News from KW41.2025 – 92 is half of 99

Welcome back to my Wews review. Let's see what happened between 6.10 and 12.10 in KW 41, 2025. Together with me (and my personal opinion) I present you some of the highlights you may have missed this week.

Article 1

Raider is now Twix

It's time. This Raspberry Pi OS has received a major update and is now based on Debian 13 ‘Trixie’!

This not only brings a more stable and powerful base, but also some cool, visible innovations that make your hobbyist life even more enjoyable. Let's take a look at what awaits you with the new version!

The heart: Debian 13 ‘Trixie’ and kernel 6.12 LTS

The new Raspberry Pi OS is based on a fresh foundation: Debian 13 ‘Trixie’. This means that you benefit from more up-to-date software and modern GNU/Linux technologies. The basis continues to be the Linux Kernel 6.12 LTS, which promises improved support for newer hardware and better performance. You can actually feel the performance improvements, especially on a Raspberry Pi 4 or 5.

In short: Your Pi now runs more stable and faster!

Fresh look for your desktop

The developers worked their way up and gave the desktop a modern painting missed. You will notice immediately that a lot has happened:

Revised design: The desktop looks fresher, clearer and more tidy.
New themes: There are new GTK themes called PiXtrix (Standard) and PiXonyx (Dark fashion).
New font: The new system font is called Nunito Sans Light It replaces the well-known Piboto.
New wallpapers: The desktop backgrounds have also been renewed. The standard wallpaper now shows a sunrise over the Drakensbergen in Lesotho.
Modularity: Installing packages is now more modular. You can install a basic image (rpd-x-core) and then specifically the theme (rpd theme) or the new Control centre (rpd-preferences) to add.

For those who are too lazy to read, here is a nice video: As a nice gimmick on top LivingLinux also shows you that you can (with restrictions) even 0 A.D. Empires Ascendant It can run on the Raspi in v5.

The new Control Centre: All settings in one place

One of the biggest and most useful innovations is the Control centre. It is an Plugin-based application, which replaces the old, separate settings tools. Previously, you had to open different applications for different configurations (Raspberry Pi Configuration, Appearance Settings, Screen Configuration, etc.). Now you can find everything under one hood:

Unified surface: Configurations for Raspberry Pi, appearance, mouse and keyboard, screen and printer are now bundled in one central location.
Modular expandability: Since it is modular, it can easily be extended by further plugins in the future.

This makes the management of your Pis much clearer and more comfortable!

Other notable changes under the hood

Also off the desktop, there are important updates that affect your system:

/tmp uses tmpfs: The Temporary File System /tmp now uses by default tmpfs (a temporary file system in memory). This can increase the speed of software that stores data there.
OpenSSH and DSA keys: OpenSSH no longer supports DSA keys. If you are still using these, you must urgently look for alternatives such as Ed25519 change as the bypass options have been removed.
Updated packages: Hundreds of packages have been updated to newer versions, resulting in a more stable and functional environment.

TL:DR Reinstallation instead of Upgrade!

As usual with major Debian release jumps, The developers strongly recommend a new installation. from Raspberry Pi OS Trixie. A direct in-place upgrade from Bookworm to Trixie is not officially supported and can lead to unexpected problems. It is best to use it Raspberry Pi imager, to burn you a fresh Trixie image on your SD card.

Attention for special users: If you have special hardware such as KI-HAT or the TV-HAT If you use Trixie, you should stay with Bookworm for the time being, as the packages for Trixie may still be in the works.

Conclusion: The new Raspberry Pi OS based on Debian Trixie is a big step forward in terms of performance and usability. The fresh look and central control centre make working with the Pi even more intuitive. Try it, it's worth it!

Article 2

Heartbeats in the chip world. OpenAI buys from AMD.

Turns AMD's AI market upside down in the future with this partnership!

Dear technology enthusiasts, stock market observers and AI fans,

This week, the chip industry has experienced a bang that could fundamentally change the power structure in the race for artificial intelligence (AI). The AI pioneer OpenAI, as made famous by ChatGPT, has a monumental, multi-billion dollar deal with Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) Completed. It's not just about buying chips, it's about a strategic partnership that massively strengthens AMD's position and challenges Nvidia.

