Tag Archives: beijing

Trump Hails TikTok Deal as Beijing Proposes Chinese Algorithm Use for Apps

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Donald Trump contends that, in light of the uncertainty surrounding the final agreement, Tiktok is aiming to keep operating in the US while Beijing retains control over the algorithms that govern the platform’s video feed.

“There’s a deal concerning Tiktok. A number of major companies are interested in purchasing it,” Trump stated on Tuesday, though he did not provide further specifics.

The agreement, reportedly negotiated between US Treasury Secretary Scott Bescent and a Chinese deputy prime minister in Madrid, is said to involve transferring US assets of the social media platform from Chinese ownership to new American proprietors.


A key concern revolves around the fate of Tiktok’s influential algorithms that contribute to its status as one of the top online entertainment sources globally.

At a press briefing in Madrid, the deputy head of China’s cybersecurity regulator indicated that the framework for the agreement would entail “algorithm licenses and other intellectual property rights.”

Wang Jingtao noted that Bytedance will “contract Tiktok’s US user data and content security operations.”

Some analysts interpret these remarks to mean that the US spinoff of Tiktok may still possess the Chinese algorithm.

During a discussion at the Supreme Court in January, Tiktok’s lawyer informed the judge of the challenges in selling the platform to US companies, citing Chinese laws that restrict the sale of its algorithms, which are critical to the success of social media platforms.

US officials have previously expressed concerns that the algorithms determining user content could be susceptible to manipulation by the Chinese government.

Tiktok has countered that the US has not presented any evidence suggesting that China has sought to manipulate content on American platforms.

According to China’s House Selection Committee, any agreement between Beijing and Washington must adhere to laws requiring Tiktok’s sale to avoid a ban in the US.

“If the algorithm remains Chinese, it does not meet compliance. There is no algorithm shared with the US,” a spokesman for China’s House Selection Committee stated.

On Tuesday, Trump further postponed the enforcement of the Tiktok ban until December 16th, marking the fourth delay of legislation aimed at compelling Chinese owners to divest from the app. The latest delay was set to conclude on Wednesday, aligning with a law enacted in 2024 by then-President Joe Biden that aimed to close Tiktok in the US due to its Chinese ownership.

This law aims to address national security concerns linked to Tiktok’s Chinese parent company and its possible connections to the Chinese government.

Nonetheless, the 2024 election campaign heavily relies on social media, with Trump, who has expressed a fondness for Tiktok, continuing to delay the ban.

The app is under scrutiny from US officials worried about data collection practices and content manipulation. Tiktok has consistently denied sharing user data with Chinese authorities and has contested various restrictions in federal courts.

“We have a significant pool of companies interested in acquiring it,” Trump remarked.

China also confirmed what was described as a “framework” for transactions on Monday following phone calls between the two leaders.

After a Reuters inquiry, a senior White House official commented that specifics regarding the framework were “speculation unless disclosed by this administration.”

Reuters and Assen France Press

Source: www.theguardian.com

Nvidia CEO Makes Surprise Visit to Beijing Following Chip Sales Restrictions in China

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The CEO of American chip maker Nvidia recently visited Beijing shortly after the US imposed new restrictions on the sale of AI chips to China.

According to state media-affiliated social media accounts, Jensen Fan’s unexpected visit was in response to an invitation from a trade agency.

China Central Television reported that Huang met with Ren Hongbin, the head of China’s Council to promote international trade.

The official English outlet of the Communist Party released a photo of Huang in Beijing, stating, “It’s three months since I promised to continue working with #China during my last visit.” The hashtag #OpportunityChina was included, previously used in a post promoting US-China exports.

This visit comes amidst a turbulent week for Nvidia. The recently announced US restrictions affect the shipment of the H20 DataCentre GPU, a specialized low-power version of Nvidia chips designed to comply with restrictions on sales to China under the Biden administration.

Amidst the ongoing race for AI dominance between the US and China, the US government informed Nvidia that the new rules aim to mitigate the risk of its products being utilized in Chinese supercomputers.

The company estimates that these new restrictions will cost around $5.5 billion (£4.2 billion) and experienced a 7% drop in its shares on Wednesday.

