by turning local Chinese companies into direct competitors, squeezing out Taiwanese firms once welcomed as partners. 'China is no longer a friendly environment for Taiwanese investors,' he said. The US-China trade war further accelerated the decline. Taiwanese businesses, once dependent on China for manufacturing, found themselves caught in escalating tariffs and geostrategic hostility. 'Products once shipped from Taiwan and assembled in China for export to the U.S. can no longer flow through that pipeline safely,' Li explained. China's recent move to offer incentives through its 'Fuzhou-Matsu integrated living zone,' including issuing Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) certificates to Taiwanese firms, has raised red flags. Li warned that these efforts blur the line between 'red' and 'non-red' supply chains, effectively laundering the origin of goods, a tactic that jeopardises Taiwan's global trade credibility, Taipei Times reported. With China's economy slowing and political interference deepening, Taiwan's business community is voting with its feet, rejecting dependence on an increasingly unstable and authoritarian regime, Taipei Times concluded. (ANI)
Yahoo
15-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
China Inspection Equipment Market Set to Reach US$ 624.19 Million By 2033
Immense potential fueled by government quality mandates and the high-tech industrial shift. The market is rapidly moving beyond basic tools, demanding integrated, AI-driven 3D inspection for electronics, automotive, and semiconductor production. Chicago, July 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The China inspection equipment market was valued at US$ 256.83 million in 2024 and is projected to reach US$ 624.19 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 10.16% during the forecast period 2025–2033. China's commitment to upgrading its manufacturing capabilities is backed by substantial financial commitments and clear policy directives, marking a transformative shift in the nation's industrial landscape. The magnitude of investment flowing into high-tech industries demonstrates an unprecedented dedication to quality enhancement and technological advancement. In the first seven months of 2024, China's investment in high-tech industries surged by 10.4% year-on-year, significantly outpacing the overall fixed-asset investment growth. This remarkable growth trajectory extends across the entire manufacturing sector, which witnessed a significant 9.2% investment increase in 2024. Within the high-tech sphere specifically, investment in high-tech manufacturing expanded by 9.7% from January to July 2024, indicating a laser-focused approach to technological upgrading. Get Instant Access to Sample Pages: The success of the "Made in China 2025" initiative has been particularly noteworthy, with a 2024 analysis revealing that 86% of the more than 260 goals proposed under this ambitious program have been achieved. Central to this initiative is the goal of increasing domestic content of core materials to 70% by 2025, reflecting China's determination to reduce dependency on foreign technology and enhance self-sufficiency. Digital infrastructure development has accelerated dramatically in the inspection equipment market, with China establishing over 17,000 "5G+ Industrial Internet" projects by the end of 2024, covering all 41 major industrial sectors. The nation has built more than 4,000 5G-enabled factories to date, with ambitious plans to exceed 10,000 by 2025. The initial 400 "5G factories" announced in 2024 alone spurred an investment of over 22 billion yuan, equivalent to $3.04 billion, demonstrating the financial commitment to this digital transformation. Human capital development remains a cornerstone of this strategy. China aims to cultivate over 15,000 new leading talents and add around 5 million high-skilled talents within approximately three years, focusing on key industries like advanced manufacturing. Foreign investment patterns also reflect this quality-focused transformation. Foreign direct investment in China's high-tech manufacturing saw a notable increase, with the medical equipment manufacturing sector experiencing an extraordinary 98.7% growth in 2024, signaling international confidence in China's manufacturing quality ecosystem. Key Findings in China Inspection Equipment Market Market Forecast (2033) US$ 624.19 million CAGR 10.16% By Product Type Automated Optical Inspection (AOI) Systems (48.06%) By Deployment In-line (70.26%) By Automation Level Automatic (59.51%) By Portability Benchtop (66.67%) By Application Electronics and PCB (20.57%) By End Use Industry Electronics & Semiconductors (39.26%) By Distribution Channel Direct Sales (OEMs & System Integrators) (49.55%) Top Drivers Government mandates for stringent quality and safety standards. Rapid industrial automation and "Made in China 2025. Surging high-tech electronics and automotive manufacturing