Here's what this deal means in detail and why AMD's shares went through the roof.

The facts: Computing power on a gigawatt scale

The core of the agreement, announced on Monday of this week (October 6, 2025), is impressive:

Massive chip insert: OpenAI is committed to a multi-year and multi-generational contract as a whole. 6 gigawatts to AMD InstinctTM GPUs to use. For comparison: That's a gigantic amount of computing power for AI infrastructure.
Launch in 2026: The first phase of implementation is expected to begin in the second half of 2026 and will initially include 1 gigawatt of AMD Instinct MI450 Series GPUs.
Strategic participation: As a particularly spicy detail, AMD has OpenAI Warrants for up to 160 million AMD shares admitted. Should OpenAI exercise these options in full, the Company would, subject to certain technical milestones and AMD's share price targets, up to: 10% of shares Hold on to AMD!

The signal: Diversification and Challenge for Nvidia

So far, Nvidia with its CUDA platforms has been considered the almost undisputed dominator in the market for AI accelerators and data centers. The deal between OpenAI and AMD is a Strategic Liberation Strike for AMD CEO Lisa Su and sends two clear messages to the market:

1. OpenAI wants independence

The insatiable demand for AI chips has led to supply bottlenecks and high prices in recent years. With the partnership, OpenAI not only secures much-needed computing capacity, but also reduces dependence on a single supplier (Nvidia). Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, emphasized that this diversification is crucial to realizing the full potential of AI.

2. AMD becomes a serious competitor

The deal finally catapults AMD into the first league of the AI infrastructure business. The mission, according to financial experts, is to tens of billions of dollars The revenue forecasts for AMD's data center business are fundamentally changing. Analysts see the deal as a turning point that dramatically exacerbates competition in the AI chip sector.

The market reaction: Shares in high flight

The exchange responded enthusiastically to the news, which was hailed as a ‘win-win situation’ (Lisa Su):

The AMD share Shot in pre-market trade on Monday More than 25 percent He went upstairs and continued his rally in the following days.
The sensation was so great that AMD's stock experienced its strongest trading week in nearly a decade.
The Warrants (Warrants) give OpenAI a direct financial interest in AMD's stock price continuing to rise. Analysts are already speculating on price targets of up to $600, as this could be the final milestone for the full exercise of the options.

Outlook: Fighting for the future of AI

The OpenAI-AMD partnership is more than just a hardware purchase – it is an indicator of how the global race for AI superpower is going. While Nvidia continues to hold the largest market share, deals of this magnitude show that large AI developers are willing to invest billions in alternatives to drive innovation and equip their data centers for the next generation of AI models.

We can't wait to see what further alliances and technological leaps this new competition in the chip market will bring in the coming years. The era of AI infrastructure is definitely getting more exciting!

Article 3

Chat control: Power struggle over encryption and fundamental rights

The dispute over the so-called Chat control It is currently splitting not only the EU, but also the German Federal Government. The main question is whether messenger providers such as WhatsApp, Signal or Threema be obliged to automatically search content on their users' devices for sexual abuse material, the so-called Client-side scanning (CSS).

Heise.de has the current status Nicely summarized in an article. You can also find more details In my blog article on the subject.

What's at stake

With CSS, it would End-to-end encryption De facto eliminated: Content would already be scanned on the device before shipping. Critics talk about one ‘State Trojans through the back door’. Advocates, on the other hand, argue with the better protection of children and adolescents.

EU Disagreement and Germany as a Zünglein on the Scale

Since 2022, the EU has been fighting for a regulation to this effect.

EU Commission and many member states are in favour.
The European Parliament has spoken out against it, with reference to fundamental rights and privacy.
Previously blocked Germany as part of a blocking minority. But that could be the case with the new Black and Red Federal Government under Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) change. Germany's approval would pave the way for EU chat control.

Intergovernmental conflict

The fronts in Berlin run across the coalition:

This Ministry of Interior (CSU) is open to the proposal.
This Ministry of Justice (SPD) warns against a violation of the German fundamental right to confidentiality and integrity of information technology systems.
The Greens want to publicly expose the federal government with a Bundestag motion and point to the risk that surveillance interfaces could be misused – for example by foreign actors such as in the Salt Typhoon case.

