China’s Xi Attacks Calls for Technology Blockades

Women take a selfie with a communist party's logo on display at Tiananmen Square to mark the 100th anniversary of the founding of the ruling Chinese Communist Party in Beijing on Monday, July 5, 2021. (AP)
Women take a selfie with a communist party's logo on display at Tiananmen Square to mark the 100th anniversary of the founding of the ruling Chinese Communist Party in Beijing on Monday, July 5, 2021. (AP)
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China’s Xi Attacks Calls for Technology Blockades

Women take a selfie with a communist party's logo on display at Tiananmen Square to mark the 100th anniversary of the founding of the ruling Chinese Communist Party in Beijing on Monday, July 5, 2021. (AP)
Women take a selfie with a communist party's logo on display at Tiananmen Square to mark the 100th anniversary of the founding of the ruling Chinese Communist Party in Beijing on Monday, July 5, 2021. (AP)

Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Tuesday attacked calls from some in the US and its allies to limit their dependency on Chinese suppliers and block the sharing of technologies.

In a speech to representatives of leftist political parties in more than 100 countries, Xi said China’s ruling Communist Party has succeeded in raising the country from poverty and created a new model of development.

Such experiences should be shared and no country should “obstruct the development of other countries and harm their people’s lives through political manipulation,” Xi said.

“We must jointly oppose anyone engaging in technological blockades, technological division and decoupling of development,” Xi said.

Decoupling has become a byword from some in the US and elsewhere for ending dependency on Chinese supply lines, especially for high-tech products such as smart phones and computers.

Xi’s speech, carried live online, comes days after he delivered a defiant address marking the Communist Party’s centenary, saying China will not be bullied and will punish anyone who tries.

Xi tends to alter his tone depending on whether he’s speaking to a domestic or international audience, according to analysts.

“Xi is a risk taker but he is not reckless,” said Steve Tsang, director of the China Institute at the University of London’s School of Oriental and African Studies.



KACST Manufactures 25 Advanced Electronic Chips by Saudi Talents

The chip design process involved researchers from the National Laboratory, alongside students from four Saudi universities. (SPA)
The chip design process involved researchers from the National Laboratory, alongside students from four Saudi universities. (SPA)
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KACST Manufactures 25 Advanced Electronic Chips by Saudi Talents

The chip design process involved researchers from the National Laboratory, alongside students from four Saudi universities. (SPA)
The chip design process involved researchers from the National Laboratory, alongside students from four Saudi universities. (SPA)

Saudi Arabia’s King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) announced on Thursday its successful design and fabrication of 25 advanced electronic chips, developed by Saudi talents in its cleanroom laboratories for purposes of training, research, and development.

The achievement is part of KACST’s ongoing efforts to support and enable the semiconductor ecosystem in the Kingdom.

These chips are distinguished by their versatility and can be used in a range of applications, including electronics, wireless and high-frequency communications, integrated circuits, energy-efficient lighting, micro-sensor systems, as well as industrial and research applications in measurement and testing.

The chip design process involved researchers from the National Laboratory, alongside students from four Saudi universities. This effort was conducted under the initiatives of the Saudi Semiconductors Program (SSP), which aims to build national expertise in this critical field.

The chips can be used in a range of applications. (SPA)

This milestone is part of a series of strategic initiatives led by KACST to support the semiconductor sector in the Kingdom, including the Saudi Semiconductors Program to boost research and development and qualify human talent and the "Ignition" semiconductor incubator program to support startups and entrepreneurs.

Through these initiatives, KACST underscored its commitment to the ambitious goals of Saudi Vision 2030 by localizing strategic technologies, empowering national talent, and achieving technological self-sufficiency in advanced domains.