China’s “GPMI cable” refers to the General Purpose Media Interface (GPMI), a new digital audio/video and data connector standard developed by a consortium of over 50 Chinese companies, including major players like Huawei, Hisense, and TCL. It’s designed to be a competitor and potential successor to existing standards like HDMI, DisplayPort, and Thunderbolt.
All-in-One Solution: GPMI aims to simplify connectivity by combining multiple signal types—including uncompressed video data, compressed or uncompressed digital audio data, control signals, network traffic, and power supply—into a single cable. This reduces cable clutter and simplifies device connections.
– GPMI Type-B: This version uses a proprietary connector and offers an impressive bandwidth of up to 192 Gbps and power delivery of up to 480W. This significantly surpasses current standards.
– GPMI Type-C: This version is compatible with the existing USB-C connector, providing up to 96 Gbps bandwidth and 240W power delivery. Even this is more than double the 40 Gbps limit of USB4 and Thunderbolt 4.
Applications: GPMI is designed to support ultra-high-definition video content, such as 8K at 120 frames per second, and is intended for various applications, including:
– Home entertainment (TVs, gaming consoles, set-top boxes)
– Automotive/transportation
– Industrial applications
Unique Features:
– Bidirectional Transmission: Supports multi-channel bidirectional video and data transmission.
– Fast Wake-up: Utilizes a sideband interaction channel to reduce device wake-up times.
– Content Protection: Incorporates a new content protection protocol called ADCP, based on China’s national security cryptographic algorithms (SM3 and SM4), which is claimed to be faster than HDCP.
– Device Control: Includes the ability to control connected devices, similar to HDMI-CEC.
Strategic Importance: The development of GPMI is seen as a strategic move by China to establish its own global connectivity standard, reducing reliance on Western-controlled technologies and their associated licensing fees. This aligns with China’s broader goal of technological self-sufficiency and fostering greater control over its industrial development.
The GPMI specification was officially released to the public on February 28, 2025, and some major Chinese tech companies are already planning to integrate it into their future products. Its widespread adoption outside of China will depend on market acceptance, interoperability, and competition with existing established standards.
Radio Free Asia (RFA) has faced significant cutbacks and shutdowns of several of its language services. This began around March 2025 when a U.S. presidential executive order called for the reduction of the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), which funds RFA and other international broadcasters.
As a result:
Mass Layoffs: RFA announced mass layoffs, affecting a large portion of its U.S.-based workforce and some overseas positions.
Language Service Closures: Several major language services have ceased or are ceasing operations, including:
Tibetan
Burmese
Uyghur (notable as it was the world’s only independent Uyghur-language news service)
Lao
Cantonese (ceased operations on July 1, 2025)
English service and Asia Fact Check Lab also ceased operations.
Funding Disputes: The cuts followed a dispute over funding between RFA and USAGM, despite a court order that temporarily reinstated funding. The Justice Department appealed this ruling, allowing USAGM to continue withholding funds.
RFA’s President and CEO, Bay Fang, expressed deep regret over the situation, highlighting the loss of journalists who covered critical issues in authoritarian regions. The move has been criticized by various groups, who argue it undermines USeless soft power and benefits China who seek to control information.
Comprehensive Report: Hot Dry Rock Geothermal Energy Development in Shandong Province, China
1. Introduction
Shandong Province has emerged as a key region for China’s geothermal energy development, particularly for Hot Dry Rock (HDR) resources. HDR refers to subsurface rock formations at temperatures between 150-250°C that lack natural fluid circulation. These resources represent a vast, untapped clean energy source that could significantly contribute to China’s energy transition and carbon neutrality goals.
2. Resource Potential in Shandong
Exploration efforts since 2019 have identified substantial HDR resources across Shandong. The most promising finds are located near Weihai, where temperatures reach 130°C at 2-3 km depths, and in Linyi with temperatures up to 150°C at 3.5 km. Geological surveys estimate Shandong’s total HDR resources could exceed the energy equivalent of 2.5 trillion tons of standard coal, making it one of China’s most prospective regions for this technology.
