EnergyInnovationTechnology

China’s HiCloud Pioneers Offshore Wind-Powered Underwater Data Center, Aims for 500MW Expansion

HiCloud has inaugurated a demonstration underwater data center directly powered by offshore wind energy near Shanghai. The company, alongside partners, has signed an agreement to develop a 500MW subsea facility, marking a significant step in integrating digital and marine economies.

Offshore Wind-Powered Data Center Launched

Chinese firm HiCloud has launched a demonstration underwater data center that sources indicate is directly connected to an offshore wind farm. According to reports, the project, located off the coast of Shanghai near the Lingang Special Area, was inaugurated recently, with plans to scale subsea deployments to 500MW. The demonstration site is said to offer 2.3MW of data center capacity, though the exact location of the wind turbines remains undisclosed.

PolicyRareearthsTrade

EU Trade Commissioner to Host Chinese Counterpart for Critical Rare Earth Export Talks

European Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic has extended an invitation to Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao for face-to-face talks in Brussels regarding China’s tightening rare earth export controls. The meeting follows a two-hour constructive phone discussion between the trade officials. EU companies reportedly face significant challenges with export license approvals affecting key industries.

Urgent Diplomatic Engagement

European Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic has invited Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao to Brussels for critical discussions concerning China’s escalating restrictions on rare earth exports, according to reports from Reuters. The invitation comes amid growing concerns within European industries about supply chain disruptions.

MiningPolicyTrade

US and Australia Forge $8.5 Billion Critical Minerals Partnership to Counter China’s Dominance

In a strategic move to counter China’s control over the global rare earth market, the U.S. and Australia have committed billions to critical minerals projects. The agreement aims to secure supply chains vital for modern technology and military systems.

Strategic Alliance Forms Against Rare Earth Dominance

The United States and Australia have reportedly established a significant framework agreement to bolster their critical minerals supply chains, according to sources familiar with the matter. The deal, signed by President Donald Trump and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in the White House Cabinet Room, commits up to $8.5 billion toward projects related to rare earth mineral production and processing.

BusinessDesignRetail

Coach CEO Champions American Design in China Market Amid Tariff Uncertainty

Coach CEO Todd Kahn reveals how American design fuels success with Chinese consumers despite tariff tensions. The brand reports strong growth in Greater China while leveraging social media to capture Gen-Z shoppers worldwide through holistic retail experiences.

Coach’s Strategic Positioning in China

Coach CEO Todd Kahn has expressed confidence in the brand’s ability to succeed with Chinese consumers, attributing this advantage to American design principles. According to Fortune‘s interview with Kahn, Coach’s parent company Tapestry saw Greater China revenue grow 5% to $1.1 billion in its last fiscal year, even as other foreign brands struggle against domestic competitors. “A great bag is a great bag everywhere,” Kahn stated, emphasizing that Coach’s brand positioning “aligns really well with the young Chinese consumer.”