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ChinaTalk offers an analytical perspective on US-China relations, focusing on policy, technology, economic issues, and cultural exchanges. It translates Chinese sources to explore communism, Taiwan's politics, military dynamics, tech advancements, industrial policies, and societal trends, while evaluating global implications and China's internal and external strategies.

US-China Relations Communism and Political Ideologies Taiwanese Politics and Identity Military Dynamics and Purges in China Economic Trends and Challenges Technology and Industrial Policy Cultural Exchanges and Media Artificial Intelligence Developments Semiconductor Technology Science and Politics in China International Relations

The hottest Substack posts of ChinaTalk

And their main takeaways

Innovation Emergency with Trump 1.0's Patent Director

237 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25

China is now granting way more patents than the United States, which may indicate they're leading in innovation. This shift in patent dominance could be a warning sign for the US economy.
There's a tension in patent law between protecting inventors and allowing the public access to innovations. Strong patent rights can encourage investment in risky new technologies, but if they're too strong, they can limit public access.
US companies sometimes prefer to enforce patents in China because their courts can provide quicker and more effective rulings. This shows a potential weakness in the American patent system that could need serious reforms.

Asia's Great Power Wars

815 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25

🌍 World Politics International relations Geopolitics Historical context Conflict resolution

East Asian countries have a long history of peaceful coexistence, unlike Europe, where wars were common. They managed to build relationships based on respect and understanding, even with power imbalances.
Many conflicts in East Asia were driven by internal issues rather than outside threats. Most dynasties fell because of internal problems, showing that the real danger often comes from within rather than from other nations.
The idea that smaller nations have to band together against a bigger power like China isn't always true. East Asian countries often engage with China on their own terms, navigating relationships carefully without treating it as a direct threat.

Gridlocked: Transformer Shortage Choking U.S. Supply Chains

948 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Industrial Policy Supply Chains Manufacturing National Security

There's a big shortage of transformers in the US, which are crucial for powering everything from homes to new technology like AI and electric vehicles. This shortage is causing long delays in construction and other projects.
US production of transformers is struggling due to a lack of trained workers and supply chain issues. Only about 20% of the domestic demand is currently being met, leading to rising costs.
This transformer shortage presents a security risk as foreign attacks could cripple the grid. Improving regulations and providing support for domestic manufacturing could help address these problems.

DeepSeek: What the Headlines Miss

4121 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25

🕹 Technology AI Geopolitics Export Controls Computing

Export restrictions on AI chips only recently started, so it’s too soon to judge their effectiveness. The new chips might still perform well for AI tasks, keeping development ongoing.
DeepSeek's advancements in efficiency show that machine learning can get cheaper over time. It’s possible for smaller companies to do more with less, but bigger companies benefits from these efficiencies too.
The gap in computing power between the US and China is significant. DeepSeek admits they need much more computing power than US companies to achieve similar results due to export controls.

China on Dario, DeepSeeking Truth, Ali + DeepSeek, and a Procurement IP Manifesto

281 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25

🕹 Technology AI Internet China Data Security Censorship

DeepSeek, a new Chinese AI model, is being seen as a serious competitor to U.S. AI in helping researchers gather information about China. However, it struggles to answer questions that cross different areas of knowledge.
Many in China believe the U.S. has double standards regarding AI and security, saying that U.S. restrictions are more about keeping an edge in technology than genuine concerns for safety.
DeepSeek is powerful for safe topics, but it has issues with censorship. It often can’t handle politically sensitive topics, making it less useful for in-depth research on controversial issues.

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DeepSeek: The View from China

2075 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25

🕹 Technology Artificial Intelligence Machine Learning Data science Tech Innovation

DeepSeek is gaining attention in the AI community for its strong performance and efficient use of computing power. Many believe it showcases China’s growing capabilities in AI technology.
The culture at DeepSeek focuses on innovation without immediate monetization, emphasizing the importance of young talent in AI advancements. This approach has differentiated them from larger tech firms.
Despite initial success, there are still concerns about the long-term sustainability of AI business models. The demand for computing power is high, and no company has enough to meet the future needs.

Strategic Ambiguity vs. Clarity

459 implied HN points • 10 Feb 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Military Strategy International relations

Strategic ambiguity means the US isn't clear about defending Taiwan, aiming to prevent both Taiwan's independence and Chinese aggression. This policy has been followed since Nixon, but some think it's outdated.
Strategic clarity would mean the US openly commits to defending Taiwan, which could deter China and reassure allies, but might provoke a stronger Chinese response.
The debate is ongoing, with many arguing for evidence-based choices instead of just sticking to old beliefs, given the evolving situation in Taiwan and China.