The tech industry has been under pressure due to US restrictions on high-tech supply to China and widespread tariffs. Nvidia’s shares decline is part of a broader trend in the sector which has seen many companies experiencing significant drops in recent weeks. Trump’s threats of separate tariffs on the global semiconductor industry further add to the uncertainty.

Following the announcement of the new Nvidia chip restrictions, semiconductor companies have pledged to invest up to $500 million in AI infrastructure in the US over the next four years.

Nvidia designs chips but outsources production to contractors like Taiwanese semiconductor manufacturers. TSMC, for instance, has committed to large-scale investment projects in the US, exempting them from tariffs. In response, the White House attributed Nvidia’s decision to “the Trump effect.”

Reportedly, Huang also met with Liang Wenfeng, the founder of Deepseek in Beijing, to discuss new chip designs for AI companies that would not trigger another US ban. Deepseek gained attention in January for its advanced AI chatbot developed with minimal investment, shaking up the tech industry and impacting global stock markets.

The US House of Representatives China Committee has raised concerns about Deepseek potentially using an export-controlled chip to power its AI app, posing a national security threat.

Huang has publicly stated that Nvidia is committed to advancing AI globally while complying with legal requirements and technological advancements under the Trump administration. He reassured reporters that the company will continue its progress in the field.

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Huang’s visit to Beijing created a buzz on social media in China and Taiwan. As a Taiwanese celebrity, he was welcomed by a large number of fans on his recent visit, generating excitement and reports about his activities.

The chaos caused by Trump’s tariffs has raised concerns among global markets and governments, including US allies. Amidst changing tariff rates and negotiations, the focus remains on reshaping trade agreements to address trade imbalances and economic concerns.

Trump’s recent talks with Japan indicate a strategic approach to trade negotiations with various countries, signaling a priority for the US administration in reshaping global trade relations.

Additional report by Jason Tzu Kuan Lu

Source: www.theguardian.com

Two intricately synchronized sessions kick off in Beijing under the Royles of the World Order, China

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aThere is a subtle shift in the atmosphere of the capital as numerous delegates from all over China converge in Beijing this week for the annual parliamentary session. While the common people of China may not focus much on their presence at the Great Hall of the People, a modernist structure from the 1950s located near the western edge of Tiananmen Square, the impact of this week’s Conclave can be felt throughout the city.

Security measures have been heightened. Special uniformed personnel have been deployed to secure the bridges in Beijing. Caution is advised against attempting any stunts like Penn Life’s protest on the Sitton Bridge before the 20th Party Congress in 2022.

Virtual Private Networks, used to bypass Internet censorship, are experiencing slower speeds as authorities tighten control over communication with the outside world. The smooth running of the parallel sessions of the “Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference” and the National People’s Congress, often referred to collectively as the two sessions, is crucial for the Communist Party and represents the most significant annual event on the Chinese political calendar.

From the perspective of Beijing, the outside world seems tumultuous. The ongoing exchange of verbal sparring between the US and Ukrainian presidents on TV, as well as the fragile US-backed ceasefire in Gaza, highlight global instability. Meanwhile, China remains relatively shielded from the news, with minimal coverage aside from a few headlines on tariffs.

Despite the recent imposition of tariffs by China on the US, the trade war does not seem to be a major concern for most Chinese citizens. Many, like 18-year-old Wang Zhichen working in Beijing’s Chaoyang district, feel unaffected by the trade tensions. Wang expresses a positive outlook on US-China relations and focuses on his work despite the economic slowdown in the area.

The economic challenges facing China, including falling real estate prices, job scarcity for millennials and Gen-Z workers, and a general sense of economic uncertainty, have led to a term known as “lying flat” or choosing passivity in society. Beijing is aiming to combat this economic nihilism through fiscal stimulus and measures to stabilize economic growth.

As China’s leaders focus on transitioning the economy towards innovation and investment in the tech sector, the recent success of Deepseek, an AI company, has garnered attention. Deepseek’s advancements in AI technology have drawn investors away from US tech stocks and signaled China’s potential to lead in the AI sector.

While Deepseek continues to make waves in the tech industry, Chinese officials are embracing the company’s success and integrating its technology into various platforms. The optimism surrounding China’s technological advancements and economic policies at this week’s two sessions reflects a hopeful future envisioned by Chinese policymakers and leaders.

Additional research by Jason Tzu Kuan Lu

Source: www.theguardian.com