An investigation into a manufacturing facility in Dunseith, previously owned by Benchmark Electronics and leased to Chiptronics Inc., has raised questions about state and local officials' awareness of the company's activities. Despite regular briefings to officials, there is uncertainty about the work Chiptronics conducted, particularly regarding aerospace and defense components. The site, now owned by Hoefer RV, has not started production due to sensitive components found during renovation. The North Dakota Development Fund and USDA provided financial support to Chiptronics, but it is unclear if the company had the necessary certifications for defense and aerospace work. The investigation involves multiple federal authorities, and state officials are seeking transparency.

Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming a more viable option for rural North Dakota due to technological advancements and the promise of expanded charging infrastructure. The federal National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program is set to establish a network of fast-charging stations along major corridors, with North Dakota receiving approximately $25.9 million for this purpose. Despite current skepticism and minimal EV ownership in the state, new EPA emissions standards and the increasing practicality of EVs suggest a future shift towards electric and hybrid vehicles. Stakeholders from various sectors express interest in the economic opportunities that charging stations could bring to rural communities.

Applied Digital is expanding in Ellendale, North Dakota, with a new data center expected to be complete by late 2024. The project, which could cost up to $700 million, may bring 80 more employees to the area, increasing the local workforce to around 110. However, the town faces challenges with housing and services, such as limited childcare and dining options. Local authorities are addressing these issues and exploring funding opportunities to encourage development. The expansion has the potential to significantly impact the small community of Ellendale, which is already seeing benefits from the first phase of the project.

Elon Musk's bid to buy Twitter has raised concerns among dissidents in China and India about potential censorship and government influence due to Musk's business interests in these countries. Human rights activists fear that Tesla's significant presence in China could lead to demands from Beijing to censor Twitter content. In India, Twitter's influence among the elite and its role in setting agendas make it a target for government scrutiny. Musk's definition of free speech aligns with local laws, which in India could lead to content takedowns. Tesla's market ambitions in both countries could be leveraged by local governments to influence Twitter's policies, especially regarding misinformation and hate speech. Rights campaigners are also worried about the implications of Musk's proposed changes to Twitter, such as authentication features that could affect anonymous users in restrictive environments.

China's energy crisis, beginning in late August with power curbs and outages affecting over 20 provinces, poses a threat to its economic growth and green energy future. With coal inventories at record lows and global coal and natural gas prices surging, China has eased restrictions on coal mining and prioritized energy shipments to regions in need. This has led to reduced estimates for China's economic growth by analysts, including a forecast cut by Goldman Sachs from 8.2 percent to 7.8 percent. However, the crisis may accelerate China's shift to renewable energy, as the government recognizes the need to diversify its energy mix. The power market, undergoing slow reform since 2015, faces challenges such as provincial roadblocks, pricing issues, and limited renewable uptake. The current situation could influence long-term decarbonization plans, despite short-term impacts on renewable energy appetite. Guangdong province has made efforts to address energy price distortions, signaling that consumers may need to bear some cost burden. Interest in renewables, such as rooftop solar, has risen in response to previous power shortages. China's long-term goals to peak carbon emissions before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060 remain committed, with power challenges expected to persist into the spring.

China is cautiously assessing the situation in Afghanistan following the Taliban's takeover, prioritizing regional stability and security over economic interests. Chinese authorities are seeking assurances from the Taliban about forming an inclusive government and preventing militancy. While China has shown interest in Afghanistan's mineral resources and infrastructure development, experts suggest that China is likely to adopt a wait-and-see approach before committing to major economic engagements. The international community's recognition of the Taliban-led government and the group's governance style will be critical factors influencing China's future actions.

As Joe Biden prepares to assume the presidency, China's trade, technology, human rights, and regional security issues await his attention. The Trump administration's aggressive stance against China, including sanctions on Huawei and attempts to force TikTok's US sale, has set a complex stage. Biden is expected to maintain strategic goals to prevent China from undermining US strengths but with different tactics, likely involving traditional allies. China's push for technological self-sufficiency and regional disputes present further challenges for Biden's foreign policy.

