Monday, Jun 02, 2025 // (IG): BB // GITHUB // SN R&D
TOOL DROP:
A world map that visualizes active proxy servers from multiple sources worldwide, featuring automated data collection, real-time analytics, and beautiful visualizations. Updates every 6 hours using GitHub Actions and deploys seamlessly to GitHub Pages.
China Vows Retaliation Over U.S. “Violation” of Rare Earths Trade Truce
Bottom Line Up Front (BLUF): China’s Ministry of Commerce has accused the U.S. of “seriously violating” a rare earth trade truce agreed in Geneva on May 12, 2025. Beijing says it will retaliate with strong measures if Washington continues what it calls “discriminatory” actions, including restrictions on Huawei and chip design software. U.S. officials are frustrated over slow Chinese export approvals despite the truce, adding tension to an already strained U.S.-China trade relationship.
Analyst Comments: The slow pace of Chinese approvals suggests Beijing may be using bureaucratic tactics to retain leverage while testing Washington’s patience. For the U.S., the move underscores the risks of supply chain vulnerabilities in strategic industries, potentially reinforcing calls for domestic rare earth development. Expect this standoff to impact both diplomatic and supply chain stability, with possible repercussions for European and Indian industrial supply chains.
FROM THE MEDIA: China has claimed the U.S. had introduced a series of “discriminatory and restrictive measures” that breached the Geneva trade truce agreed in May. The U.S. had hoped the agreement would restart exports of rare earth minerals and related magnets crucial for American industry. However, U.S. officials expressed frustration with the slow pace of Chinese export approvals. The Chinese government, meanwhile, accused Washington of undermining the truce by restricting sales of chip design software, warning against Huawei chips, and canceling visas for Chinese students. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent acknowledged concerns about Chinese compliance but noted recent approvals of some shipments. Still, dozens more applications remain in limbo. Tensions are expected to escalate if the U.S. presses China further.
READ THE STORY: FT
China’s Rare Earth Export Curbs Threaten U.S. Supply Chain
Bottom Line Up Front (BLUF): China has announced restrictions on the export of critical rare earth metals, which are vital for U.S. high-tech industries and defense systems. The move comes amid ongoing geopolitical tensions and trade disputes, raising concerns about the stability of global supply chains and potential impacts on semiconductor, electric vehicle, and military equipment production.
Analyst Comments: The restrictions are likely to accelerate U.S. efforts to diversify its supply base and invest in domestic production capabilities. However, establishing alternative sources could take years, leaving industries vulnerable in the near term. Moreover, this development underscores the strategic importance of rare earths in economic and national security, prompting renewed focus on stockpiling and supply chain resilience.
FROM THE MEDIA: While the controls do not amount to a total ban, they require export licenses and could delay shipments. The announcement follows rising tensions over technology trade and U.S. restrictions on Chinese tech firms. Rare earth elements are critical for manufacturing a range of advanced products, including semiconductors, electric vehicle batteries, and military equipment. The U.S. currently imports the majority of these materials from China, raising alarms about supply vulnerabilities.
READ THE STORY: The New York Times
John Bolton on Trump’s Foreign Policy: “What He Wants is the Nobel Peace Prize”
Bottom Line Up Front (BLUF): John Bolton—former National Security Adviser under President Trump—criticized his former boss’s foreign policy ambitions, claiming that Trump is more motivated by personal accolades, including the Nobel Peace Prize, than by coherent strategy. Bolton warned that Trump’s approach to international relations prioritizes headlines over substance and said his policies could undermine U.S. credibility and security.
Analyst Comments: His characterization of Trump’s diplomatic efforts as self-serving highlights ongoing debates about America’s global leadership role. Bolton’s comments also align with concerns that Trump’s transactional style could embolden adversaries while alienating allies. The interview reflects growing friction between Republican hawks and Trump’s more isolationist tendencies, signaling potential challenges ahead in defining the party’s foreign policy identity.