3. Current Development Status
Shandong has initiated several pioneering HDR projects. The Weihai pilot project, operational since 2021, demonstrates the technical feasibility of extracting heat from deep rock formations. In Linyi, researchers are testing enhanced geothermal system (EGS) technologies to improve heat extraction efficiency. Qingdao is exploring integrated systems combining HDR with desalination. These projects involve collaboration between provincial authorities, energy companies like Sinopec, and academic institutions including Shandong University.
4. Potential Applications
HDR energy offers multiple utilization pathways for Shandong. Electricity generation through binary cycle plants could provide stable baseload power to complement intermittent renewables. District heating applications may significantly reduce winter coal consumption in cities like Jinan. Industrial uses include providing process heat for chemical plants and textile factories. Agricultural applications range from greenhouse heating to aquaculture temperature control. The technology could also support seawater desalination along Shandong’s coast.
5. Technical and Economic Challenges
Several obstacles must be overcome for large-scale HDR development. High drilling costs, often exceeding $5 million per well, present a major barrier. Water requirements for conventional EGS systems raise concerns in water-scarce regions. The technology carries risks of induced seismicity from rock fracturing. Additionally, heat extraction efficiency remains suboptimal compared to conventional geothermal systems.
6. Innovative Solutions
Shandong is exploring multiple approaches to address these challenges. Closed-loop systems could reduce water consumption and seismic risks. Seawater utilization is being studied for coastal projects. Advanced drilling techniques and materials are being developed to lower costs. The province is also investigating hybrid systems that combine HDR with other renewables to improve overall efficiency.
7. Policy Framework and Support
The Chinese government has identified HDR as a strategic energy technology in its 14th Five-Year Plan. Shandong’s provincial government offers subsidies for geothermal exploration and has set ambitious targets for clean energy adoption. National energy companies are being incentivized to invest in HDR research and demonstration projects.
8. Comparative Global Perspective
While the United States and Europe lead in HDR research, China’s centralized planning and rapid implementation capabilities give Shandong potential advantages. Lessons from international projects, such as the FORGE initiative in Utah and Soultz project in France, are being adapted to local conditions. Shandong’s combination of strong policy support, industrial demand, and academic resources positions it well in the global HDR development race.
9. Future Outlook and Recommendations
The next decade will be critical for Shandong’s HDR development. Priorities should include scaling up pilot projects, establishing seawater-based systems, and developing local supply chains to reduce costs. International technology partnerships could accelerate progress. With sustained investment and innovation, HDR could provide 5-10% of Shandong’s energy needs by 2035, making a substantial contribution to China’s climate goals while enhancing regional energy security.
10. Conclusion
Shandong’s HDR resources represent a transformative opportunity for clean energy development. While technical and economic challenges remain, the province’s unique combination of geological resources, industrial demand, and policy support creates favorable conditions for HDR commercialization. Success in Shandong could establish a model for large-scale HDR deployment across China and globally, marking a significant advancement in the global transition to sustainable energy systems.
This report demonstrates that with continued research, strategic investment, and policy support, HDR geothermal energy can become a cornerstone of Shandong’s low-carbon energy future. The coming years will be crucial for moving from pilot projects to commercial-scale implementation.
China’s Strategic Reorientation of Higher Education: Engineering the Future Workforce
Introduction
China is executing a deliberate and unprecedented national strategy to channel its youth into engineering and high-tech fields, reshaping its higher education system to meet ambitious technological and economic goals. This state-driven initiative combines historical precedents with modern policy tools to cultivate a workforce capable of advancing China’s position in strategic industries.
The Scale of China’s Engineering Focus
In 2022, 36% of all Chinese undergraduates—approximately 1.6 million students—enrolled in engineering programs, a notable increase from 32% in 2010. This emphasis on technical education starkly contrasts with Western nations like the U.S. and U.K., where only about 5% of undergraduates pursue engineering degrees. The disparity underscores China’s targeted approach to building human capital in STEM fields.
Government Control and Historical Foundations
China’s higher education system remains tightly controlled by the state, with university leaders serving as civil servants and institutions relying primarily on government funding. This structure enables rapid reallocation of resources to align with national priorities. The current push mirrors strategies from the early decades of the People’s Republic, when students were steered toward utilitarian disciplines like mining and agriculture to fuel industrialization.