Old wounds and new doubts

The criticism is reminiscent of the ‘censorship“ Debate from the 2000s, when Ursula von der Leyen was criticised for blocking the network. Again, opponents warn against building a Censorship and monitoring infrastructure.

In addition, it is unclear whether there is an acute need for action at all: The existing, temporary EU regulation already allows providers to carry out voluntary scans and does not expire until 2026. Around half of the content reported to the BKA is actually punishable – but not all.

conclusion

Even if Germany now agrees, chat control would be Not yet decided. After that, we would have to Council, Parliament and Commission in the so-called trilogue Negotiate; A process that dragging on for years could.

The current dispute is therefore less of a decision but a political stop in the struggle for data protection, child protection and digital fundamental rights.

Article 4

Registration for Extended Support is here!

After last week's update search on some Windows 10 machines, the promising hint of a soon available registration As it turned out, the time has now come: The first Windows 10 devices now actually offer the link to register for the advanced security updates.

The deadline is approaching: The official support for Windows 10 ends with the patchday on 14 October. But thanks to the Extended Security Updates (ESU) You have the chance to extend your security to up to 10 devices.

The Big Surprise for Private Users

This is probably the most important point for you as a private user:

Microsoft has kept its word and offers the ESU also for private customer PCs for the first time to. And the best part: In the European Economic Area (EEA), the extension of security updates free!

However, there is a small catch: The Registration with a Microsoft account is required. Microsoft therefore ‘paid’ for your data with extended updates. An exchange that you have to evaluate individually.

Requirements: Who can extend the support?

Not every Windows 10 PC can get started right away. Microsoft has specified clear conditions that your device must meet in order for the registration link to appear:

Windows 10 version: Your system must be up-to-date 22H2 to be.
Licence: You must have an Private license Take advantage of the editions Home, Professional, Pro Education or Workstations Edition includes.
Updates: All current Windows updates must be installed.
Account: You have to go with one Administrator account be registered. If you normally use a local account, you will be prompted to sign up with a Microsoft account to register.

Check if you can register.

You don't have to execute complicated orders. The process runs directly through the settings:

Open the Settings (gear symbol).
Go to Update & Security.
Choose there Windows update off.
If your device meets the requirements, you should Link to registration for ESU see.

Up to 10 devices with one account

If you have successfully completed the registration, you will unlock the ESU updates for your current device. The great thing: You can unlock up to ten computers!

On your other PCs, all you have to do is run the update search. If the registration is offered there, select the already used Microsoft account and click on the option ‘Add device’.

The quintessence: The path to free, advanced security support for Windows 10 is open. Quickly check if your computer already displays the link and secure this important security extension!

Article 5

Linen Let's go! Cities: Skylines II brings the sea to your metropolis with Bridges & Ports

Long awaited, often postponed, but now finally with a fixed date: The Bridges & Ports extension for Cities: Skylines II appears on 29 October 2025 and promises to radically change the way we plan and use our coastlines.

Building a vibrant port city has always been a supreme discipline in the urban design genre. So far, the management of the waterways in CS2 has been rather rudimentary. With the new addon, Colossal Order now provides the necessary tools to take the maritime economy, water transport and, above all, the aesthetics of our shore zones to a new level.

Let's take a look at the most exciting features in Bridges & Ports Come to us!

1. Movable bridges: Goodbye, high-rises on stilts!

One of the biggest annoyances for any coastal city planner was the need to build huge, high bridges just for the ships to pass underneath. It's over!

20 new drawbridges and lift bridges: These movable road structures can allow ships to pass without having to divert all traffic for miles or pass through gigantic structures.
Intelligent traffic management: The bridges are available in different sizes and styles and allow you to coordinate ship and road traffic elegantly. When a ship arrives, the alarm sounds, the bridge rises – a new dynamic factor in your city’s everyday traffic puzzle!
Ferry traffic: With more fluid sea routes, there is also a logical addition: the Ferry transport system. Ferries become the natural choice to connect neighborhoods across the water and bring commuting closer to the coast.