FROM THE MEDIA: In the El País interview, John Bolton argued that Donald Trump’s foreign policy decisions are driven primarily by the desire for accolades rather than by any long-term vision for America’s role in the world. Bolton, who served briefly as Trump’s National Security Adviser, claimed that Trump’s key foreign policy moves—such as efforts to broker deals in the Middle East or with North Korea—were aimed at boosting his personal prestige rather than securing meaningful outcomes. He warned that this focus on showmanship could make America’s global commitments less credible. Bolton also discussed the risks of Trump’s transactional approach to diplomacy, noting that it leaves U.S. allies uncertain and could embolden authoritarian leaders.
READ THE STORY: El PAIS
China’s Mini Nuclear Reactor Promises Clean Power for Millions of Homes
Bottom Line Up Front (BLUF): China is advancing a small modular reactor (SMR) program that could power hundreds of thousands of homes with clean energy. The newly developed Linglong One, a 125-megawatt pressurized water reactor, is touted as safe, flexible, and capable of deployment in remote areas or industrial parks.
Analyst Comments: While the Linglong One’s design addresses many safety and scalability concerns that have plagued larger reactors, challenges remain regarding regulatory approval, waste management, and public acceptance. If successful, this project could accelerate global adoption of SMRs, potentially reshaping nuclear energy markets and enhancing China’s influence in the global energy transition.
FROM THE MEDIA: The Linglong One is reportedly the first SMR to receive approval from the International Atomic Energy Agency. Designed by the China National Nuclear Corporation, it features advanced safety systems, passive cooling, and a modular construction process that reduces build time and costs. With a planned operational lifespan of 60 years, the reactor is part of China’s broader push to diversify its energy mix and decarbonize its economy.
READ THE STORY: IE
SpaceX Launches 27 Starlink Satellites, Strengthening Global Internet Coverage
Bottom Line Up Front (BLUF): SpaceX successfully launched 27 new Starlink satellites from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on May 30, 2025. The mission marks another step in expanding SpaceX’s low Earth orbit satellite constellation, designed to deliver broadband internet worldwide.
Analyst Comments: The latest Starlink deployment reinforces SpaceX’s leadership in commercial satellite broadband, extending its network capabilities and increasing capacity for customers. With over 6,000 satellites in orbit, Starlink aims to reduce global connectivity gaps, though regulatory and competition challenges persist in several regions. The constant addition of satellites also raises ongoing questions about orbital congestion and long-term space sustainability, issues that regulators and industry leaders must address.
FROM THE MEDIA: SpaceX launched 27 Starlink satellites aboard a Falcon 9 rocket on May 30, 2025. The launch occurred from Vandenberg Space Force Base at 2:35 a.m. local time and marked the 57th Falcon 9 flight of the year. The first stage booster, making its 18th flight, successfully returned to Earth with a landing on the droneship “Of Course I Still Love You” in the Pacific Ocean. The newly deployed satellites join the growing Starlink constellation, which now exceeds 6,000 satellites in orbit. Starlink’s network currently provides internet access to over 60 countries, with new services launching in Africa and South America.
READ THE STORY: SPACE
Google Researcher Warns Quantum Computing Could Threaten Bitcoin’s Encryption Sooner Than Expected
Bottom Line Up Front (BLUF): A senior researcher at Google has cautioned that quantum computing could break Bitcoin’s core cryptographic protections far sooner than many experts had previously believed. The remarks highlight accelerating advances in quantum algorithms and hardware, raising concerns about the security of blockchain systems reliant on elliptic curve cryptography (ECC).
Analyst Comments: While Bitcoin’s distributed ledger itself might remain intact, its signatures could be forged or user funds stolen once quantum computers reach sufficient power. Although practical attacks are not imminent, the pace of quantum development—especially with government and corporate investments—means that the window to prepare is shrinking. Forward-looking projects should integrate post-quantum cryptography now to avoid a chaotic scramble when quantum threats become real.
FROM THE MEDIA: CoinDesk reports that Hartmut Neven, a senior researcher at Google, told attendees at the Quantum Tech conference that quantum computers could break Bitcoin’s ECC protections “far easier than initially thought.” He cited recent progress in error correction, algorithms, and scalable qubit systems that are reducing the estimated timeline for practical quantum attacks. Bitcoin relies on ECC to secure transactions, and once quantum computers can efficiently run Shor’s algorithm, private keys could be derived from public keys—jeopardizing the integrity of wallets and signatures. While experts have long warned that Bitcoin’s ECC would eventually succumb to quantum threats, Neven’s comments suggest that day may come sooner than expected.