DeepSeek's Secret to Success

1615 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25

🕹 Technology AI Innovation Labor relations Corporate Governance Entrepreneurship

DeepSeek's success is due to its flat management style, which allows employees more freedom and collaboration compared to the typical rigid structure of Chinese tech firms. This supportive culture fosters creativity and innovation.
Unlike many tech companies in China, DeepSeek was not funded by the government or large corporations. It was self-funded by a former hedge fund manager, allowing it to operate independently and avoid typical pressures.
DeepSeek's hiring approach focuses on young talent, valuing passion and fresh ideas over years of experience. This strategy has helped the company innovate rapidly and challenge larger competitors.

Anthropic's Dario Amodei on AI Competition

681 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25

🕹 Technology AI Competition Innovation Export Controls International relations

The competition in AI between the US and China is becoming more intense, with new players like DeepSeek entering the market. Each country needs to stay ahead to maintain power and safety.
Export controls are important for managing technology sharing and preventing potential misuse of AI by authoritarian regimes. This helps keep a balance while still allowing beneficial uses of AI.
AI has the potential to support democracy and create fairer systems, but it's important to ensure safety and responsible use. The focus should be on how technology is used rather than just who creates it.

DeepSeek: A Tragedy Foretold?

1141 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25

🕹 Technology AI Open Source Innovation China tech Regulations

DeepSeek is an open-source AI project in China that allows developers to use and build on its models for free. This supports the idea of sharing knowledge and innovation globally.
Many Chinese tech leaders prefer closed-source models because they see open-source as less profitable. They believe it’s often not worth the investment when considering the costs involved.
The Chinese government supports open-source initiatives to reduce dependence on foreign software, but there are concerns about how powerful AI could be regulated to ensure safety and control.

China’s Weird Chip Surplus, Explained

696 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25

🕹 Technology Data Centers Cloud Services

China has added a lot of AI chips in 2024, but they are not being used efficiently. This leads to having too many unused chips even though some types of processing power are in short supply.
Major technology companies and state-owned firms are investing heavily in AI computing centers, but many of these centers are poorly managed. This results in a waste of resources and underutilized equipment.
The demand for computing power is changing. While there is enough power for now, experts believe there might be shortages again soon as the need for AI applications grows.

Dario Amodei + DeepSeek’s New Burdens

518 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25

🕹 Technology AI Geopolitics Business Models Government Relations

DeepSeek is facing challenges in managing corporate partnerships while maintaining its research-focused culture. They might have to balance getting support from big tech companies with staying true to their values.
As DeepSeek becomes more popular, it risks losing its talented employees to other companies offering better pay. This could change the company's culture and innovation approach.
If DeepSeek forms closer ties with the Chinese government, they could get funding and resources, but it may come with scrutiny and reduced independence. They need to navigate these relationships carefully.

Trade: How Free is Too Free?

533 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trade policy Economic History Federal Government International relations

US trade policy has evolved over 250 years, reflecting different political interests and economic conditions. This history shows that trade debates have always been intense and sometimes divisive.
Tariffs serve three main purposes: to raise revenue, restrict imports to protect local jobs, and enable reciprocal trade agreements. Each of these has played a significant role in shaping the US trade landscape.
Recent trade policies, especially under Trump, have likely created lasting changes in US-China relations. These changes may make it hard for future administrations to return to previous trade norms.

DeepSeek: what it means and what happens next

622 implied HN points • 01 Feb 25

🕹 Technology AI Innovation Open Source Chinese Tech Export Controls

DeepSeek is a unique AI research lab that has no pressure to make money. This allows them to focus on innovation and open-source work without the typical commercial constraints most tech companies face.
They prioritize hiring young, talented engineers who are passionate about technology. This approach leads to fresh ideas and creativity, breaking from traditional hiring practices in other companies.
DeepSeek's relationship with the Chinese government is evolving, with potential benefits and challenges. As they gain more attention, there are questions about how much freedom they'll have in their open-source projects.

Best of ChinaTalk 2024

281 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25

🕹 Technology AI Innovation Research Internet Gaming

China is focusing on developing its AI and technology sectors, addressing the balance between innovation and security.
The chip industry in Taiwan is evolving, with a strong emphasis on local strategies to maintain competitiveness.
ChinaTalk has produced a variety of engaging content, covering topics like politics, technology, and culture, while also expanding its reach through podcasts and YouTube.

