↑ China China is closing in on US technology lead despite constraints, AI researchers say - By Laurie Chen BEIJING, Jan 10 (Reuters) - China can narrow its technological gap with the U.S. driven by growing risk-taking and innovation, though the lack of advanced chipmaking tools is hobblingAnalysis-With Venezuela raid, US tells China to keep away from the Americas - WASHINGTON, Jan 11 (Reuters) - Among the many goals of last week's U.S. military operation that captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro was to send China a message: stay away from the Americas.'Hermès of durian': The luxury fruit cashing in on China's billion-dollar appetite - A former gold mining town in Malaysia has seen its riches turn a new shade of yellow, thanks to this pungent fruit.Trump Is Making a Power Play in Latin America. China Is Already There. - China built a dominant strategic position in the region as the leading lender and trading partner. It is watching President Trump’s next moves closely.Analysis-Venezuela-style strike on Taiwan's leader could prove tricky for China - By Greg Torode and Yimou Lee HONG KONG/TAIPEI, Jan 9 (Reuters) - Some Chinese online users are calling for a lightning Venezuela-style snatch of Taiwan's leaders in a prelude to taking over the islandChinese automaker Xpeng touts AI pivot in face of fierce competition - By David Kirton GUANGZHOU, China, Jan 9 (Reuters) - Chinese automaker Xpeng said it wanted to become better known as a “physical AI” company rather than just a carmaker, as it gears up to launchHanwha Aerospace soars 11%, leading Asian defense stocks rally - Asia-Pacific markets traded mixed Friday as investors parsed China's inflation data.China says ban on exports of dual-use items to Japan to only hit military companies - By Joe Cash BEIJING, Jan 8 (Reuters) - China's export ban on dual-use items to Japan will only affect military firms, the commerce ministry said on Thursday, helping calm fears that Beijing might curbMeta faces China probe over acquisition of AI agent startup Manus - China to probe Meta's acquisition of artificial intelligence startup Manus to assess its compliance with export control laws.China hacked email systems of US congressional committee staff, FT reports - China has hacked emails used by congressional staff on powerful committees in the U.S. House of Representatives, as part of a massive cyber espionage campaign known as Salt Typhoon, the Financial Times reported on Wednesday, citing peopl