READ THE STORY: Coindesk
3D-Printed Soft Robot Demonstrates Walking Capability
Bottom Line Up Front (BLUF): Researchers at the University of California San Diego have created a fully 3D-printed soft robot capable of walking without any electronics or external power source. The design relies on pneumatic actuators controlled by the structure itself, representing a significant step forward in soft robotics with potential applications in hazardous environments or human-robot interaction.
Analyst Comments: The lack of rigid components or traditional electronics could lead to applications in search-and-rescue, medical robotics, or exploration in harsh conditions. However, challenges remain in scaling up complexity, integrating control systems, and achieving reliable energy-efficient operation.
FROM THE MEDIA: According to New Atlas, the research team at UC San Diego engineered the robot using an innovative 3D-printing technique that combines soft and rigid materials in a single print. The robot uses pressurized air to inflate and deflate its legs in a precise sequence, achieving a walking gait on flat surfaces. The design’s key breakthrough is a network of air channels that distribute pressure in a controlled way, replacing the need for electronic valves. The researchers hope future iterations could incorporate more complex movements and applications.
READ THE STORY: New Atlas
Dutch Minister Warns of Intensifying Chinese Cyber Threat Targeting Semiconductor Industry
Bottom Line Up Front (BLUF): Dutch Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans has warned that Chinese cyber-espionage targeting the Netherlands’ semiconductor, aerospace, and maritime industries is intensifying. The Dutch military intelligence agency confirmed China as the primary cyber threat, especially seeking technology that could strengthen China’s armed forces. The Netherlands is responding with new protective measures for key industries.
Analyst Comments: China’s sustained cyber-espionage efforts targeting high-tech industries like semiconductors align with its long-term strategy of acquiring advanced technology to boost its domestic military and industrial capabilities. The Dutch government’s candid acknowledgment of these threats signals a growing European shift toward caution and technological decoupling from China. With the semiconductor sector being a strategic asset for both economic and defense reasons, this escalation of cyber activities underscores the need for robust cybersecurity defenses and supply chain protections. Expect increased scrutiny of Chinese investments and potential legislative moves to curb technology transfer.
FROM THE MEDIA: The main target is the Dutch semiconductor industry, which is considered technologically advanced and critical for national security. Brekelmans emphasized that Chinese state-backed actors are seeking to steal intellectual property to boost China’s defense capabilities. The Dutch military intelligence agency previously reported that Chinese hackers had compromised a Dutch military network in 2023, and these activities have continued unabated. The Netherlands is developing new measures to protect key sectors and reduce dependence on China for critical raw materials. China’s foreign ministry has routinely denied involvement in cyberattacks and opposed all forms of cyber-espionage.
READ THE STORY: ET
CUNY Scientists Confirm Time Reflections, Opening Door to Revolutionary Technologies
Bottom Line Up Front (BLUF): Researchers at the CUNY Advanced Science Research Center have experimentally confirmed time reflections—waves reversing their progression through time—marking a pivotal advance in physics. This breakthrough, theorized since the 1970s, challenges conventional understandings of wave dynamics and symmetry. It also opens avenues for transformative applications in wireless communications, radar systems, and advanced imaging.
Analyst Comments: By proving that electromagnetic waves can indeed reverse in time, CUNY researchers have shifted the theoretical into the realm of practical engineering. The potential to manipulate time-reflected signals could revolutionize secure communications, making eavesdropping extremely difficult, and radically improve radar sensitivity and resolution. Moreover, this finding deepens the symmetry between time and space, which could influence research in thermodynamics and quantum mechanics. The next step will be scaling this phenomenon from controlled laboratory conditions to real-world systems—a formidable but exciting challenge.
FROM THE MEDIA: The phenomenon of time reflections—where electromagnetic waves reverse their progression through time—has been experimentally verified for the first time by scientists at the City University of New York (CUNY) Advanced Science Research Center. Using a metal strip with fast-switching electronic components, the team doubled its electrical impedance almost instantaneously, forcing a wave to invert in time. This result validates a theory from the 1970s that had previously remained in the realm of hypothesis. The discovery not only advances fundamental physics but also points to future applications, including advanced radar, wireless communication, and metamaterials capable of unprecedented wave control.
