In my Actuator newsletter, generative AI is a frequently discussed subject. I’ll admit that a few months ago, I was a little apprehensive to devote more time to the topic. Everyone who has covered technology for as long as I have has experienced numerous hype cycles and financial burns. A fair dosage of skepticism is necessary when reporting on technology, perhaps balanced by some excitement about what is possible.

Instead of involving guns and territory, a new form of battle between China and the West is already growing and it includes semiconductors. The government has stated that it will dramatically increase its computer capacity in the upcoming years, aiming to reach 300 exaflops by 2025. The US would undoubtedly like to prevent or at the very least slow down this aim, as it would require it to practically double its supercomputing power in the next two years.