Starlink, ASML and cranes.

"Chinese leader Xi Jinping gained an unprecedented third term as president of the country on Friday (today)." CNBC. He was also "formally reappointed" as Chairman of the Central Military Commission and has "consolidated his control of the ruling party by filling the highest circle of leadership with loyalists." In 2016, he was given the title of 'core leader', "putting him on par with past strongmen like Mao Zedong and Deng Xioping". Reuters. He is referred to as "mighty Uncle Xi - echoing an expression used to greet an emperor". But, of course, if you wear a crown you have to watch out for banana skins. "China needs the capability to shoot down low-earth-orbit Starlink satellites and defend tanks and helicopters against shoulder- fired Javelin missiles, according to Chinese military researchers who are studying Russian military struggles in Ukraine in planning for possible conflict with US-led forces in Asia." Reuters. "Starlink is the world's first and largest satellite constellation using a low-earth orbit to deliver broadband internet capable of supporting streaming, online gaming, video calls and more." Starlink is controlled by SpaceX, which is controlled by Elon Musk, wrote Noah Clarke. To develop advanced missile and satellite technology China needs semiconductor chips. But, "The Dutch government is to put restrictions on the country's 'most advanced' microchip technology exports to protect national security, following a similar move by the US." BBC. "It will include products by chip equipment maker ASML, a key firm in the global microchip supply chain." In January, under pressure from the US, Japan also agreed to restrict exports of chip manufacturing technology to China. The Verge. China will surely increase attempts at accessing technology through espionage. Last month, "US military fighter aircraft shot down a suspected Chinese spy balloon as it floated off the coast of South Carolina." ET. Two US Senators are to introduce a bill "aimed at granting President Joe Biden's administration new powers to ban Chinese-owned video app TikTok and other apps that could pose security risks". Reuters. "Now, American officials raised concerns over the possibility of a 'new tool' of spying hiding in plain sight: giant Chinese-made cranes operating at US ports. TOI. "Officials have compared these 'ship-to-shore' cranes, which are well-built but inexpensive, to a 'Trojan Horse'." While the US is trying to stop supply of technology to China it is supplying vast amounts of money to China as, in 2022, "The annual goods-trade deficit with China widened 8% to $382.9 billion, the biggest on record after the $419.4 billion shortfall in 2018." ET. A tiny portion of that mountain of cash can buy people willing to sell technology secrets to China. China could certainly use a genius billionaire like Elon Musk to develop its own cutting-edge technology, but Chinese billionaires have a habit of disappearing, and are said to be "assisting with investigations". BBC. There is concern that President Joe Biden has early dementia. Newsweek. Dementia, megalomania and disappearing billionaires. Material for a serial?