READ THE STORY: Sustainability Times
Items of interest
Mozi Satellite’s Quantum Security: From Unhackable Claims to Critical Vulnerabilities (We called it)
NOTE:
One of the most revealing developments in the Mozi satellite saga is that the South China Morning Post (SCMP)—a Chinese state-affiliated outlet—has shifted from celebrating the “unhackable” status of China’s flagship quantum satellite in early 2024 to headlines like “China’s quantum satellite can be hacked” by June 2025. This shift likely reflects a deliberate strategy of damage management: by reporting vulnerabilities through a friendly media channel, Chinese authorities can control the narrative and preempt more damaging foreign disclosures.
At the same time, highlighting these vulnerabilities can project an image of technological transparency, bolstering China’s credibility in global technology discussions and in shaping international quantum standards. It also helps deflect criticism by focusing on technical flaws rather than broader systemic issues, while setting the stage for next-generation systems—acknowledging current limitations while justifying continued investment.
SCMP’s coverage follows a classic information management playbook: attributing the discovery to Alexander Miller (a researcher with Russian ties) to maintain the credibility of Chinese quantum research, using technical jargon to downplay public concern, and presenting potential countermeasures to reassure audiences. By shifting from triumphant messaging to proactive vulnerability disclosure, China demonstrates a sophisticated approach to information warfare—retaining technological credibility while controlling how vulnerabilities are framed and discussed internationally.
Bottom Line Up Front (BLUF): China’s Mozi quantum satellite, once hailed for enabling “unhackable” communications, has been vulnerable due to implementation flaws. Although its 2024 test with Russia was initially celebrated for achieving secure quantum communication across 2,300 miles, later research revealed timing mismatches in laser diodes that could compromise security in 98.7% of cases. This case study highlights bridging theoretical quantum security and real-world implementation challenges.
Analyst Comments: The Mozi satellite exemplifies how emerging technologies often face a credibility gap between theoretical promise and operational reality. The vulnerabilities found in its decoy-state BB84 protocol—due to subtle timing inconsistencies—demonstrate that even advanced quantum systems can be susceptible to side-channel attacks. This finding underscores the need for rigorous, independent security testing and continuous monitoring of quantum communication systems, especially as space-based implementations scale up. The geopolitical implications are also significant, as Mozi’s vulnerabilities could affect China’s strategic posture and its partnerships, such as the Russia-China collaboration showcased in 2024.
FROM THE MEDIA: In January 2024, Chinese and Russian scientists touted a successful test of quantum-encrypted communication between Moscow and China’s Xinjiang region, calling it a milestone in global quantum networking. However, cybersecurity experts warned early that theoretical quantum security doesn’t guarantee immunity to real-world attacks. In May 2025, Alexander Miller of the National University of Singapore revealed that timing mismatches in Mozi’s laser diodes allowed attackers to distinguish between signal and decoy states—a critical flaw in the satellite’s decoy-state BB84 protocol, leading to a vulnerability rate of up to 98.7%. The flaw highlights the importance of comprehensive testing and realistic assessments in high-profile quantum technology projects.
READ THE STORY: SCMP (STATE SPONSORED) // NEWSWEEK // CYBERROUNDUP
China’s Hackable Quantum Time Bomb (Video)
FROM THE MEDIA: China’s Mozi quantum satellite, once hailed for enabling “unhackable” communications, has been vulnerable due to implementation flaws. Although its 2024 test with Russia was initially celebrated for achieving secure quantum communication across 2,300 miles, later research revealed timing mismatches in laser diodes that could compromise security in 98.7% of cases. This case study highlights bridging theoretical quantum security and real-world implementation challenges.
China's Quantum Leap: Unhackable Satellite Link with South Africa (Video)
FROM THE MEDIA: A very hackable Satellite link with South Africa.
The selected stories cover a broad array of cyber threats and are intended to aid readers in framing key publicly discussed threats and overall situational awareness. InfoDom Securities does not endorse any third-party claims made in its original material or related links on its sites; the opinions expressed by third parties are theirs alone. For further questions, please contact InfoDom Securities at dominanceinformation@gmail.com.