Another good reason to promote global free trade:
Britain and other Western countries risk running out of supplies of certain highly sought-after rare metals that are vital to a host of green technologies, amid growing evidence that China, which has a monopoly on global production, is set to choke off exports of valuable compounds.
via Concern as China clamps down on rare earth exports – Asia, World – The Independent.
INTELLIGENCE chiefs have warned that China may have gained the capability to shut down Britain by crippling its telecoms and utilities.
They have told ministers of their fears that equipment installed by Huawei, the Chinese telecoms giant, in BT’s new communications network could be used to halt critical services such as power, food and water supplies.
The warnings coincide with growing cyberwarfare attacks on Britain by foreign governments, particularly Russia and China.
Wen Jiabao, China’s prime minister, has voiced concern over the outlook of US government bonds, calling on Washington to ease worries about US assets.
Speaking at his annual news conference on Friday, Wen expressed concern that massive US deficit spending and near-zero interest rates could erode the value of China’s bond holdings.
via Al Jazeera English – Business – China’s Wen worried over US assets .
Chinese Skype users had been delighted to find a way to circumvent their state panopticon, until they found Skype’s Chinese partner had been archiving politically-sensitive words and messages.
Back on May 20, the Times reported plans for the UK’s own phone, email and web browsing database. Time we woke up?
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