2. The modular port: Control of the transhipment point

The ports in CS2 are moving from simple buildings to complex, customizable infrastructure hubs. The main focus is on scalability and realism:

Customizable port gates: With three different sizes of ‘Harbor Gates’, you can adjust the port exactly to your city size and traffic volume.
Extensions and upgrades: The efficiency of the port can be increased through numerous upgrades – from new warehouses and ore storage sites to passenger terminals, customs offices and even emergency units.
Industry meets culture: Tourism is not neglected either. Builds Maritime museum or an Conference centre in the port mile to attract visitors and find the balance between industry and recreation.

3. New maritime industries

The ocean becomes more than just a transport route. The addon introduces new sources of revenue and industries located directly on the coast and at sea:

Fishing establishments: Builds fishing facilities, from simple piers to inland fish farms, to tap a new local resource.
Offshore industry: Harvest the treasures of the deep with Offshore oil rigs, Pipelines and tankers – a lucrative but logistically challenging extension of your economic spectrum.

A sea full of new content?

In addition to the core elements of bridges and ports, the expansion will give your construction catalog a huge boost:

More than 100 new assets: These include leisure facilities on the coast, piers of various sizes, quay walls and decorative elements such as lighthouses (One of them even a tourist landmark!).
Three new cards: New topographic challenges await you, including a peninsula, a large bay and huge lakes.
New achievements: For all hunters and collectors, there are new achievements that revolve around maritime planning and port management.

Conclusion: Bridges & Ports seems to be the much-needed maritime overhaul for cities: Skylines II. After initial start-up difficulties in the main game, this is a clear sign that the development team is seriously working to increase the depth and richness of detail in the city planning simulation. We can't wait to build the first moving bridges on October 29th and connect our cities to the wide sea!

Article 6

Tron Ares is in cinemas.

This week it's time again: The ‘grid’ opens, the light cycles start and one of the most iconic sci-fi stories returns to the big screen. Of course we are talking about TRON!

For decades, the franchise has fascinated generations with its unique aesthetics, groundbreaking visuals, and a story that blurs the lines between the digital and real worlds. But TRON is much more than just a movie; It's a universe that spans movies, series, and even games.

Let's dive into the digital world of TRON and shine a light on the evolution of this revolutionary series, from the groundbreaking original to the brand new movie that launches this week!

1. TRON (1982): The digital pioneer

The beginning of a legend: When ‘TRON’ hit cinemas in 1982, it was not just a film, it was a sensation. Director Steven Lisberger ventured into unexplored terrain and used computer-generated images (CGI) in ways Hollywood had never seen before. The world that computer expert Kevin Flynn (Jeff Bridges) is sucked into is a stunning digital ecosystem where programs exist as humanoid entities and programs like light cycles become deadly competitions.

What made him special: The black-light aesthetic, the luminous lines on dark suits and the minimalist but futuristic world of the ‘grid’ were unique. Although the CGI seems simple from today's point of view, it was revolutionary at the time and set standards for future special effects.
The message: TRON explored topics such as artificial intelligence, the power of mega-corporations and humanity in the digital world – topics that are more relevant than ever today.

2. TRON: Legacy (2010): The Epic Return

Almost 30 years later, Disney dared the sequel and sent us back into the grid. ‘TRON: Legacy’ (2010) was a visual spectacle that took up the essence of the original and reinterpreted it with state-of-the-art technology. Sam Flynn (Garrett Hedlund) goes in search of his missing father Kevin and finds himself in an even more complex, gloomy and breathtaking digital world.

Visual splendor: The film excelled with its overwhelming images, which made the ‘grid’ shine in a new, neon blue gloss. The light cycles, the arena design and the flying ships were a feast for the eyes.
The sound: The electronic soundtrack of Daft punk It became a legend itself and perfectly underpinned the gloomy, futuristic atmosphere.
Thematic depth: ‘Legacy’ expanded mythology to include the creation of isomorphic algorithms (ISO) and addressed the dangers of self-developing AI. Jeff Bridges returned, both as an aged Flynn and as his digital alter ego Clu, made possible by groundbreaking de-aging technology.

3. TRON: Uprising (2012): The Animated Bridge

Between the two films – more precisely, after the events of the first film and before ‘Legacy’ – there was an often underestimated but highly acclaimed animated series: ‘TRON: Uprising’. This TV series, which ran on Disney XD, filled the gap and expanded the universe with new characters and conflicts.

