Volt Typhoon Strikes, Biden's AI Chip Crackdown, and Trump's Looming Tech Showdown

This is your Beijing Bytes: US-China Tech War Updates podcast.Hey there, I'm Ting, and welcome to Beijing Bytes, your go-to source for the latest on the US-China tech war. Let's dive right in because the past two weeks have been anything but quiet.First off, cybersecurity incidents have been making headlines. Just before the new year, the US dismantled an operation by a Chinese state-backed hacker group known as Volt Typhoon. These hackers had gained control of hundreds of internet routers in the US, which they used as launch pads for attacks on critical infrastructure systems, including water treatment plants and the electrical grid[2].But that's not all. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has been escalating its hybrid tactics, targeting US infrastructure and key partners. In early December, a state-sponsored cyberattack hit the US Treasury Department, specifically the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) and the Office of the Treasury Secretary. These entities had administered economic sanctions against Chinese companies in 2024 for engaging in cyberattacks and supplying weapons to Russia for its war in Ukraine[2].Now, let's talk about new tech restrictions. On January 13, the Biden administration unveiled a series of export restrictions on computer chips critical for advanced AI models. This move is aimed squarely at limiting Chinese access to high-end chips, which are crucial for training AI models. Companies like Nvidia and Oracle have been vocal in their opposition, arguing that these restrictions will only push tier two countries towards Chinese alternatives like Alibaba, Huawei, and Tencent[1][5].But here's the thing: the US believes that, for now, China doesn't have the capacity to export large numbers of AI chips. Huawei, for example, hasn't built any data centers equipped with its own advanced AI chips outside of China. This gives the US substantial leverage to demand the adoption of US standards and security assurances in exchange for access to US computing power[1].Looking ahead, the strategic implications are significant. The Trump administration, which takes office in a week, will have to decide whether to scrap this rule or come up with its own approach. Either way, they'll have to figure out how to prevent Chinese circumvention of US export controls and ensure that the US and its allies set the norms and standards for AI employment[1].In the broader context, China's recent announcement of export controls on 28 US companies, including Lockheed Martin and Boeing Defense, signals an ominous start to 2025. This move is seen as a preemptive strike against the tougher stance on China promised by Trump during his campaign[4].So, there you have it – the latest updates on the US-China tech war. It's clear that both nations are gearing up for a long and complex battle. Stay tuned for more insights from Beijing Bytes.For more http://www.quietplease.aiGet the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOtaThis content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

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