U.S. Concerns Grow Over Chinese ‘Kill Switches’ in Renewable Infrastructure
U.S. officials fear Chinese-made solar components may contain hidden kill switches, threatening national energy security and grid resilience.
Politics
China Minmetals Becomes First Chinese Company to Receive Approval for Deep-Sea Mining Tests
China Minmetals has secured international approval to begin deep-sea mining trials in the Pacific Ocean, marking a strategic milestone in China’s pursuit of critical minerals beneath international waters.
Chilean Lawmakers Challenge Codelco–SQM Lithium Deal Over Transparency and Public Interest
A Chilean congressional committee has recommended annulling the Codelco–SQM lithium partnership, citing lack of transparency, disproportionate profit distribution, and fiscal risks that could cost the state over US$11 billion. The decision intensifies scrutiny of Chile’s flagship lithium policy.
BRICS Reaffirms Commitment to a Just and Inclusive Energy Transition
BRICS nations commit to fair, inclusive energy transitions and launch a 2025–2030 roadmap at their 10th ministerial meeting in Brasília.
U.S. Raises Alarm Over Undocumented Devices in Chinese Solar Equipment
U.S. authorities have uncovered undocumented communication devices and hidden switches in Chinese-made solar inverters and batteries, raising alarms over potential cybersecurity threats to the nation’s renewable energy infrastructure.
Republic of Balochistan announced: Energy and Mining Sector Overview
Balochistan, Pakistan’s most resource-rich yet marginalized province, holds vast reserves of copper, gold, gas, and coal. From the giant Reko Diq project to the Sui gas fields, energy and mining define its economy—yet insecurity and exclusion continue to hinder its potential.
EU Unveils Roadmap to Fully End Dependency on Russian Energy by 2027
The EU has unveiled a new roadmap to fully eliminate imports of Russian oil, gas, and nuclear energy by 2027. The plan strengthens the REPowerEU strategy, reinforcing Europe’s energy independence, economic resilience, and clean energy transition.
United States and Saudi Arabia Sign Historic Strategic Agreement Worth Over $140 Billion
The United States and Saudi Arabia have signed a landmark strategic partnership agreement including a $142 billion defense deal and memorandums on energy, mining, and tech cooperation. The pact aims to channel up to $1 trillion in Saudi investment into the U.S. economy under the broader Vision 2030 strategy.
China Refutes Lithium Exit Claims: BYD and Tsingshan Remain Committed to Chile
China’s embassy in Chile refutes claims that BYD and Tsingshan have pulled out of lithium projects, reaffirming Chinese interest in Chile’s lithium strategy and bilateral cooperation.
Cracks in Chile’s Lithium Strategy After High-Profile Withdrawals
The withdrawal of Chinese companies BYD and Tsingshan from Chilean lithium projects highlights serious bureaucratic and policy failures in the government’s lithium strategy, despite official efforts to downplay the setback.