The line of action: ‘Uprising’ told the story of Beck, a young programme trained by Tron himself to become the leader of a rebellion against Clus tyranny.
Unique style: The series retained the iconic look, but packed it into a stylized animation style that conveyed the action and emotions superbly. Elijah Wood and Mandy Moore lent their voices to the characters.
Deepening Mythology: It offered a deeper exploration of the resistance in the grid and prepared some of the thematic elements of ‘Legacy’.

4. TRON: Ares (2025): The return of intoxication

This week is finally here: The eagerly awaited third feature film, ‘TRON: Ares’, Come to the cinemas! After a long development period and several directorial changes (Garth Davis, Jared Leto as the lead actor), the saga takes a new turn. The musical background is provided by NineInchNails, I'm curious if it will be as successful as DaftPunk in Legacy.

The story: ‘Ares’ aims to introduce an entirely new threat that may cross the boundaries of the grid and cause the digital world to collide with human reality. Jared Leto plays the title character Ares, a sophisticated program that could build a bridge between the worlds.
What we expect: Spectacular new visuals that elevate the aesthetics of the predecessors to the next generation, a vibrant soundtrack (presumably again with renowned artists) and a story that continues or redistributes the legacy of the Flynn family. First pictures and teasers promise an even darker and more intense vision of the grid.

Conclusion:

TRON is not just a film series, but a cultural asset that has significantly shaped the development of computer graphics and our understanding of virtual worlds. From the humble beginnings in 1982 to the state-of-the-art sequel in 2010 and the in-depth series in 2012, the franchise has always entered new territory.

With ‘TRON: Ares’ closes the circle or opens a new chapter?

Whether you're a raster veteran or new to this digital world: It's the perfect time to plunge into the world of TRON and be fascinated again by the pulsating lights and the profound history.

EOF

Article 7

Apple Security Bounty: When Ethical Hackers Become Millionaires

Apple is known for its strict security standards, but even the most sophisticated systems have vulnerabilities. To find them, the tech giant relies on the help of the global security community. This Apple's Security Bounty Program (Bug Bounty Programme) is Apple’s central tool for detecting vulnerabilities in its operating systems and services – and it has just launched a huge revolution Experienced!

With a massive increase in premiums, Apple is signaling how seriously it takes the threat of sophisticated espionage software. Finding vulnerabilities is more lucrative than ever.

The Great Evolution: $2 million basic premium

Apple has doubled the upper limit of its rewards and now offers the highest single reward in the industry.

Type of attack (examples)	Old maximum	New maximum
Zero-click exploit chains (Remote attack without user interaction, e.g. by espionage software)	$1.000.000	$2.000.000
Remote attack with one-time user interaction (one-click)	$250.000	$1.000.000
Attack requires physical proximity (radio technologies)	$250.000	$1.000.000
Comprehensive, unauthorized iCloud access	New	$1.000.000
Full gatekeeper bypass (macOS)	New	$100.000

Doubling the maximum premium $2 million In particular, it targets exploits that are exploited by highly developed Mercenary spyware (Mercenary spyware) is used. This is a direct fight against the black market, where such zero-day exploits are often traded for even higher sums.

More than $5 million possible through bonuses!

The new basic premium is just the beginning. Apple offers significant bonuses that increase the total payout on More than $5 million can increase:

Lockdown mode bypass: Bypassing the specific lockdown mode safeguards, researchers receive a significant bonus.
Beta software vulnerabilities: Also, bugs found in new features or code in beta versions qualify for additional rewards.

Accelerated disbursement through ‘target flags’

One of the biggest problems in bug bounty programs was the long wait between reporting a vulnerability and the actual payout, which often took place after the patch was released.

With the new system of Target flags Apple introduces an objective method to demonstrate the exploitability of an exploit. Researchers submitting their reports with these flags qualify for accelerated disbursements. The premium will be paid immediately after the review and confirmation of the research – even if the fix has not yet been provided by Apple.

The Security Research Device Program

For serious security researchers, there is another important program: the Apple Security Research Device (SRD) Program.

Full control: Selected researchers will receive Specially Modified iPhone (a loan for 12 months), which gives them extended access rights such as Shell access, kernel modifications and Custom Entitlements.
Research without barriers: The goal is to facilitate the depth analysis of iOS without researchers having to bypass the built-in security protection mechanisms first.
Application phase 2026: Applications for the 2026 programme ran this year (until 31 October 2025). Prerequisite is a proven success in finding security vulnerabilities in modern operating systems.

