Asia In Brief
Chinese chip designer Loongson announced that its processors power a cloud computing platform launched into space. This technology was included in a payload named Star Eye, which launched aboard the Tianzhou-8 cargo mission to the Tiangong Space Station on November 15.
Star Eye observes radiation sources on Earth and captures remote sensing images. It features functions for storage, computing, transmission, on-orbit data processing, power conversion, task management, and thermal management.
Loongson did not disclose which specific processor was used. The company utilizes a proprietary instruction set architecture that is MIPS-compatible, with elements of RISC-V. Their processors are designed for desktop, server, and industrial applications.
While Loongson’s technology is not as advanced as competitors like AMD and Intel, this development signals its potential for use in space-based cloud platforms.
Shortly after the launch, Loongson denied rumors about seeking new private investment.
India’s Hardware License Requirement Extended
India’s government has extended its IT hardware import authorization regime until the end of 2025. This regime, introduced suddenly in late 2023, required manufacturers to obtain approval for shipping specific products to India. The regulation faced pushback from major manufacturers, leading to the exclusion of desktop PCs and swift approvals of many products.
Originally set to expire in September 2023, the scheme was extended until December 2024. Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology secretary S. Krishnan stated that the scheme will continue for another year, with a review planned for 2025.
Korea’s Crackdown on Chinese E-Commerce
South Korea’s Fair Trade Commission (FTC) issued corrective orders to Chinese e-commerce platforms AliExpress and Temu due to 47 unfair terms in their consumer agreements. The FTC found clauses that limited consumer rights, exempted the platforms from liability, and violated local laws. The commission also criticized extensive personal data collection without clear consent.
In related news, Alibaba announced the merger of its domestic and international businesses, aiming to enhance global supply chain and consumer service capabilities.
ESA and JAXA Partnership
The European Space Agency (ESA) and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) signed an agreement to strengthen their collaboration on space exploration. The agreement includes joint missions such as BepiColombo to Mercury and EarthCARE for climate studies.
The two agencies will work together on several initiatives, including ESA’s Ramses mission to the asteroid Apophis and lunar projects under NASA’s Artemis program. Additionally, they will explore Mars and develop future space science projects.
OpenAI Sued in India
Indian news agency ANI filed a lawsuit against OpenAI in New Delhi for using its content to train ChatGPT without permission. Other companies, including the New York Times and the Chicago Tribune, have also sued OpenAI for similar reasons.
APAC Dealbook Highlights
Recent alliances and deals in the Asia-Pacific region include:
- SoftBank’s Vision Fund 2 invested in the cloud security company Wiz to support its growth in Asia.
- Vietnam signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the US for cybersecurity collaboration.
- Equinix announced a $260 million investment for a sixth datacenter in Singapore, set to open in Q1 2027.
- Singaporean firm 65 Equity Partners acquired a 13% stake in Chinese cloud platform Tuya.
