In a major escalation of its tech resource policy, China's Ministry of Commerce announced new export restrictions on rare earth materials, sharply tightening approval processes for exports linked to advanced semiconductors and artificial intelligence (AI). The move adds a critical new layer of scrutiny to the global supply chain for high-tech industries.

Senior US Space Force generals warned that China has become the nation's top threat in space, rapidly expanding its orbital military capabilities to challenge American forces.

Amid growing concerns over overreliance on the United States for security—and the strategic uncertainty caused by "America First" policies—the European Union is deepening space cooperation with Japan, aiming to develop independent space capabilities and access a broader commercial space market.

In recent months, space has become an increasingly contested domain. Unusual orbital behavior by a Russian military satellite—seen repeatedly approaching foreign government and commercial satellites and allegedly releasing unidentified objects—has alarmed Western defense agencies. China's satellites, too, have conducted risky maneuvers, raising global concerns over the need for enhanced space defense capabilities.