Why this is important

Apple has been around since the launch of the public program in 2020. about $35 million paid out to more than 800 researchers. The recent massive premium increase underscores Apple's determination to protect its products and users' data from increasingly sophisticated attacks. By bringing ethical hackers financially to a level similar to the black market, Apple aims to prevent critical vulnerabilities from being sold to criminal or state-sponsored actors.

In short: Apple makes security an extremely lucrative business.

Article 8

Welcome to the age of AI factories!

The European AI landscape is taking on ever more concrete forms, but the recent announcement of the EuroHPC Joint Undertaking (EuroHPC JU) creates mixed feelings, especially in Germany. The EU is massively expanding its network of AI centres, but Germany is running out of space in the current round. Here is an overview of the European AI offensive and Germany's ambitious plans for the future.

Europe is expanding its AI grid: Six new locations have been identified

The EuroHPC JU has announced six additional locations for new AI facilities across Europe, which are expected to go live next year. These ‘AI factories’ are designed to complement the existing network of 13 approved AI centres and create a connected system that drives the development of artificial intelligence across the EU.

The new AI locations are:

Czechia (CZAI)
Lithuania (LitAI Factory)
Netherlands (Netherlands AI Factory)
Poland (Gaia AI Factory)
Romania
Spain (1HealthAI)

Germany is empty in this round.

Despite proposals from well-known German companies such as the Deutsche Telekom, Ionos and the IT division of the Schwarz Group, no other location in Germany was approved in this selection round.

For classification: Germany is not completely out of the way. In a previous selection round, the Hammerhead shark project in Stuttgart approved.

Focus and services of the new centres

The ‘AI factories’ are key entities to support start-ups, SMEs and research institutions in the European AI community. They provide access to AI-optimized supercomputing resources, Training and technical support.

Particularly noteworthy are the thematic priorities:

Spain (1HealthAI): Concentrates on Health-related AI applications (human, animal and environmental health) and receives a experimental platform for the development and testing of AI models.
Lithuania (LitAI Factory): Plans focal points in Cybersecurity, renewable energy and Digital health care.
Poland (Gaia AI Factory): Targets Healthcare, space applications and the development Large language models off.
Netherlands (Netherlands AI Factory): Prioritize applications with sensitive data, particularly in the health, security and agricultural sectors.

Overall, Member States and the EU are investing together More than 500 million euros into the initiative, underlining the strategic importance of AI for Europe’s digital sovereignty.

Outlook: Bavaria's ambitious plan for the Blue Swan AI gigafactory

While Germany ran empty in the latest selection round, the Free State of Bavaria is already looking to the future and is applying for one of the very large European AI infrastructures: the so-called AI Gigafactory Blue Swan.

What is Blue Swan?

The project is an Counter-draft to the Black Swan (unforeseen event) and symbolizes a controlled, technologically driven disruption. The plans include the construction of a large-scale infrastructure 100,000 specialized AI chips before, a multiple of the performance of existing German AI centers.

Location advantage: As a potential location, a site at Schweinfurt brought into play. The existing network infrastructure, in particular the proximity to the former Grafenrheinfeld nuclear power plant, is intended to provide favourable conditions for energy-intensive operation.
Strategic ecosystem: Bavaria's Minister of Science Markus Blume sees Blue Swan not only as a data centre, but as a strategic ecosystem that promotes scientific excellence (e.g. through partnerships with the MCML and MIRMI), industrial applications and entrepreneurial innovation.

The challenge

Although the Bavarian plan aims at safety, mobility and health and the Investa Group As an experienced data center developer, the competition remains strong. A recently published study looked at the digital location Frankfurt am Main 1st in the world by comparison, which raises doubts as to whether Schweinfurt/Bavaria has a locational advantage over other strong regions such as the Netherlands (who are also applying for a gigafactory with 100,000 AI chips) or the already established cluster in Frankfurt can claim.

The European AI race is in full swing. It remains exciting whether the Blue Swan will land in Germany and thus help Europe to achieve new digital sovereignty.