DeepSeek and the Future of AI Competition with Miles Brundage

948 implied HN points • 25 Jan 25

🕹 Technology AI Modeling Competition Trade policy Innovation

DeepSeek's R1 model shows that AI competition is heating up between the U.S. and China. It's similar to OpenAI's model but developed quickly, closing the gap.
The efficiency at which DeepSeek operates is driven by export controls, meaning limited access to advanced chips. More chips would better their AI capabilities.
Open-sourcing AI models has its benefits, but governments need to be careful. They should ensure the technology is not misused while still allowing some level of open collaboration.

What's Next for ChinaTalk

756 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25

🕹 Technology AI China Policy Innovation Geopolitics

ChinaTalk started as a small project and has grown to have 50,000 subscribers by focusing on tech developments in China.
They aim to provide deep analysis on China's tech landscape, especially regarding AI, to help people understand its global impact.
In 2025, ChinaTalk plans to expand into a think tank, hiring more staff to enhance their research and outreach efforts.

What Xi Believes

919 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25

🌍 World Politics Ideology International relations Modernization Economic Policy

Xi Jinping believes Chinese modernization should focus on people's needs rather than just economic growth. He criticizes Western models for causing inequality and promotes a version that fits China's unique culture and history.
The Chinese Communist Party is essential for Xi's vision of modernization. He insists that without the Party's leadership, China cannot succeed and stresses the need for discipline within the Party.
Struggle is a key theme for Xi, who sees it as vital for the Party's survival and China's progress. He encourages a proactive approach to risks, stating that avoiding challenges can lead to decline.

Deepseek Meets Li Qiang, Data Labeling Subsidies, Taiwan's Debt, Automation Optimism

429 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25

🕹 Technology AI Data Policy Automation Economics

DeepSeek, a major player in China's AI sector, recently caught the attention of government leaders, highlighting its rise as a 'national champion.' This may lead to more funding but also increased scrutiny from the government.
China is putting effort into developing the data labeling industry as a key part of its AI advancements, offering tax breaks and support to help businesses in this area grow. High-quality data is essential for effective AI development.
Taiwan needs to rethink its strict debt policy to invest more in military and energy security due to rising threats from China. Maintaining a low debt level could limit Taiwan's ability to strengthen its defense.

a year in podcasts

311 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25

🎙 Podcasts Media Culture History Technology Politics

China's imperial examination system helped create stability but limited innovation. This has led to current challenges like economic stagnation and political succession issues.
Recent discussions showed that trade alone doesn't change political systems. For instance, the Song dynasty had trade but remained autocratic.
Policymakers need to make tough decisions instead of trying to balance too many interests. An example is the challenges faced by the Biden administration with the export controls on technology.

DeepSeek's Edge

741 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25

🕹 Technology AI Software Hardware Research Data

DeepSeek has no business model, which allows its team to experiment freely without pressure to earn money. This gives them a unique advantage over most other AI labs that need to focus on revenue.
DeepSeek runs its own data centers instead of relying on external cloud services. This means they have better control over their resources and can optimize their setup for efficiency.
The company's success comes from their innovative software optimization techniques. By being smart about how they use their hardware, they've achieved high performance even with limited resources.

Patents and National Power

370 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25

🕹 Technology Intellectual Property Innovation Economics International relations

Patents are important for protecting inventors and fostering innovation. They give inventors exclusive rights to their creations, which encourages more people to invent and share new ideas.
The U.S. patent system differs from other countries because it allows anyone to apply for a patent, making it more accessible. This has helped create a culture of innovation and economic growth in America.
Recent changes in patent policies have made it harder for inventors to protect their ideas, which could slow down innovation. It's important for the U.S. to strengthen its patent system to maintain its leadership in technology and innovation.

Noah Smith on Trump 2.0 and Asia + Future of the New Tech Right

340 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Elections International relations Defense Strategy Political Analysis

The tech right is becoming a powerful group within the Trump administration, focused on deregulation to improve the business environment in America.
Nuclear weapons could greatly stabilize regions like East Asia, and countries like Japan and South Korea should consider developing their own for better security.
Taiwan should leverage its tech industry to become a key supplier of defense products, like drones and batteries, to enhance its economic stability and defense against China.

EMERGENCY EDITION: AI Diffusion Export Controls

459 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Policy Regulation National Security Technology International relations

The Biden administration is implementing stricter rules on exporting advanced AI technology to prevent it from being misused, especially by countries like China. These rules aim to maintain the US's leadership in AI technology.
There will be a new three-tier system classifying countries based on their access to AI chips, with stricter controls for adversarial nations. This affects where companies can build data centers and how easily they can deploy AI projects globally.
Companies that meet verification requirements will have an easier time obtaining licenses for export. However, smaller sovereign AI projects in tier two countries may struggle to meet these requirements and might reconsider their AI investments.