demand. Top Trends Adoption of AI and machine learning in inspection systems. Increasing demand for fully automated, high-speed inspection equipment. Miniaturization of components driving advanced inspection technology needs. Top Challenges High cost of advanced and imported inspection equipment. Inconsistent quality standards across different domestic manufacturers. Intense competition from established foreign equipment providers. Surging Demand in Key Industrial Sectors Drives Advanced Inspection Equipment Adoption Nationwide The semiconductor sector exemplifies China's manufacturing ambitions in the inspection equipment market, with 2024 fab equipment expenditures reaching between $41-49.55 billion, maintaining global leadership despite projections of $38 billion spending in 2025. Industrial robotics production achieved historic milestones with 556,000 units manufactured in 2024, including a record 71,382 units in December alone. The transformation in automation density has been extraordinary, with industrial robots per 10,000 workers surging from 49 to 470 over the past decade. By 2023, 1.7 million industrial robots operated in Chinese factories with annual installations of 276,288 units—the automotive industry installing 64,882 units while electronics led with 77,464 units. The electric vehicle revolution drives quality demands with NEV production growing 38.7% in 2024, attracting investments like Volkswagen's stake in XPeng Motors. The pharmaceutical sector in the inspection equipment market represents another critical area, with the China Pharmaceutical Quality Control Market valued at $345 million in 2024. Novo Nordisk's July 2025 announcement of a $112 million investment in an 18,000-square-meter quality testing laboratory at its Tianjin facility underscores this trend. The testing, inspection, and certification market reached $45.85 billion in 2023, while the broader Asia Pacific TIC market generated $133.36 billion in 2024. Specialized sectors also show growth, evidenced by a 2022 offshore wind joint venture contracting quality assurance services for Chinese yards, mobilizing over 50 contractors for comprehensive surveillance. Import-Export Dynamics and Domestic Manufacturing Capabilities Reshape Global Quality Equipment Trade Patterns China's transformation from import dependence to manufacturing self-sufficiency is reshaping global trade patterns in inspection equipment market. Export capabilities expanded significantly with 136,582 camera product shipments from October 2023 to September 2024, crucial components for machine vision systems. Vietnam emerged as the largest market for Chinese cameras, camcorders, and components, with exports reaching $3.5 billion in the first nine months of 2024. While import patterns reveal continued reliance on high-end equipment—with average machine tool import prices at $76,700 in 2021—domestic capabilities are rapidly closing gaps, particularly in robotics where Chinese suppliers achieved 85% market share in metal and machinery installations and 54% in electronics by 2023. Quality control intensified with China's General Administration of Customs announcing strengthened random inspections in November 2024 for both imports and exports, including electronics and toys. The "Made in China 2025" goal of 70% self-sufficiency in core components drives domestic innovation and capacity expansion. Industrial robot production growth to 556,000 units suggests export potential, positioning China inspection equipment market as a major global automation equipment supplier. The semiconductor equipment sector exemplifies shifting dynamics, with US sanctions spurring $41 billion in domestic wafer fabrication equipment investment in 2024. ASML expects its China revenue share to drop from 50% in 2024 to 20% in 2025 due to export controls and increased domestic competition, reflecting China's rapid transition toward equipment self-sufficiency. Technological Advancements and Emerging Trends Transform China's Inspection Equipment Landscape Through Innovation The convergence of 5G and machine vision through 17,000+ "5G+ Industrial Internet" projects enables real-time, high-resolution quality inspection at unprecedented scales in the inspection equipment market. China's 2024 "AI Plus" initiative propels intelligent inspection systems development, ensuring sustained investment in AI-powered quality control. Production statistics reveal technological breadth: smart consumer equipment grew 10.9%, smart vehicle equipment surged 25.1%, and smart unmanned aerial vehicles increased 53.5% in 2024. China's innovation dominance shows through 190,000+ robot-related patents, representing two-thirds of the global total. The humanoid robot market reached 2.76 billion yuan ($380 million) in 2024, signaling new frontiers for inspection technologies. Research leadership extends across 37 of 44 critical technologies including nanoscale materials and machine learning by 2023. Digital