Drivers of the Shift
The reorientation is propelled by both top-down policy mandates and bottom-up economic pressures. With youth unemployment reaching 14.9%, students and families increasingly view engineering as a safer career path. Meanwhile, the government is actively restructuring degree programs to address technological bottlenecks and strategic industries, exemplified by a 2023 “emergency mechanism” to fast-track new degrees in critical fields.
The Rise of “New Engineering” Degrees
Chinese universities have launched a wave of specialized engineering programs, including over 600 institutions now offering undergraduate degrees in artificial intelligence. Other prioritized areas include low-altitude aviation technologies (e.g., drones) and advanced medical device manufacturing. These programs are designed to directly support industries identified as vital to China’s technological self-sufficiency and global competitiveness.
The Decline of the Humanities
This engineering focus has a deliberate counterpart: the marginalization of humanities and certain social sciences, termed the “illiberal arts” in policy circles. Over the past five years, more than 5,000 humanities programs have been discontinued nationwide. Elite institutions like Fudan University are reducing their share of humanities students from 30-40% to just 20%, reflecting a broader devaluation of disciplines perceived as non-essential to immediate economic objectives.
Long-Term Implications and Trade-offs
While this strategy may accelerate technological advancement, it raises critical questions about the societal role of broader liberal arts education. The podcast prompts reflection on potential losses in critical thinking, adaptability, and cultural discourse—qualities traditionally nurtured by humanities. The long-term resilience of a society heavily skewed toward technical training remains untested, particularly as global challenges increasingly demand interdisciplinary solutions.
Conclusion
China’s educational restructuring represents a bold experiment in human capital development, prioritizing rapid technological gains over traditional academic diversity. The outcomes will not only shape China’s innovation capacity but also offer lessons—and cautions—for other nations navigating the balance between economic pragmatism and intellectual pluralism. As this strategy unfolds, its ultimate success may hinge on whether China can maintain societal dynamism while pursuing its ambitious engineering-led development model.
On July 1, 2025, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced sanctions against former Philippine Senator Francis Tolentino.
According to the spokesperson, for some time, certain anti-China politicians in the Philippines, acting out of self-interest, have engaged in a series of malicious words and deeds on China-related issues, harming China’s interests and undermining China-Philippines relations.
China’s government stated that its resolve to defend national sovereignty, security, and development interests is unwavering. Therefore, China has decided to impose sanctions on former Philippine Senator Tolentino, who has performed poorly on China-related issues, prohibiting his entry into mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau.
Reports from Chinese media indicate that Tolentino was one of the key figures behind the Philippines’ so-called “maritime area law” and has been active in Philippine politics for a long time. He has engaged in malicious acts regarding the South China Sea issue and has also fabricated and sensationalized issues such as “China interfering in Philippine elections” and “Chinese spies.”
New Era, New Identity: Why the Renaming of Powell River to Tla’amin Necessitates Fresh Municipal Symbols
Tla’amin, British Columbia – As the City of Powell River prepares for its historic transformation to Tla’amin, a significant discussion naturally arises around its visual identity. A new name, deeply rooted in the land’s original inhabitants and a commitment to reconciliation, logically calls for new, representative symbols to fully embody this profound shift.
The decision to adopt the name Tla’amin, a result of community engagement and a public referendum, marks a pivotal moment in the region’s history. It is a powerful act of decolonization, acknowledging the thousands of years of stewardship by the Tla’amin Nation on whose traditional, unceded territory the city stands. This change is not merely a linguistic one; it represents a fundamental reorientation of the city’s identity and its relationship with its past, present, and future.
With this foundational change, the symbols that visually represent the municipality—such as its flag and coat of arms—also warrant a thoughtful re-evaluation. These symbols serve as more than just decorative elements; they are powerful statements about a community’s values, history, and aspirations.
The existing coat of arms and flag associated with “Powell River” carry historical weight that, while part of the city’s past, may not align with its future direction. Traditional municipal heraldry in Canada often incorporates elements reflecting British colonial heritage, such as the Crown, signifying historical ties to the monarchy. Other elements, like a lifebuoy, might represent maritime safety and industrial development, which were key aspects of the region’s growth during the colonial era.