Chinese firms, such as DY Innovations and Gree Electric Appliances, are increasingly focusing on domestic markets due to the US-China trade war, national security concerns, and the COVID-19 pandemic. The Trump administration's policies have led to a decrease in US-China investments and heightened tensions. China's new 'dual circulation' economic strategy aims to boost self-sufficiency and reduce reliance on exports. Despite the upcoming US election, companies are preparing for continued friction, regardless of whether Trump or Biden wins. The Chinese government is promoting domestic consumption but faces challenges in balancing economic growth with national security and addressing systemic risks.

China's automotive industry, the world's largest, is facing unprecedented challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has compounded existing issues from economic slowdown and the US-China trade war. Sales plummeted by 79 percent in February, marking the largest monthly drop in history. The virus has disrupted both demand for vehicles and the global supply chain for car parts. As the situation in China improves, over 75 percent of automakers have resumed production, and companies are reassessing their supply chain reliance on China. Some, like electric vehicle company NIO, are using technology to adapt to the current sales environment. The industry's importance to China's economy is significant, with car sales contributing to 9.3 percent of GDP and employing 5.6 million people.

China is grappling with the dual challenge of containing the COVID-19 virus outbreak and preventing economic slowdown. The outbreak has led to over 1,000 deaths and continues to spread, causing disruptions in transport and workplace operations. This has left many workers unable to return to their jobs, affecting their income and the country's productivity, particularly in economically significant regions. The government's restrictive measures to control the virus are in conflict with the need to maintain economic activity. Small- and medium-sized factories are struggling, and global supply chains are impacted. Analysts suggest that the economic repercussions could extend beyond the immediate crisis, with potential for labor disputes and the need for businesses to diversify supply chains to mitigate future risks.

Huawei Technologies has filed a lawsuit against the United States, challenging a ban that prevents government agencies and contractors from using its equipment. Huawei's Chairman, Guo Ping, declared the ban unconstitutional and denied any allegations of espionage. The lawsuit was filed in Texas, and while it is seen as unlikely to succeed, it may force the US to disclose more information. The US is also urging allies to exclude Huawei from 5G network rollouts. The company is concurrently dealing with the legal case of its CFO, Meng Wanzhou, in Canada, related to US sanctions on Iran. Amidst these issues, Huawei is actively engaging in public relations efforts to improve its image.

Chinese scientist He Jiankui, who claims to have produced the world's first gene-edited babies, faces potential legal consequences as his work has been suspended and condemned by China's Ministry of Science and Technology. The gene-editing of human embryos for reproduction purposes is banned in China, and He's actions are under investigation. Institutions such as the Southern University of Science and Technology have distanced themselves from He, and the Shenzhen Harmonicare Women and Children’s Hospital denies involvement. The international scientific community has raised concerns over the ethical and legal implications of He's research.

Co-working spaces in China are gaining traction among young innovators, with major players like WeWork and UrWork expanding rapidly. These spaces, which prefer to be called 'communities', offer a mix of services for start-ups and freelancers, including gyms, meditation rooms, and saunas. Local brand SimplyWork has found success with a community-centric approach, while the government's push for innovation has increased the acceptance of start-ups. The market for co-working spaces in China is still growing, with a shift towards a gig economy and a younger generation seeking fulfilling work environments.

MBA students at Chinese universities such as Tsinghua and Peking University are leveraging the economic crisis as an opportunity to gain valuable experience and networks in China. Students from diverse backgrounds, including those with prior finance and business experience in the US, are choosing to study in China to better understand and engage with the country's growing economic influence. The article highlights the students' motivations, the cultural adjustments required, and the perceived benefits of studying in China, such as networking with future Chinese business leaders and gaining real China experience in a risk-free environment.

Zhang Xian, a playwright known for his underground writings, continues to pursue free writing despite political censorship in China. His works, including plays like 'Raped Anti' and 'The Jar Players', face varying degrees of suppression, with some being banned from performance and others being censored. Zhang's approach to playwriting has evolved to include freeform, improvisational styles on the internet, challenging traditional censorship. Despite the challenges, he has achieved some recognition, such as winning best film at the Cairo International Film Festival for his screenplay 'Those Left Behind'. Zhang also promotes civilian theatre in Shanghai and reflects on the concept of civil identity in China, which he feels is undermined by the state. His background, marked by the Cultural Revolution and subsequent censorship, has shaped his pragmatic yet rebellious stance on artistic expression.