transformation metrics demonstrate adoption with 83.1% penetration of digital R&D tools and 64.9% numerical control rate in large enterprises by June 2024. China established 421 national-level intelligent manufacturing demonstration factories as benchmarks for quality control practices. The pharmaceutical sector shows quality advancement with large companies in-licensing 28% of innovator drugs from Chinese biopharma in 2024. Environmental progress, achieving thirteen of sixteen green manufacturing targets, drives demand for environmental monitoring technologies. Regulatory harmonization with international standards for medical devices and pharmaceuticals continued in 2024, necessitating globally accepted inspection equipment and practices, further advancing China's quality control ecosystem competitiveness. Want to Confirm These Insights with an Industry Expert?: Luster LightTech Group to Continue Being the Dominant Domestic Players, Set to Capture Over 12% Market Share Luster LightTech Group has emerged as a dominant force in China's inspection equipment market through its mastery of core components and comprehensive technical expertise. Unlike many integrators, Luster develops and controls the entire technology stack, with their 2024 "Vision+" strategy emphasizing in-house development of industrial cameras, lenses, and advanced imaging software. This vertical integration provides significant competitive advantages in both performance and cost, positioning them at the forefront of the shift to advanced inspection technologies including 3D inspection systems and AI-powered algorithms that reduce false positives and improve defect detection accuracy. The company's strategic focus on high-value, high-growth sectors aligns perfectly with China's national priorities. In 2024, Luster stands as a leading provider of inspection solutions for lithium-ion battery manufacturing, PCBs, and advanced displays including OLED and Micro-LED technologies. Their "Solution-as-a-Product" strategy delivers complete, configurable "VisionBoxes" and integrated solutions rather than mere components, simplifying adoption for factory owners who need turnkey inspection stations. This approach is complemented by deep integration with top Chinese universities, providing access to cutting-edge research and top-tier engineering talent that continuously fuels their R&D efforts. Luster's growth is accelerated by multiple drivers in China inspection equipment market including China's massive "new infrastructure" push, where their inspection systems ensure reliability of critical components for 5G base stations and data centers. The company has successfully expanded into scientific imaging, leveraging core expertise to serve life sciences and research markets. As domestic substitution policies encourage manufacturers to "buy local," Luster's status as a leading domestic brand with internationally competitive technology makes them a preferred supplier. Their proactive quality control solutions provide Statistical Process Control data, helping manufacturers identify root causes of quality issues. Over two decades of operation has built powerful brand equity, establishing Luster as a trusted name for critical quality control tasks. China Inspection Equipment Market Major Players: Kuntai Group ENF Ltd. Taymer International DGM Luster Inc. Neoden Jiangsu Yingyou Textile Machinery Co.,Ltd Shenzhen Jakange Technology Co., Ltd. Weigang Machinery Zhejiang Hongsheng Machinery Co., Ltd. Ngai Shing Development Limited Other Prominent Players Market Segmentation: By Product Type Vision Inspection Systems 2D Vision Systems 3D Vision Systems X-Ray Inspection Equipment Ultrasonic Inspection Equipment Magnetic Particle Inspection Equipment Eddy Current Inspection Equipment Radiographic Testing Equipment Laser Scanning Equipment Automated Optical Inspection (AOI) Systems By Deployment In-line Offline By Automation Level Manual Semi-Automatic Automatic By Portability Benchtop Portable/Handheld By Application Printing Inspection Equipment Label Inspection Barcode and QR Code Verification Color Accuracy and Registration Checks Packaging Quality Inspection Fabric Inspection Equipment Textile Surface Defect Detection Color Consistency Weaving/Knotting Errors Pattern/Design Alignment Semiconductor Inspection Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Inspection Automotive Component Inspection Food and Beverage Packaging Inspection Electronics and PCB Inspection Aerospace Material Inspection Others By End Use Industry Textile & Apparel Printing & Packaging Automotive Electronics & Semiconductors Pharmaceuticals Food & Beverages Aerospace & Defense Chemicals Others By Distribution Channel Direct Sales (OEMs & System Integrators) Distributors & Resellers Aftermarket & Service Providers Online Retail We Offer Customization on All Reports – Ask Now: About Astute Analytica Astute Analytica is a global market research and advisory firm providing