China

Salt Typhoon targets routers in sweeping campaign

Since early 2025, the Chinese-linked hacking group Salt Typhoon has aggressively targeted telecom infrastructure worldwide, compromising routers, switches and edge devices used by clients of major operators such as Comcast, MTN and LG Uplus.

Exploiting known but unpatched vulnerabilities, attackers gained persistent access to these network devices, potentially enabling further intrusions into core telecom systems.

The pattern suggests a strategic shift: the group broadly sweeps telecom infrastructure to establish ready-made access across critical communication channels.

Affected providers emphasised that only client-owned hardware was breached and confirmed no internal networks were compromised, but the campaign raises deeper concerns.

Experts warn that such indiscriminate telecommunications targeting could threaten data security and disrupt essential services, revealing a long-term cyber‑espionage strategy.

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Chinese scientists develop new method to turn Moon dust into fuel

Chinese researchers have developed an innovative method to extract water and generate fuel from lunar soil, offering a potentially game-changing solution for future Moon missions.

By harnessing a ‘photothermal strategy’—a technique that converts light into heat—they demonstrated how carbon dioxide exhaled by astronauts could be transformed into oxygen, hydrogen, and carbon monoxide using water extracted directly from Moon dust.

The breakthrough, detailed in the journal Joule, centres on integrating water extraction with gas conversion in a single, energy-efficient step.

Professor Lu Wang from the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, described the discovery as a surprise, especially the soil’s unexpected catalytic potential. The integrated system could dramatically reduce reliance on costly Earth-supplied water, currently at about $83,000 per gallon.

The team used actual lunar samples collected during China’s Chang’E-5 mission to test their method. These samples, retrieved from the Moon’s near side in 2020, helped validate the concept in controlled lab conditions.

However, researchers caution that challenges such as radiation, microgravity, and extreme temperature fluctuations may complicate implementation on the Moon’s surface.

Even so, the results underscore the rapid progress of space programme in China. From relative obscurity just two decades ago, the country now positions itself as a frontrunner in building a sustainable Moon base, with ambitions to establish a permanent outpost by 2035.

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China now the top DDoS target, says Cloudflare

Cloudflare’s latest DDoS threat report reveals that business competitors initiate most known attacks. Of the customers who identified attackers, 63% blamed rivals, 21% pointed to state-linked actors, and 5% admitted self-inflicted disruptions caused by misconfigurations.

The Q2 report shows China as the most targeted country, followed by Brazil and Germany, while Ukraine, Singapore and Indonesia are listed among the top sources of DDoS traffic. Telecommunications, internet services and gaming are the industries most frequently targeted by attackers.

Cloudflare highlighted that the locations identified as sources often reflect the presence of botnets, proxies or VPNs, not the actual location of threat actors. Countries like the Netherlands appear high on the list due to favourable privacy laws and strong network infrastructure.

The company urged broader participation in its threat intelligence feed to help mitigate risks. Over 600 providers currently use Cloudflare’s data to remove abusive accounts and stop the spread of DDoS attacks across the internet.

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Huang says Chinese AI science is world class

NVIDIA’s CEO has praised China’s open-source AI work during a high-profile visit to Beijing, spotlighting DeepSeek as an example of world-class science and engineering.

At the International Supply Chain Expo, Huang highlighted the global value of Chinese contributions to AI research.

He told former Alibaba executive Wang Jian that Chinese researchers publish more AI papers than any other nation, calling their output A-plus in both science and engineering. Huang named DeepSeek, Alibaba, Tencent, MiniMax, and Baidu’s Ernie Bot globally significant AI leaders.

The visit coincides with a policy shift by the US government allowing Nvidia to resume H20 chip exports to China. Huang confirmed that export licenses are expected soon, potentially unlocking billions in lost revenue.

Industry watchers see this development as pivotal for Nvidia, which had paused shipments under earlier restrictions. The chipmaker’s renewed access to China’s semiconductor market could reshape global AI infrastructure over the next year.

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US moves to block Chinese tech in undersea Internet cables

The United States is moving to strengthen the security of its digital infrastructure by proposing new regulations on undersea internet cables.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) plans to ban the connection of submarine cables to the US if they involve Chinese technology or equipment. It also aims to prohibit companies that are flagged as national security threats, including Huawei and ZTE.

Additionally, the FCC will seek public comments on further measures to protect undersea cable infrastructure, as part of an ongoing review of regulations overseeing the global network of submarine cables that carry 99% of international internet traffic.

These policy moves reflect US concerns over China’s role in internet infrastructure and potential espionage. Since 2020, regulators have blocked multiple cable projects linking the US to Hong Kong due to security risks.

Recent incidents, such as suspected sabotage in the Baltic Sea, Taiwan’s accusations of cable cutting by Chinese vessels, and Houthi-linked damage to cables in the Red Sea, highlight the growing vulnerability of global communications networks.

These steps guard against foreign adversary ownership, cyber threats, and physical sabotage.

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Salt Typhoon compromises critical US infrastructure

A US state’s Army National Guard network was thoroughly compromised by the Chinese cyberespionage group Salt Typhoon from March to December 2024. According to a confidential federal memo, hackers extracted highly sensitive information, including administrator credentials, network maps, and interstate communication data, raising alarm over data leaked across all 50 states and four US territories.

Security analysts caution that the breach goes beyond intelligence gathering. With access to National Guard systems, integral to state-level threat response and civilian support, the group is poised to exploit vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure, particularly during crises or conflict.