RedNote, Uber Eats in Kinmen, Jimmy Carter's Taiwan Legacy, AI EO and More

385 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Relations Public Policy Government Technology Policy History

RedNote, a popular Chinese social media app, has become a new favorite for TikTok users in search of a platform that connects them with genuine interactions. People are enjoying sharing jokes and cultural experiences across borders.
Jimmy Carter's approach to U.S.-China relations helped protect Taiwan's interests, allowing the U.S. to provide arms to Taiwan even after recognizing China. His actions laid the groundwork for Taiwan's future as a democratic society.
Uber Eats is expanding its reach in Kinmen, Taiwan, but it faces unique challenges like local mischievous monkeys that like to swipe food from delivery drivers. This highlights the quirky side of food delivery in the region.

Amb. Burns Reflects from Beijing

415 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25

🌍 World Politics Diplomacy International relations Geopolitics Conflict resolution Trade policy

Dialogue is crucial in maintaining relationships between superpowers. Talking helps address issues and avoid misunderstandings that could escalate into conflicts.
China faces a choice between aligning with disruptive nations like Russia or acting as a responsible global power. Their decisions now have significant implications for their international relationships.
Having strong alliances is essential for the U.S. in its competition with China. Allies amplify American power and help maintain global stability.

Deepseek: The Quiet Giant Leading China’s AI Race

1615 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24

🕹 Technology Artificial Intelligence Startups Innovation Research Open Source

Deepseek is a rising Chinese AI startup that has surpassed major competitors like OpenAI in some technical benchmarks. They are focused on foundational research and open-sourcing their models.
The company has started a price war in the Chinese AI market by offering their technology at much lower rates than the competition, making AI more accessible.
Deepseek's approach prioritizes innovation over immediate profit, aiming to contribute to the global technological landscape rather than just following existing trends.

MORE Export Controls: Foundry, DRAM, and Reflections on Biden

311 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Export Controls National Security Biden administration Technology Policy China relations

New export controls from the U.S. aim to stop Chinese companies, like Huawei, from accessing advanced chips made in Taiwan. This is a big move to protect U.S. technology.
A change in the definition of DRAM now makes it harder for Chinese companies to find loopholes to acquire necessary chip-making equipment. This is a stricter measure to keep high-tech manufacturing under control.
There's a new checklist system for companies trying to buy advanced chips. Only approved companies can buy them, which could slow things down for startups looking to get into the market.

China’s GenAI Content Security Standard: An Explainer

429 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25

🕹 Technology AI Regulation Cybersecurity Data Privacy Machine Learning

China has set rules for generative AI to ensure the content it produces is safe and follows government guidelines. This means companies need to be careful about what their AI apps say and share.
Developers of AI must check their data and the output carefully to avoid politically sensitive issues, as avoiding censorship is a key focus of these rules. They have to submit thorough documentation showing they comply with these standards.
While these standards are not legally binding, companies often follow them closely because government inspections are strict. These regulations mainly aim at controlling politically sensitive content.

How My China Tech Beat Fell Apart

993 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24

🕹 Technology China tech Geopolitics Startup Culture Media Relations

Chinese tech startups are trying to hide their origins to avoid negative stigma in the West. Many founders worry that being labeled as 'Chinese' could hurt their chances of success.
The relationship between Western reporters and Chinese tech entrepreneurs has changed dramatically due to rising geopolitical tensions. Once seen as exciting collaborators, many founders now feel cautious and distrustful.
As regulations increased and opportunities within China shrank, many Chinese companies started to look for growth in international markets. This shift led to tensions between telling their stories and their need to downplay their roots.

AI Geopolitics in the Age of Test-Time Compute w Chris Miller + Lennart Heim

385 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25

🕹 Technology AI Geopolitics Export Controls International relations Innovation

Export controls on AI technology don't stop progress immediately, but they affect long-term access to necessary chips. Countries can still access older tech, keeping them competitive for a while.
AI models require more compute power as they get better. This means countries need to invest substantially to support advanced AI systems, as even small changes in processing time can increase resource demands significantly.
U.S. cloud providers might help monitor how AI chips are used abroad, which could both protect U.S. interests and promote responsible AI development. This strategy could help balance control with innovation.

Pony.ai’s Robotaxis and the Long Road Ahead

370 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25

🕹 Technology Autonomous Vehicles Startup funding Market Trends

Pony.ai is a leading robotaxi company in China, rapidly expanding its fleet and operations in major cities. They are working to boost their commercialization amidst significant competition.
Despite a promising start, Pony.ai is currently facing challenges in profitability, with high operational costs and moderate revenue growth. They hope to improve their financial situation by 2025.
Pony.ai is exploring international expansion but must navigate strict regulations and competition in foreign markets. They currently focus on China, where they have strong government support and demand.

