FT News Briefing

Explore the thrilling world of semiconductors, where Taiwan stands as a pivotal power in the US-China tech rivalry. Delve into a coordinated cyber attack on Taiwanese chipmakers, revealing the high stakes of cybersecurity. Discover China's ambitious quest for semiconductor self-sufficiency and the challenges it faces. Learn about the fierce competition between Taiwan and China, with aggressive recruitment tactics at play. Finally, examine Taiwan's critical role in global power dynamics against the backdrop of military advancements.

Alice Kemp-Habib, a freelance journalist and reggae expert, discusses the saga of Sister Nancy's iconic song 'Bam Bam,' revealing how it became one of the most sampled tracks without earning her a dime for over 30 years. Tim Harford, the Undercover Economist, shares insights on facing failure, using a Broadway flop that eventually won a Tony as a case study. Together, they explore the cultural significance of reggae and the ongoing struggle for artists' rights in the music industry, highlighting resilience and creative growth.

US President Joe Biden has announced an additional $800 million in military aid to Ukraine amidst shifting military strategies in the region. The podcast dives into the intensifying economic debate over a potential recession, exploring contrasting views on the stability of the U.S. economy. As fears of a recession loom, it discusses the Federal Reserve's policies and their implications for inflation. Meanwhile, signs of easing inflation and market optimism offer a glimmer of hope amid overall economic uncertainty.

Stockpiles of essential industrial metals are critically low, raising concerns in the market. U.S. banks are bracing for significant revenue impacts as deal-making slows down. Meanwhile, Volkswagen is making a bold strategic pivot, prioritizing profitability over volume. This shift could spell the end of affordable car ownership, posing challenges for families and low-income buyers. The automotive giant's focus on luxury brands like Audi and Porsche illuminates broader trends in the industry.

Investors are anxious as another tough U.S. inflation report looms. The war in Ukraine continues to drive a brain drain from Russia, intensifying its demographic crisis. Meanwhile, conservative shareholder activism is on the rise, with record proposals aimed at countering perceived corporate 'woke-ism.' Surprisingly, there are overlapping concerns between conservative and liberal investors. Plus, Epic Games secures an impressive $2 billion in funding to bolster its gaming metaverse ambitions.

The French presidential election is heating up as Emmanuel Macron faces off against Marine Le Pen in a rematch. Public dissatisfaction with Macron's handling of the Ukraine war bolsters Le Pen's campaign. Meanwhile, the 1MDB scandal exposes serious flaws in financial oversight, prompting calls for stronger regulations on Wall Street. On another front, China is adapting to new U.S. compliance laws, reshaping its audit secrecy to prevent the delisting of companies. The podcast dives deep into these critical political and financial tensions.

Nick Shenkin, an FBI special agent and head of the Strategic Technology Task Force in San Francisco, shares insights into the critical issue of Chinese intellectual property theft. He discusses how this espionage fuels China's rise as a tech superpower, examining tactics like insider threats and talent acquisition programs. The conversation highlights the growing distrust affecting US-China scientific collaboration and the implications for both national security and innovation. Shenkin's expertise sheds light on the complex dynamics of this high-stakes tech rivalry.

Tom Faber, gaming critic for the Financial Times, discusses the evolution of celebrity through the Cameo app, reflecting on how it reshapes fan interactions and blurs the lines of fame in the digital age. He critiques the ethical implications of this trend, questioning what it means to pay for personal engagement with celebrities. Additionally, interior designer Luke Edward Hall shares tips for personalized home design, emphasizing individuality and imperfection in creating living spaces that truly resonate with one's personality.

Tensions rise in France as right-wing candidate Marine Le Pen gains momentum, shaking bank shares and bond markets. Meanwhile, the Russian company Rusal demands an investigation into war crimes in Bucha. A lively discussion unfolds on how U.S. sanctions against Russia could impact the dollar's global dominance, with central banks considering alternatives like the renminbi. The resilience of the dollar is also underscored against these geopolitical shifts, alongside the historic confirmation of Ketanji Brown Jackson to the U.S. Supreme Court.

The U.S. has intensified sanctions against Russian banks, sending shockwaves through the global economy. Meanwhile, Brazil's Petrobras faces political turmoil as a new CEO is nominated amidst rising inflation. In a shocking revelation, employees from AutoX allege that the company compromised safety features during test drives to impress investors. This raises serious ethical questions about prioritizing investor appeal over public safety in the autonomous vehicle industry.