US lawmakers emphasize the critical need for the US to maintain its lead in AI development over China, citing economic and military implications, during a congressional hearing on AI innovation and dominance.
A US lawmaker stated that Chinese money laundering networks are funding cartels and threatening US borders, with an estimated $312 billion in suspicious activity linked to such operations between 2020-2024. The Chinese embassy denied responsibility, citing UN conventions and efforts to combat illicit finance.
Congressman Joaquin Castro questioned Secretary of State Marco Rubio about Israel's nuclear arsenal. Rubio declined to confirm the US position, suggesting a private discussion, while Castro stressed the need for information amid joint US-Israel actions against Iran.
Former US Attorney General Pam Bondi defended the Justice Department's release of nearly 3 million pages of Epstein investigation documents, citing transparency efforts, despite criticism over withheld or redacted materials.
China's foreign ministry reiterated its "consistent, clear and unwavering" opposition to US arms sales to Taiwan. A US official indicated sales would continue when deemed necessary, while Taiwan's presidential office stated no information suggests adjustments to the sales.
The US has paused a $14bn arms sale to Taiwan to ensure sufficient munitions for its operations in Iran. Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao stated sales will resume when deemed necessary, causing concern in Taipei.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth testified before Congress on the Iran war that has cost $25 billion so far, launched without congressional approval on Feb. 28. Democrats grilled Hegseth and Gen. Dan Caine about the escalating costs, munitions drawdown, bombing of a school, and shifting justifications for the conflict. Republicans supported the Iran operation while pressing for budget details. Hegseth dismissed criticism as political and defended the firings of top military officers including Gen. Randy George.
US lawmakers at a congressional hearing identified China as the 'most consequential threat and competitor in space,' warning that Beijing leverages its space capabilities 'as a tool of diplomacy and influence.' The two superpowers are in a tight race to the moon, with China targeting a 2030 crewed lunar landing and the US aiming to return astronauts by 2028 via the Artemis programme. A CSIS expert testified that the nation setting space standards will 'set the terms by which information flows, networks interoperate, and how the world is seen.'
A senior Pentagon official told Congress that the US has "no defence against hypersonic weapons or cruise missiles" as President Trump's US$185 billion Golden Dome missile shield faces continued skepticism. The space-based interceptor system, targeted for operation by January 2029, is designed to counter Chinese and Russian missile arsenals, with the price tag increasing from an initial US$175 billion estimate.
Republican Senator Ashley Moody of Florida testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee warning that US immigration laws are too permissive, allowing individuals from nations with mandatory espionage laws to enter the country. Moody said the legal channels essentially roll out a 'red carpet' for people who steal military and commercial secrets, calling the situation concerning and saying it keeps her up at night.
At a congressional hearing on Capitol Hill on Thursday, lawmakers and experts accused China of buying “what they can” and stealing “what they cannot” in the global artificial intelligence (AI) race, while warning the United States’ immigration and research policies could be hindering innovation necessary to stay ahead. “The pattern is clear. China is dependent on our tech stack to continue their AI development. China is willing to buy what they can, and steal what they cannot, to advance their...
