(Free) Xi Skips the G-20 as the MSS Puts APEC in Question; More Fallout from the Huawei FU; Rahm Emmanuel Has Takes; Apple Needs VR Help
Sep 6, 2023
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Bill Bishop, author of Sinocism, discusses Xi Jinping's absence from international summits, MSS encouraging spying, Huawei's defiance of US export controls, Apple's shift to Chinese suppliers, unauthorized access to US military installations by Chinese nationals, and understanding Chinese perspectives through various sources including Kaishin.
Apple is testing advanced displays from Chinese suppliers for its mixed reality headsets, highlighting China's efforts to compete in high-end technologies.
US Ambassador Rahm Emanuel emphasizes the need to be cautious in negotiating with China, citing their alleged theft and deceptive tactics.
Huawei's recent chip breakthrough has patriotic nationalist implications and could impact the company's relationship with the US.
Deep dives
Apple testing advanced displays from Chinese suppliers for future models
Apple is currently testing advanced displays made by Chinese suppliers B.O.E. Technology and C.A. Technology for possible inclusion in future models of its vision pro mixed reality headsets. Apple's move to evaluate these Chinese displays highlights the country's efforts to become more competitive in high-end technologies and reduce reliance on foreign tech. While there is no guarantee that the Chinese suppliers can meet Apple's quality standards, Apple has been known to embed its own engineers at supplier factories to help improve manufacturing quality.
Rahm Emanuel speaks candidly about US-China relations
During an interview on the Wall Street Journal's 'What's News' podcast, US Ambassador to Japan, Rahm Emanuel, expressed his candid views on China's behavior and the need to be cautious in negotiating with the Chinese Communist Party. Emanuel criticized China's alleged theft of intellectual property and products, their use of lying and cheating, and the risks associated with negotiating without being cognizant of these tactics. He emphasized the importance of understanding China's behavior and not getting in the way of their actions, pointing out that the US needs to protect its own interests and not be fooled by false promises from the Chinese government.
Apple tests advanced displays from Chinese suppliers for possible inclusion in future models
Apple is reportedly testing advanced displays from Chinese suppliers B.O.E. Technology and C.A. Technology for its vision pro mixed reality headsets. This move indicates China's ability to produce high-end technologies and reduce reliance on foreign tech. The company is evaluating the displays for future models of both the vision pro and a more affordable headset. Apple's engineers may work with the Chinese suppliers to improve manufacturing quality and ensure they meet Apple's standards. Access to these displays would help Apple reduce the cost of its vision pro headsets, promoting wider adoption.
PRC's Chip Breakthrough: A Message and Propaganda Win, but Risks for SMIC
The recent chip breakthrough by Huawei can be seen as a message from the PRC side that they have succeeded, even if the actual impact may not be substantial. This achievement has patriotic nationalist implications and could be hailed as a propaganda win. However, it also poses risks for SMIC, the Chinese tech sector, and the relationship with the US. Depending on the US response, such as harsher steps against SMIC, it could lead to more problems for the company. The Biden administration's reaction and the loopholes in export controls regulations will shape the outcome. There is a possibility that SMIC may face blowback, impacting their stock price and reinforcing the argument that US sanctions are ineffective.
Chinese Nationals Gatecrashing US Military Installations: Potential Espionage Threat
Chinese nationals gaining unauthorized access to US military bases and sensitive sites have become a potential espionage threat, with incidents occurring as many as a hundred times in recent years. These gatecrashing incidents involve individuals, including diplomats, intentionally or unintentionally trespassing without proper authorization. While some incidents may be innocent, the US government's concerns and actions to limit such occurrences suggest a deeper issue. These incidents fuel the belief that the MSS and other security services are recruiting ordinary citizens to spy abroad, creating paranoia and implicating innocent people. The extent of classified information regarding PRC activities and its potential impact remains largely unknown.