China's Best Music of 2024

415 implied HN points • 29 Dec 24

🎶 Music Genres Artists Albums Reviews Trends

China's music scene is diverse, featuring a mix of styles like Afrobeat, electronic, and indie rock. Artists are blending cultural elements to create unique sounds.
Several Chinese music labels are reviving and promoting experimental music, showing that there's a growing interest in innovative and atmospheric sounds.
Listening to recommended tracks and podcasts can offer a deeper understanding of China’s evolving music landscape and help discover new favorite artists.

Humanoid Robots: China’s Grind Toward Embodied Intelligence

400 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24

🕹 Technology AI Robotics Manufacturing Data science Innovation

China aims to become a top producer of humanoid robots by 2027, planning to use them in various industries like manufacturing and services. This is partly because they face labor shortages and believe humanoids can do many tough jobs.
Humanoid robots need advanced technology in hardware and AI to work well. This includes making them mimic human movements and learning from real-world experiences, which is still a big challenge.
The automotive industry could be key for testing and improving humanoid robots. Car factories have structured environments that help robots learn new tasks safely while addressing labor shortages in that sector.

$10k defense grants + divorce reality tv + where immigration reform goes to die

400 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Defense Policy Reality TV Cultural Commentary Foreign Relations

A new group is offering $5,000 to $10,000 grants to people who can share bold ideas about defense strategies and military innovation. They want fresh thinking and to challenge old ways of doing things.
There's a popular Chinese reality show where married couples, on the verge of divorce, go on a road trip together. It's creating a lot of buzz as viewers watch their emotional journey unfold.
Recent changes in U.S. immigration policy aim to help international students who were required to return to their home countries after studying. It took a long time to fix this issue, highlighting problems in the system.

Critical Mineral Export Restrictions

459 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Trade policy Export Controls Geopolitics Supply Chains

China recently restricted exports of critical minerals like germanium and gallium in response to U.S. semiconductor controls. This shows how trade tensions can impact global supply chains.
Lessons from a past incident in 2010 highlight that China can use its control over rare earth exports as a political tool. This could lead to further supply vulnerabilities for countries reliant on these materials.
To avoid dependency on a single country for critical minerals, nations should work on diversifying their supply sources. Expanding production options is key to maintaining access to important technology.

Norway Notes

311 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24

🎭️ Culture History Art Travel Music Society

Oslo is a city full of parks and interesting activities, like volleyball, even if its neighborhoods are sometimes considered rough. The city has a vibrant vibe, especially during the summer with long daylight hours.
Norway's history with its support for Palestine has created some complexity, especially as the nation grapples with issues of antisemitism. There are mixed feelings and challenges about how historical support affects current views.
The Viking culture is fascinating but had both brutal and humane aspects. Books about the Vikings provide intriguing insights into their lives and are accessible for anyone interested in this part of history.

Deepseek: From Hedge Fund to Frontier Model Maker

400 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24

🕹 Technology Artificial Intelligence Innovation Research Startups Business Models

High-Flyer, a hedge fund, is making big moves by venturing into AI research through a new company called DeepSeek. They want to create human-level AI instead of just copying existing models.
Their success in the AI field comes from a unique hiring process that focuses on curious and passionate individuals rather than experience. This helps foster innovation within the company.
Despite the high costs of running AI research, High-Flyer believes in funding their projects through a mix of their own resources and philanthropy. They prioritize long-term research over quick financial returns.

Export Controls and HBM

340 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24

🕹 Technology Semiconductors AI Chips Export Controls Global Trade

Export controls on high-bandwidth memory (HBM) are making it harder for China to develop its AI technology. This could slow down China's progress in creating advanced AI chips.
HBM is super important for AI because it helps process data faster and more efficiently. Most AI chips, like those from Nvidia, need HBM to work well.
Chinese companies are currently behind in HBM production and advanced packaging technology. Without catching up in these areas, their AI chip industry might struggle in the future.

The Battle to Shape Trump's China Policy

622 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Political strategy Party Dynamics International relations Trade policy

Trump's China policy is uncertain and has many different viewpoints among his supporters. They all agree about China's importance but disagree on how to deal with it.
There are two main debates: one about economic issues and the other about military and geopolitical strategies. People might agree on economic solutions but have different ideas on military actions.
Some view the U.S. as strong and capable of taking on China, while others are more pessimistic and believe the U.S. needs to lower its ambitions. This difference shapes their ideas on how to approach U.S.-China relations.