Japan

米禁輸の先端半導体使用か ＡＩ開発で中国新興企業

Tokyo Shimbun | Local Language | News | Dec. 12, 2025 | Regulation

A Chinese startup called DeepSeek is reportedly developing AI models using Nvidia's latest AI semiconductor, the Blackwell chip. This advanced semiconductor is subject to a U.S. export ban to China. However, DeepSeek is said to have obtained it through smuggling via a third country where the sale was allowed.

The U.S. government enforces the export ban on advanced semiconductors to prevent China from using improved AI capabilities for military purposes. According to reports, the Blackwell-equipped servers were initially installed at an overseas data center, inspected by a server handling company, then disassembled and brought into China.

In a related development, former U.S. President Trump announced on social media that exports of Nvidia’s previous-generation AI semiconductor, the H200, would be allowed to China. The ban on exporting the more powerful Blackwell chip remains in effect, though Trump's decision to permit the H200 has faced criticism from members of Congress.

Nippon | English | News | Dec. 12, 2025 | Geopolitical Conflict and Disputes

Chinese and Russian bombers conducted their first joint flight off Japan's Shikoku region. Two Russian Tu-95 bombers and two Chinese H-6 bombers met over the East China Sea and flew a long-distance formation between the main Okinawa island and Miyakojima before reversing course off Shikoku to return to the East China Sea. Chinese J-16 fighters joined the formation during the flight.

Additionally, Russian Su-30 fighters and an A-50 early warning aircraft were spotted over the Sea of Japan. In response, Japan scrambled Air Self-Defense Force fighters. Despite the provocative joint flight, the Chinese and Russian aircraft did not enter Japanese airspace. Japan has lodged strong diplomatic protests, expressing "grave national security concern" to Beijing and Moscow. Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara described the flight as a coercive action against Japan.

The Mainichi | English | News | Dec. 12, 2025 | Natural Disasters

Japan issued a megaquake advisory following a magnitude 7.5 earthquake off the eastern coast of Aomori, near the northern island of Hokkaido. Although damage from this quake was limited, including 34 mostly mild injuries and some infrastructure damage, officials warned of a possible larger quake of magnitude 8 or higher within the next week, with the probability estimated at about 1%. The advisory aims to encourage preparedness among residents, particularly along coastal areas, to respond quickly in case of a more severe earthquake.

The advisory covers 182 municipalities from Hokkaido to Chiba prefecture and focuses on the increased seismic risk around the Japan Trench and Chishima Trench, where the 2011 magnitude 9.0 earthquake and tsunami originated. That 2011 disaster killed nearly 20,000 people and caused extensive destruction, including the meltdown of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant. Government estimates suggest a future megaquake in the Hokkaido-Sanriku area could generate a 30-meter tsunami, kill up to 199,000 people, destroy 220,000 buildings, and result in economic losses totaling 31 trillion yen ($198 billion).

The government contrasts this latest advisory with a previous one issued in August 2024 for the southern Nankai Trough region, where a magnitude 7.1 quake prompted widespread panic and disruption. That earlier advisory led to emergency product hoarding, event cancellations, and business closures. The Nankai Trough region faces even higher potential risks, with estimates projecting up to 323,000 deaths and over 2 million buildings destroyed from a possible magnitude 9.1 quake.

Officials emphasize that the advisory is not a prediction but a precaution. They urge calm, continuous daily activity, and preparedness, including keeping emergency bags ready with essentials, securing furniture, and reviewing evacuation plans. Municipalities have begun checking stocks of relief goods and communication equipment, and residents are being encouraged to register for emergency alerts.