Report: China Blocks Use of Intel and AMD Chips in Government Computers

A man walks past the Phoenix Center after its lights are turned off for the Earth Hour environmental campaign in Beijing on March 23, 2024. (Photo by Jade GAO / AFP)
A man walks past the Phoenix Center after its lights are turned off for the Earth Hour environmental campaign in Beijing on March 23, 2024. (Photo by Jade GAO / AFP)
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Report: China Blocks Use of Intel and AMD Chips in Government Computers

A man walks past the Phoenix Center after its lights are turned off for the Earth Hour environmental campaign in Beijing on March 23, 2024. (Photo by Jade GAO / AFP)
A man walks past the Phoenix Center after its lights are turned off for the Earth Hour environmental campaign in Beijing on March 23, 2024. (Photo by Jade GAO / AFP)

China has introduced guidelines to phase out US microprocessors from Intel and AMD from government personal computers and servers, the Financial Times reported on Sunday.
The procurement guidance also seeks to sideline Microsoft's Windows operating system and foreign-made database software in favor of domestic options, the report said.
According to the FT report, Chinese officials have begun following the guidelines, which were unveiled in December.
They order government agencies above the township level to include criteria requiring "safe and reliable" processors and operating systems when making purchases, the newspaper said.
Intel and AMD did not immediately respond to Reuters request for comment.
The US has been aiming to boost domestic semiconductor output and reduce reliance on China and Taiwan with the Biden administration's 2022 CHIPS and Science Act.
It is designed to bolster US semiconductors and contains financial aid for domestic production with subsidies for production of advanced chips.



Saudi Arabia Records Significant Increase in Potato Production

Saudi Arabia Records Significant Increase in Potato Production
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Saudi Arabia Records Significant Increase in Potato Production

Saudi Arabia Records Significant Increase in Potato Production

The Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture announced a remarkable 47% increase in potato production in 2023, achieving a self-sufficiency rate of 86% with over 621,750 tons of potatoes produced compared to 423,770 tons in 2021.

This milestone was achieved after more than 17,000 hectares of land were cultivated with potatoes in 2023, up from 15,890 hectares in 2021. The potato production surge has positively impacted the manufacturing sector, stimulating investment and the use of advanced technologies.

According to the Ministry, overall vegetable production in 2023 reached 3.21 million tons, marking a 19% rise from 2020.

The significant improvement in agricultural productivity and its SAR109 billion contribution to the GDP are attributed to the Ministry's strategic initiatives focused on boosting self-sufficiency, attracting investments, and providing financial support, including increased financing rates for modern technology-based projects.

By prioritizing local production and reducing reliance on imports, the ministry aims to achieve the goals outlined in Saudi Vision 2030 and diversifying the national economy.