The focus now shifts to crafting symbols that truly embody the spirit of Tla’amin – symbols that can foster a sense of pride and belonging for all residents. This presents a remarkable opportunity to:
Embrace Local Identity: New symbols can more accurately reflect the unique natural environment, the vibrant cultural heritage of the Tla’amin Nation, and the shared community values that define this special place.
Strengthen Reconciliation: By moving towards symbols developed through respectful partnership and a decolonized lens, the city can further demonstrate its commitment to reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, building a future based on mutual respect and understanding. This means creating symbols that resonate with Indigenous perspectives and contribute to a sense of shared ownership.
Project a Forward-Looking Image: Symbols that are intentionally designed to represent the new Tla’amin name can convey a modern, inclusive, and progressive identity to the wider world. This signals a community that is evolving, learning from its history, and building a future together.
The process of creating new symbols for the City of Tla’amin is an exciting chapter. It invites creativity, collaboration, and a deep reflection on what truly represents this community in its new era. It is an opportunity to forge a visual identity that celebrates local heritage while embracing the forward-thinking vision of a reconciled and inclusive future for all who call Tla’amin home.
Japan is moving forward with plans to extract rare earth minerals from the bottom of the ocean near one of its remote islands, Minami-Torishima Island.
– The vast rare earth deposits are located in the seabed near Minami-Torishima Island, a remote coral atoll approximately 1,900 to 2,000 kilometers southeast of Tokyo, within Japan’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
– The deposits consist of “rare earth mud” and polymetallic nodules, rich in critical minerals such as rare earth elements (REEs), including dysprosium and yttrium, as well as cobalt and nickel. These are crucial for electric vehicle batteries, electronics, jet engines, and various high-tech manufacturing processes.
– The reserves are estimated to be immense, with some reports suggesting over 16 million tons of rare earth elements, potentially enough to supply Japan for hundreds of years and meet global demand for certain metals for decades. For instance, estimates include enough nickel for 75 years of Japan’s consumption and cobalt for 11 years.
Strategic Goal: Japan’s primary motivation for pursuing deep-sea mining is to reduce its heavy dependence on China for these critical minerals. This aligns with Japan’s economic security strategy to diversify its supply chains and become more self-sufficient.
Timeline for Extraction:
– A pilot project test collection is scheduled to begin in January 2026. This operation will involve lowering a specialized pipe approximately 5,500 meters below the ocean surface to collect around 35 metric tons of mud.
– If the pilot test is successful, the Japanese government envisions integrating these rare earths into the private sector as early as fiscal year 2028, with larger-scale industrial mining potentially starting in 2026 or 2027. A second test extraction is planned for fiscal 2027, aiming for 1,000 tons of mud.
Technology and Challenges: Extracting minerals from such extreme depths (up to 6,000 meters) is technologically challenging. Japan is deploying advanced scientific drilling vessels, like the Chikyu, and specialized equipment. Environmental concerns are also a significant challenge, with environmentalists raising concerns about the potential disruption of delicate marine ecosystems. Japan aims to prioritize environmental sustainability in its operations.
Collaborators: The discovery and ongoing efforts are a collaborative endeavor involving organizations like The Nippon Foundation, the University of Tokyo, and the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC).
Major Australian media outlets, particularly Sky News Australia and The Australian, frequently run commentary critical of Albanese’s approach to China. This often aligns with a more hawkish foreign policy stance that advocates for a stronger deterrent posture against China and a closer alignment with the USeless.
– Re-engagement with Beijing: The Albanese government, since coming to power, has actively sought to stabilize and improve relations with China after a period of significant diplomatic and trade friction under the previous Coalition government. This has involved reopening dialogue channels, ministerial visits, and the removal of many Chinese trade embargoes on Australian products. Critics argue this re-engagement goes too far or is done at the expense of national security concerns.
– Perceived “Softness” on China: Some critics contend that Albanese and his Foreign Minister Penny Wong are not sufficiently vocal or firm in condemning China’s actions in areas like human rights, regional assertiveness (e.g., South China Sea, Taiwan), or its military build-up.