data-driven insights across industries such as technology, healthcare, chemicals, semiconductors, FMCG, and more. We publish multiple reports daily, equipping businesses with the intelligence they need to navigate market trends, emerging opportunities, competitive landscapes, and technological advancements. With a team of experienced business analysts, economists, and industry experts, we deliver accurate, in-depth, and actionable research tailored to meet the strategic needs of our clients. At Astute Analytica, our clients come first, and we are committed to delivering cost-effective, high-value research solutions that drive success in an evolving marketplace. Contact Us:Astute AnalyticaPhone: +1-888 429 6757 (US Toll Free); +91-0120- 4483891 (Rest of the World)For Sales Enquiries: sales@ Follow us on: LinkedIn | Twitter | YouTube CONTACT: Contact Us: Astute Analytica Phone: +1-888 429 6757 (US Toll Free); +91-0120- 4483891 (Rest of the World) For Sales Enquiries: sales@ Website:
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Business Standard
15-07-2025
- Automotive
- Business Standard
Leapfrogging the world: China's rise in EVs, green energy and biotech
In the global race for technological supremacy, the spotlight has long fallen on Silicon Valley or Europe's innovation hubs. But behind the scenes, China is not merely catching up, it is rapidly emerging as a global frontrunner, spearheading transformative progress across electric vehicles (EVs), renewables, and biotechnology. Fuelled by state-backed strategies, relentless innovation, and manufacturing muscle, China's ascent is not just changing industries, it is redefining the world's technological future. EV boom: How China became the world's largest electric vehicle market China now controls the world's largest EV market, selling over 11 million units annually and accounting for more than 50 per cent of global EV sales. Companies like BYD, NIO, XPeng, and Li Auto have aggressively expanded beyond Chinese borders, with BYD overtaking Tesla in total global EV sales in 2025. China's dominance in EV exports is equally notable. In 2024, it shipped out 1.2 million EVs—surpassing Japan to become the world's top automobile exporter. Once mocked for low-cost knock-offs, Chinese EVs now compete on both price and advanced tech in Europe, Southeast Asia, and North America. According to Bloomberg, China's EV sales reached 11 million units in 2024, capturing nearly two-thirds of the global market, compared to 17 per cent in Europe and just 7 per cent in the US. In Q1 2025 alone, Chinese EV sales rose 55 per cent to 1.64 million units, outpacing Europe's 28 per cent (574,000) and the US' 18 per cent (301,000). What explains China's electric vehicle dominance? At the heart of China's EV power lies control over battery technology. With 70 per cent of global EV production and two domestic giants, CATL and BYD, supplying 55 per cent of the world's batteries, China enjoys unmatched battery pricing and efficiency. Fierce local competition has driven breakthrough innovations, bringing battery costs below $100/kWh for lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries, reaching price parity with combustion engines, a milestone still out of reach in the West. China's vertically integrated supply chain accounts for 75 per cent of lithium-ion battery production, and dominates cobalt/lithium refining and cathode/anode materials. In contrast, European and US supply chains remain fragmented and face 20 per cent higher production costs. Technologies like battery-swap stations and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) integration are giving Chinese EVs a technological and cost advantage. How state strategy fuels China's EV ecosystem Under the 'Made in China 2025' plan, China has built a powerful EV ecosystem through massive subsidies, sustained infrastructure investment, and long-term supply chain planning. It already boasts 20 times more public EV chargers than the US, and four times as many as Europe. China's renewable energy dominance breaks all global records In the renewables sector, China's lead is even more formidable. As of mid-2025, its solar capacity stood at 887 GW, with wind at 521 GW. The country invested $625 billion in clean energy in 2024 alone, according to Reuters. By comparison, the US has just 239 GW of solar, and the EU a combined 540 GW of wind and solar. In 2024, China added 445 GW of new renewables, 60 per cent of global additions. It builds three out of every four solar and wind installations worldwide and is on track to exceed its 2030 emissions targets ahead of schedule. China also manufactures over 80 per cent of the world's solar panels and dominates every stage of the solar and battery supply chain. Economies of scale, vertical integration, and heavy subsidies let Chinese producers outprice global competitors. Chinese biotech: From copycats to cutting-edge drug developers China's biotechnology sector