Author: OMN AI

China is expanding its commercial space industry as private companies make progress with rockets, satellites and space services. The country is giving businesses more room to compete while keeping them closely linked to its national space goals. Recent rocket tests show how quickly the sector is developing. In August, Chinese launch company LandSpace landed the first stage of its Zhuque-3 rocket after an orbital flight. The test brought reusable commercial launches closer to reality. A few weeks later, Galactic Energy completed the first flight of its Pallas-1 rocket. Other Chinese firms are also working on reusable launch systems. These developments…

The United States semiconductor industry still depends on China for key materials and equipment, according to a new report. The findings highlight the challenges facing efforts to reduce US technology links with Beijing amid rising trade and security tensions. More than 5% of the equipment and materials supplied to US chipmakers come from China, the report found. China also controls about 90% of the rare earth supply needed to manufacture semiconductors. These figures show that US technology companies remain tied to Chinese supply chains, even as Washington seeks to limit China’s role in critical industries. Building alternative sources for essential…

China is giving greater attention to leaders with strong energy sector experience as the country seeks to support its growing artificial intelligence industry. Energy security has become more important to Beijing as it works to meet rising power needs and strengthen its position in key technologies. Members of the Communist Party’s 20th Central Committee with energy backgrounds are drawing interest because of their roles in this strategic field. They include former and current power company executives, oil industry managers, nuclear safety officials and water administration experts. Many spent decades building technical skills before moving into wider political roles. Their careers…

China is buying more gold as the central bank extends its long run of purchases. Households and businesses are also turning to the precious metal to protect their savings. The trend reflects concerns about the economy and Beijing’s goal of reducing its reliance on the US dollar. The People’s Bank of China added about 23 tonnes of gold in September. This was its largest monthly purchase in almost three years. The move also extended its buying streak to 23 straight months, based on data from the country’s foreign exchange authority. At the same time, China’s gold imports have reached new…

Amazon is discussing a possible purchase of artificial intelligence startup Decart in a deal that could be worth about $7 billion. The talks show how major technology firms are competing to secure advanced AI tools and talent. The proposed acquisition has not been completed, and the discussions could still end without a deal. A report on Sunday said an agreement could come soon if the talks remain on track and no other buyer steps in. Amazon did not comment outside its normal business hours. Decart did not respond to requests for comment. Decart is known for developing AI systems that…

Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin has defended a plan to livestream the military execution of Nidal Hasan, the former Army psychiatrist convicted in the 2009 Fort Hood shooting. The proposal has faced criticism from lawmakers in both major US political parties. Mullin said he did not believe broadcasting the execution would increase the risk to national security. He also dismissed concerns that the public broadcast could make Hasan a symbol for extremist groups. Speaking on CBS News’ “Face the Nation” on Sunday, Mullin said people would not have to watch the execution. He used that point to answer questions about…

A federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to stop running disputed political ads paid for with government funds. The ruling blocks the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from using taxpayer money to create, place, publish or air the advertisements. Judge Jennifer Rochon of the Southern District of New York issued the order after several groups challenged the ads in court. They argued that the government was using public money to promote President Donald Trump in a way that broke federal law. The case was brought by Common Cause, Robert Hunter, a Democratic candidate for the Alabama state House, a…

Residents in Florida and Alabama are facing a difficult recovery after Hurricane Isaias struck the Gulf Coast on Friday. The storm damaged homes and public services, caused power outages and left communities dealing with water shortages. By Sunday afternoon, about 356,000 customers remained without electricity in southern Alabama and northwestern Florida. At its strongest point, the storm had cut power to nearly 800,000 homes and businesses across the Gulf Coast. Utility crews are working to restore electricity across the affected areas. Sarah Gatewood, a spokesperson for Florida Power and Light, said workers from Florida and more than two dozen other…

The European Union and China have reached a trade deal to reduce Chinese plug-in hybrid car exports to Europe. The agreement aims to cut these exports by more than half over four years. In return, China will lower tariffs on some European goods and ease access to rare earth materials. The deal followed urgent talks in Beijing between EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic and Chinese officials. The two sides said they would work within World Trade Organization rules to manage trade disputes and explore further tariff cuts. The agreement comes as European carmakers face strong competition from Chinese brands. New…

A large Buddhist mural at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York has become the focus of a rare cultural project between the United States and China. The artwork draws visitors into the world of ancient Chinese religious art and shows how shared history can build links between countries. The mural stands in Gallery 206, which displays Chinese Buddhist art. It covers a wall more than 15 metres wide and 7.5 metres tall. The huge scene fills the gallery with images of Buddhist figures and deities. Known as the Medicine Buddha mural, the work dates to the 14th century.…