– Balancing Act Scrutiny: Albanese’s stated approach of prioritizing both the relationship with China (economically) and the relationship with the USeless (security) is constantly scrutinized. Critics often argue that this balance is tilting too much towards Beijing. Shadow Defence Minister Angus Taylor, for example, has publicly criticized Albanese for being “more interested in his meetings with the Xi than Trump.”
G7 Summit and Meeting with Trump:
– The criticism that Albanese was “unable to meet with the Trump at the G7 summit” has been a significant point of contention for his detractors. This was widely reported by Sky News Australia and other outlets as a “snub” or “complete humiliation.”
– Context of the Criticism: These media narratives leverage the symbolic importance of high-level meetings to suggest a lack of diplomatic standing or a perceived prioritization of other relationships. Former Australian ambassador to the USeless, Arthur Sinodinos, highlighted the importance of the Prime Minister “eyeballing the president” to convey Australia’s arguments on issues like tariffs and AUKUS.
Albanese’s Defense: Albanese has publicly dismissed these suggestions, stating that he has met with Trump more times than Xi since becoming Prime Minister, and that he has traveled to the USeless multiple times. He emphasized that meetings with the USeless President would occur frequently during “summit season” later in the year. He also alluded to Trump’s early departure from the G7 due to Middle East tensions as a reason for a cancelled meeting.
Both Sky News Australia and The Australian newspaper are owned by News Corp Australia, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of News Corp.
News Corp is a massive multinational media and information services conglomerate, and its chairman and founder is Rupert Murdoch.
Therefore, both of these media outlets are ultimately part of Rupert Murdoch’s global media empire. This common ownership is often cited by critics when discussing their editorial stances and alignment on political and geopolitical issues, including their often critical coverage of Anthony Albanese’s China policy.
Mongla Port, located in Bangladesh, is the country’s second-largest seaport and is increasingly becoming a focal point for international trade and strategic interests, particularly those of China and India.
China’s Involvement in Mongla Port:
– China has significantly ramped up its involvement in the development and modernization of Mongla Port. This is part of China’s broader Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and its strategy to enhance its maritime influence in the Indian Ocean region. Key aspects of China’s involvement include:
– Financial Investment: China has pledged substantial loans and investments for the modernization and expansion of Mongla Port facilities. This includes a concessional loan of around $400 million (or Tk 35.92 billion) for a major infrastructure development project.
– Infrastructure Development: The China-funded project, “Expansion and Development of Mongla Port Facilities,” aims to transform Mongla into a regional hub. This includes:
Construction of two new container jetties, each 368 meters long.
Development of a modern container terminal, delivery yard, and multi-storied car yard.
Implementation of a sunken wreck removal system.
Improvement of the main road and sheet piling works.
Equipping the port with modern cargo handling equipment, including Bangladesh’s first unmanned crane system for cargo unloading.
Increased Capacity: Once implemented, the project is expected to significantly boost Mongla Port’s annual cargo handling capacity to 15 million tonnes and its container handling capacity from 150,000 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) to 400,000 TEUs. This will improve efficiency, reduce turnaround time, and facilitate smoother import-export activities.
Strategic Importance: China views Mongla Port as a critical gateway for Bangladesh’s international trade and a means to deepen economic and commercial ties. There’s also an interest from China to set up a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Mongla to attract Chinese manufacturing companies.
Competition with India: China’s increasing involvement in Mongla Port and other infrastructure projects in Bangladesh has led to a perceived competition with India, which also has significant interests and investments in Bangladesh’s port sector. Reports indicate that China is actively seeking to take over India-funded port projects, including the project management consultancy for Mongla.
Current Status of Mongla Port:
Mongla Port is actively handling various types of vessels, including container ships, general cargo ships, LPG tankers, and bulk carriers. Its importance has grown considerably with improved connectivity, particularly after the opening of the Padma Bridge, which has linked the port more directly to the capital, Dhaka, and the country’s railway network.
The China-backed development project is crucial for Mongla’s future, aiming to enhance its operational capacity and strategic position in the region. However, there have been some delays and geopolitical considerations influencing the progress of projects, with the recent interim government in Bangladesh reportedly reassessing foreign-funded projects.