Salt Typhoon, linked to China’s Ministry of State Security, has a track record of penetrating telecommunications, energy grids, transport systems, and water utilities. Often leveraging known vulnerabilities in Cisco and Palo Alto equipment, the group has exfiltrated over 1,400 network configuration files from more than 70 US critical infrastructure providers.

Federal agencies, including DHS and CISA, are sounding the alarm: this deep infiltration presents a serious national security threat and indicates a strategic shift in cyber warfare. Navigating Sun Typhoon’s persistent access through local and federal networks is now a top priority in defending the critical systems on which communities rely.

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Tech giants work to avert an AI‑driven energy crisis

The AI boom is triggering alarms in the energy sector, with data centres expected to consume 3% of the world’s electricity by 2030, double today’s share. This projection has spurred tech firms to pursue aggressive efficiency strategies.

Control systems powered by AI regulate cooling more precisely, while liquid cooling systems replace inefficient air-based approaches. Cutting-edge chips and more innovative software have already yielded energy savings of 20–30% per workflow.

Infrastructure improvements mean data-centre support systems now consume just 10% of the energy that powering the servers does. Despite these advances, the total energy demand continues to rise, prompting investments in technology upgrades and low-carbon power sources.

A global race is underway as US and Chinese companies push for increasingly efficient AI chips. Still, experts warn that overall consumption will grow, so efficiency alone won’t be enough. Broad energy planning and sustainable strategies are critical to avoid a looming power crunch as AI proliferates.

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China deploys new malware tool for border phone searches

Chinese authorities reportedly use a powerful new malware tool called Massistant to extract data from seized Android phones. Developed by Xiamen Meiya Pico, the tool enables police to access messages, photos, locations, and app data once they have physical access to a device.

Cybersecurity firm Lookout revealed that Massistant operates via a desktop-connected tower, requiring unlocked devices but no advanced hacking techniques. Researchers said affected users include Chinese citizens and international travellers whose phones may be searched at borders.

The malware leaves traces on compromised phones, allowing for post-infection removal, but authorities already have the data by then. Forums in China have shown increasing user complaints about malware following police interactions.

Massistant is seen as the successor to an older tool, MSSocket, with Meiya Pico now controlling 40% of China’s digital forensics market. They previously sanctioned the firm for its surveillance tech links to the Chinese government’s use.

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Europe’s quantum ambitions meet US private power and China’s state drive

Quantum computing could fundamentally reshape technology, using quantum bits (qubits) instead of classical bits. Qubits allow complex calculations beyond classical computing, transforming sectors from pharmaceuticals to defence.

Europe is investing billions in quantum technology, emphasising technological sovereignty. Yet, it competes fiercely with the United States, which enjoys substantial private investment, and China, powered by significant state-backed funding.

The UK began quantum initiatives early, launching the National Quantum Programme 2014. It recently pledged £2.5 billion more, supporting start-ups like Orca Computing and Universal Quantum, alongside nations like Canada, Israel, and Japan.

Europe accounted for eight of the nineteen quantum start-ups established globally in 2024, including IQM Quantum Computers and Pasqal. Despite Europe’s scientific strengths, it only captured 5% of global quantum investments, versus 50% for the US.

The European Commission aims to strengthen quantum capabilities by funding six chip factories and a continent-wide Quantum Skills Academy. However, attracting sufficient private investment remains a significant challenge.

The US quantum industry thrives, driven by giants such as IBM, Google, Microsoft, IonQ, Rigetti, and D-Wave Quantum. Recent breakthroughs include Microsoft’s topological qubit and Google’s Willow quantum chip.

D-Wave Quantum has demonstrated real-world quantum advantages, solving complex optimisation problems in minutes. Its technology is now used commercially in logistics, traffic management, and supply chains.

China, meanwhile, leads in state-driven quantum funding, investing $15 billion directly and managing a $138 billion tech venture fund. By contrast, US federal investment totals about $6 billion, underscoring China’s aggressive approach.

Global investment in quantum start-ups reached $1.25 billion in Q1 2025 alone, reflecting a shift towards practical applications. By 2040, the quantum market is projected to reach $173 billion, influencing global economics and geopolitics.

Quantum computing raises geopolitical concerns, prompting democratic nations to coordinate through bodies like the OECD and G7. Interoperability, trust, and secure infrastructure have become essential strategic considerations.

Europe’s quantum ambitions require sustained investment, standard-setting leadership, and robust supply chains. Its long-term technological independence hinges on moving swiftly beyond initial funding towards genuine strategic autonomy.

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Nvidia to restart China AI chip sales after US talks

Nvidia has announced plans to resume sales of its H20 AI chip in China, following meetings between CEO Jensen Huang and US President Donald Trump in Beijing.

The move comes after US export controls previously banned sales of the chip on national security grounds, costing Nvidia an estimated $15 billion in lost revenue.

The company confirmed it is filing for licences with the US government to restart deliveries of the H20 graphics processing unit, expecting approval shortly.

Nvidia also revealed a new RTX Pro GPU designed specifically for China, compliant with US export rules, offering a lower-cost alternative instead of risking further restrictions.

Huang, attending a supply chain expo in Beijing, described China as essential to Nvidia’s growth, despite rising competition from local firms like Huawei.

Chinese companies remain highly dependent on Nvidia’s CUDA platform, while US lawmakers have raised concerns about Nvidia engaging with Chinese entities linked to military or intelligence services.

Nvidia’s return to the Chinese market comes as Washington and Beijing show signs of easing trade tensions, including relaxed rare earth export rules from China and restored chip design services from the US.

Analysts note, however, that Chinese firms are likely to keep diversifying suppliers instead of relying solely on US chips for supply chain security.

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