China Adjusts Its Tech Strategy While SoftBank Invests $22.5B in AI Prospects

China’s recent move to temporarily lift its export ban on dual-use materials to the United States has attracted attention amid ongoing trade and technology disputes, according to a

. The Ministry of Commerce stated that the suspension of restrictions on gallium, germanium, antimony, and superhard materials—essential for semiconductor production—will continue until November 2026, as reported by Reuters. The original controls, introduced in December 2024 to safeguard national interests, have now been paused, signaling that Beijing may be reassessing its position in the global tech competition, Reuters added.

At the same time, shifting geopolitical and economic dynamics are influencing international relations. China Eastern Airlines has restarted direct flights between Shanghai and Delhi, achieving a 95% passenger load, which marks the first such route operated by a mainland Chinese airline in 2025, according to a

. This connection, important for both economies, is anticipated to enhance trade and cultural interaction as the two countries rebuild ties after the pandemic. Additionally, India’s IndiGo is preparing to begin daily flights to Guangzhou, reflecting an improvement in relations that had deteriorated after the 2020 Galwan Valley incident, the report notes.

In technology, SoftBank Group’s bold shift in investment strategy has made waves in global markets. The Japanese firm has divested its entire $5.83 billion holding in

, resulting in a 10% decline in Nvidia’s share price, according to a . The capital raised is set to support a $22.5 billion investment in OpenAI and acquisitions such as Ampere Computing and ABB’s robotics unit, as reported by CNBC. While some experts see this as a calculated move toward artificial intelligence, others are concerned about the risks of concentrating investments, the report says. SoftBank’s Vision Fund, known for backing innovative technologies, is now under scrutiny regarding its ability to achieve similar success in the increasingly crowded AI sector, according to a .

The artificial intelligence industry itself is experiencing major changes. Meta’s chief AI scientist, Yann LeCun, is preparing to leave and start a new company focused on “world models”—AI systems that can mimic and interpret the real world, according to a

. LeCun’s departure highlights differing views within Meta, where CEO Mark Zuckerberg has emphasized the commercialization of large language models over foundational research. LeCun’s new venture, which aims to secure funding for projects outside the LLM framework, reflects a wider debate in the industry about the direction of AI research, as noted by Unite.

As global technology leaders and policymakers adapt to these changes, the relationship between trade regulations, investment strategies, and innovation will likely shape the next era of economic rivalry. China’s dual-use export measures, SoftBank’s AI-focused investments, and the shifting landscape of AI research all underscore the intricate dynamics transforming the tech world in 2025.