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China’s tech advances are causing chaos from Silicon Valley to the White House

1 August 2026 at 13:00

New AI models, advanced robots and specialty computer chips are unsettling markets and the US tech industry

Over the past month, a series of advancements in China’s artificial intelligence, chip manufacturing and robotics technologies have rattled financial markets, caused divisions among US tech moguls and left the Trump administration scrambling to respond.

Silicon Valley has long pointed to China’s tech industry as a competitive threat and used its growth as rationale for why US firms should not face regulatory oversight that could slow them down. In recent weeks, however, China’s progress has pushed US tech CEOs past vague warnings and into open disagreement over how to address Chinese-made products upending their industry.

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Β© Photograph: HΓ©ctor Retamal/AFP/Getty Images

Β© Photograph: HΓ©ctor Retamal/AFP/Getty Images

Β© Photograph: HΓ©ctor Retamal/AFP/Getty Images

Goooool v goal: English speakers flock to Telemundo for lively World Cup coverage

The Spanish-language broadcaster has won over millions of US viewers with its energetic commentary during games

Soccer fans looking to watch the 2026 World Cup on US television have been presented with two very different options this tournament.

The first is Fox Sports, a cousin of Fox News owned by the same parent company and the sole network airing matches in English in the US. Audiences tuning in to Fox, which acquired the exclusive English broadcast rights in 2015, are met with coverage that reflects the network’s β€œAmerica first” aesthetic, with promos for pro-Donald Trump talkshows, advertising breaks during games and the frequent, grating presence of host Alexi Lalas.

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Β© Photograph: Sarah Yenesel/EPA

Β© Photograph: Sarah Yenesel/EPA

Β© Photograph: Sarah Yenesel/EPA

California β€˜billionaire tax’ makes ballot despite opposition from tech moguls

Wealth tax criticized by billionaires and Gavin Newsom would levy a one-time 5% tax on residents worth over $1bn

A popular proposal in California to impose a wealth tax on billionaires has gained enough signatures to qualify for the ballot in November, state officials announced on Wednesday.

The news is set to intensify an already heated debate around the tax, which has pitted tech moguls and the state’s governor, Gavin Newsom, against the labor union backing the measure.

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Β© Photograph: Jae C Hong/AP

Β© Photograph: Jae C Hong/AP

Β© Photograph: Jae C Hong/AP

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