Beijing warns of more chip supply worries amid Nexperia mess • The Register

China’s Ministry of Commerce has warned of additional disruption to the worldwide semiconductor provide chain after Dutch chipmaker Nexperia lower entry to a few of its methods for Chinese language workers.

Nexperia makes chips which can be in demand for automotive functions, amongst others. The corporate calls the Netherlands dwelling, however is owned by Chinese language firm Wingtech Applied sciences. In late 2025, the Dutch authorities took management of Nexperia’s native operations on grounds that it was set to illegally switch important chipmaking tech to Wingtech.

That struggle reached an uneasy stalemate, however hostilities seem to have resumed final week after Nexperia China claimed its Dutch father or mother firm lower off entry to SAP and Microsoft 365 for all Chinese language staff on March third, making it inconceivable to course of new orders.

Nexperia China stated that as of Friday it was capable of conduct “primary manufacturing operations” and stated it was making an attempt to keep away from disruption to manufacturing and supply.

Nevertheless, Nexperia’s Dutch entity told Reuters its Chinese language subsidiary’s statements had been “factually incorrect and ‌deceptive.”

China’s Ministry of Commerce said the incident “has stirred up new conflicts and created new difficulties and obstacles for the corporate’s negotiation efforts,” and stated: “If this triggers one other world semiconductor provide chain disaster, the Netherlands should bear full duty.”

Indonesia to ban social media for below 16s

Indonesia’s minister of communication and digital affairs Meutya Hafid final week introduced a ban on social media for youngsters aged 16 or below, citing the specter of cyberbullying and the danger of dependancy.

“We perceive that this step could trigger discomfort at first. Nevertheless, the federal government can’t stay silent when the way forward for youngsters is at stake,” she stated in a speech. The ban comes into power from March twenty eighth and can affect YouTube, TikTok, Fb, Instagram, Threads, X, Bigo Dwell, and Roblox.

Indonesia is the world’s fourth-most populated nation, with virtually 300 million residents – round 1 / 4 of whom are below 16. Large Tech is subsequently about to lose entry to a big variety of prospects.

How nervous is China about AI’s jobs affect?

China’s Minister of Human Assets and Social Safety Wang Xiaoping on Saturday said the nation’s authorities is mulling measures to actively harness AI in creating new job alternatives and empowering conventional jobs.

A authorities announcement states Wang’s ministry “will proceed to accentuate efforts in growing new professions, specializing in areas reminiscent of new high quality productive forces, new consumption hotspots, and providers for public wellbeing.”

Nevertheless, a report in Japanese outlet Nikkei quoted Wang as saying “At present, synthetic intelligence is growing quickly, which has a profound affect on employment,” and describing the state of affairs as “of nice concern to everybody.”

India’s PC gross sales stay tiny

Distributors shipped 15.9 million PCs in India final yr in accordance with analyst agency IDC, which declared that the “strongest yr ever.”

However the agency additionally famous that 8.6 million PCs went to companies, that means customers purchased simply 7.3 million machines

India’s inhabitants is over 1.4 billion, so even the ten.2 p.c year-over-year development in PC shipments means only a few Indians acquired a PC for private use.

Vietnam’s AI fund

The federal government of Vietnam final week announced the creation of a nationwide AI fund to determine AI cluster hubs at high-tech parks, concentrated digital expertise zones, and innovation facilities.

The federal government hasn’t enumerated the extent of its funding however stated a few of its funds will circulation to buyers who construct technical infrastructure.

Additionally in Vietnam final week, AWS Vice President of Information Heart Planning and Supply Kerry Individual promised to develop native expertise, and expressed his want to do extra enterprise with the nation’s authorities.

Panasonic ships cooling to Europe

Japanese big Panasonic final week announced it has began taking orders for its datacenter-grade liquid cooling equipment in Europe, to assist operators of generative AI datacenters relax.

The corporate’s choices use merchandise developed by Italy’s Tecnair S.p.A, which Panasonic acquired in 2023.

Panasonic additionally stated it’s developed a brand new datacenter cooling tech for small services the place the out of doors temperature is under 10°C. The brand new product makes use of low out of doors temperatures to generate chilled water.