is undergoing a dramatic transformation. Once known for generics, Chinese drugmakers are now innovating at scale. Bloomberg's analysis of Norstella data shows that China had over 1,250 novel drug candidates in 2024, closing in on the US (1,440) and far ahead of the EU. Back in 2015, that number was just 160. Chinese biopharma companies, once burdened with quality concerns, are increasingly earning approvals and partnerships with global regulators and pharma majors. By 2024, Chinese firms accounted for 31 per cent of all innovative drug pipelines globally, second only to the US. Policy reforms and returning scientists reshape Chinese biotech China's shift began in 2015 with sweeping reforms to its drug regulatory framework, accelerating approvals, enforcing global data standards, and encouraging repatriation of overseas-trained researchers. Coupled with the Made in China 2025 strategy, these efforts triggered a biotech investment boom. By 2024, China had overtaken the EU in expedited approvals from the FDA and EMA. Faster drug approvals and global impact Take Legend Biotech's cell therapy for blood cancer—marketed by Johnson & Johnson. It not only outpaced a US-made rival but also secured expedited review in multiple markets. Although Chinese firms still focus on refining existing therapies more than inventing new ones, their innovation pipeline is expanding. Of the world's top 50 companies with the most innovative drug candidates between 2020 and 2024, 20 are Chinese—up from just five in the prior five-year period. Jiangsu Hengrui, once a generic drugmaker, now leads globally in the number of new drug candidates added. Global pharma giants race to license Chinese innovations Western pharma majors are rushing to partner with Chinese firms: > Akeso Inc. licensed its cancer drug to Summit Therapeutics for $500 million upfront, seen as China biotech's 'DeepSeek moment' > Pfizer signed a record $1.2 billion upfront deal in May 2025 with 3SBio Inc. for a cancer therapy > Merck, AstraZeneca, and Roche have all snapped up Chinese drug assets According to DealForma, such high-value licensing deals are growing in both number and value. China's clinical trial edge: speed and scale A key advantage for Chinese biotech is speed. Thanks to vast patient pools and centralised hospitals, trial recruitment in China happens twice as fast as in the US. Lower costs allow companies to run multiple clinical trials simultaneously, boosting success odds. Since 2021, China has led the world in new clinical trial starts, ahead of the US, per GlobalData. However, challenges remain. The FDA still requires multinational data, limiting the use of China-only trials for US approvals. US reacts to China's biotech rise with new policy anxieties As US-China tensions rise, China's biotech progress has drawn concern in Washington. A congressional report warned that the US may cede leadership in another strategic domain. Policymakers are calling for tighter export restrictions and faster domestic drug approval processes. The China model: What makes its rise hard to replicate Across EVs, renewables, and biotechnology, China's strategy follows a clear pattern: centralised industrial planning, global supply chain dominance, technology at scale, and relentless execution speed. For the West, the question is no longer if China can lead in innovation, but how soon, and how far.


South China Morning Post
14-07-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
China's oil sector breaks new ground with export of deepwater suction anchors to Brazil
China's oil and gas industry has passed a fresh milestone in its push to become a leading exporter of advanced offshore drilling equipment, as a state-owned company made its first delivery of a new kind of deep-sea suction anchor to Brazil. The 24 suction caissons – which are capable of operating at depths of up to 2,000 metres – will be used to secure platforms at the Mero ultra-deepwater oilfield off Brazil's southeastern coastline, Chinese state broadcaster CCTV reported on Sunday. The delivery represents a milestone for China's push to become a leading manufacturer of offshore oil and gas equipment, one of the strategic fields targeted in Beijing's Made in China 2025 industrial strategy The 24 units were designed, built and loaded at a deepwater base operated by the China National Offshore Oil Corp (CNOOC) in Zhuhai, Guangdong province. They are among the most advanced offshore equipment developed by a Chinese company ever to be shipped overseas, CCTV said. CNOOC, China's largest offshore oil and gas producer, has seen its reserves surge in recent years. It recently announced the discovery of a major oilfield deep below an eastern section of the South China Sea, with proven reserves exceeding 100 million tonnes. China and Brazil have been strengthening cooperation on energy in recent years, as the two members of the Brics bloc of emerging economies deepen ties across a slew of areas.