TL:DR

Does Bavaria have a realistic opportunity with Blue Swan, or should Germany focus its AI resources more on already established locations such as Frankfurt, Stuttgart and Jülich?

Article 9

Commodity War and Tariffs: US-China trade dispute escalates

The trade conflict between the USA and China It reached a new, aggressive peak in 2025. While the US is massively increasing tariffs, Beijing is pulling out its sharpest weapon: the Controlled export of critical minerals such as rare earths and germanium, which are indispensable for high technology and armaments.

The latest steps signal a move away from previous de-escalation attempts and push the global economy into a phase of Strategic decoupling.

China's Raw Material Leverage: The extension of export controls

At the beginning of October 2025, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) had a significant Extension of export controls for a number of critical materials and technologies coming into force in November and December. This is the direct response to U.S. efforts to boost China's access to advanced semiconductors and AI technology to block.

Rare Earths and Magnets

China, which is about 90% of global processing Controlled by rare earths, this dominance is now used as a geopolitical lever.

Extension of control: China has imposed export controls on Twelve of the 17 Rare Earths extended. In addition to the seven medium and heavy elements already controlled since April 2025 (such as dysprosium, terbium, gadolinium, which are needed in defense systems and electric vehicles), another five were added.
Technology focus: The new rules concern not only the raw materials themselves, but also the Technologies and equipment for the extraction, processing and production of permanent magnets.
Made with China rule: Particularly explosive is the new licensing obligation for the export of magnets and assemblies, which traces containing rare earths of Chinese origin – or produced with Chinese technology. This reflects in its reach the US Foreign Direct Product Rule, forcing foreign companies to follow Beijing’s rules.
Military objective: From 1st December 2025, export licenses for all military uses, in particular for U.S. defense companies, Systematically Refused will be.

Germanium and gallium

Export restrictions on critical metals germanium and gallium It was introduced in 2023 and December 2024 with one Official export ban intensified in the United States.

Meaning: Both metals are essential for High-performance semiconductors (e.g. for 5G, solar panels, radar systems) and are used directly in the defense and AI industry needed.
Impact: Although trade data suggest that the flow of these minerals has been partially diverted to the U.S. via third countries (such as Belgium), there are first clear impacts, such as a significant drop in U.S. imports of gallium arsenide wafers used in radars and LEDs.

The US response: Escalation of tariffs and technology controls

The U.S. government under President Donald Trump has responded to China's aggression in the commodities sector with a drastic escalation of tariffs and an expansion of technology controls.

100%-Duties: On October 10, 2025, President Trump announced that 1 November 2025 an an additional 100%-Customs to be applied to almost all Chinese imports, additionally on the already existing multi-layered tariffs. According to July 2025 estimates, average U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods were already above 126. %. The new tariffs threaten to bring virtually all bilateral trade to a halt.
Critical software: At the same time, the US government announced Export controls for ‘any critical software’ also with effect from 1 November 2025. This directly targets the technological backbone of Chinese industry, especially in the areas of Artificial intelligence and defense.

The consequences of escalation

The renewed and intensified escalation poses enormous risks to the global economy:

Inflation and supply chain shock: The massive tariff increases drastically increase the price of Chinese consumer goods in the United States. At the same time, China's export controls will lower prices for key components in the E-mobility, wind turbines and semiconductor It is rising worldwide.
Defence industry vulnerability: The new Chinese restrictions pose a direct threat to the U.S. defense supply chains It could accelerate China's military-technological expansion against the United States.
Global restructuring: Trade tensions are accelerating the trend of "Friend-Shoring" (Shorting supply chains to geopolitically allied countries). Countries such as India They are already benefiting from the search of American buyers for alternative sources of supply.
Negotiation tactics: Experts see the temporal coordination of actions – shortly before possible summits – as a form of ‘Nervous war’, in which both sides try to build up maximum bargaining power.

Recent developments show that the trade dispute has long since Technological and geopolitical war He is using the world's critical supply chains as weapons. A relaxation is currently not in sight.

You got to know and love him, the new intern in IT security, fresh from university and with a zest for action: Sun-Tsu for you with the security tip of the week:
Use the momentum of your success! If you've successfully completed a project or fended off a threat, use that momentum to take the next steps. Turn the positive energy into continuous improvement.