Joe Biden issues ‘full and unconditional’ pardon for son Hunter

 BBC News,

US President Joe Biden granted his son Hunter Biden a “full and unconditional” pardon, reversing his previous stance of not interfering in his son’s legal matters. Hunter Biden had been convicted on federal charges related to gun possession and tax evasion. This pardon wipes out the convictions, ending any potential punishment, and restores rights such as voting and running for office. Critics, including Republican lawmakers, have expressed outrage, calling it a politically motivated decision, while some Democrats view it as necessary to defend his family. This marks Biden’s 26th pardon as a president.

Trump questions Biden’s pardon of Hunter Biden, highlights ‘J-6 Hostages’

Fox News,

In response to President Biden’s decision to pardon his son Hunter, former President Donald Trump took to social media, questioning whether Biden’s actions would extend to those involved in the January 6 Capitol riot. Trump framed the pardon as an example of “abuse and miscarriage of justice,” accusing the Biden administration of selective prosecution. His remarks added fuel to the ongoing debate over presidential pardons, with some claiming the pardon signals preferential treatment, especially since Hunter Biden had not yet been sentenced.

Republicans react fiercely to Biden’s pardon of Hunter

 Axios,

Republican lawmakers swiftly condemned President Biden’s decision to pardon his son Hunter. Key figures such as Rep. James Comer and Rep. Kevin Kiley criticized the pardon as an act of nepotism, accusing the Biden family of avoiding accountability for their alleged wrongdoings. The pardon comes amidst ongoing GOP probes into Hunter Biden’s business dealings. While Biden defended his decision, claiming it was due to unfair treatment, the move has divided political opinion, with some Republicans linking it to Biden’s political legacy.

Biden defends Hunter Biden’s pardon as ‘necessary for justice’

NDTV News,

President Biden defended his controversial decision to pardon his son Hunter Biden, stating that the legal actions against Hunter had been politically motivated. Hunter faced serious charges including tax evasion and gun possession. Biden justified his pardon by arguing that Hunter had been unfairly targeted and prosecuted due to his familial connection. Hunter Biden expressed regret for his actions, acknowledging his mistakes during his struggles with addiction, but vowed to never take the clemency for granted.

China’s Long March 12 rocket successfully launches with test satellites

SCMP,

China successfully launched its Long March 12 rocket, marking a significant milestone in its space exploration efforts. The rocket, carrying two test satellites, was launched from the Wenchang spaceport. The Long March 12 is China’s first 3.8-meter-wide rocket, capable of carrying more payload and offering enhanced performance compared to previous models. This launch is part of China’s broader ambitions to develop a broadband satellite network, rivaling SpaceX’s Starlink, with a planned constellation of over 13,000 satellites to provide global internet services.

US imposes new sanctions on China’s semiconductor industry

 Reuters,

The United States has launched its third major crackdown on China’s semiconductor industry, imposing new export restrictions on key companies and technologies. The move targets China’s ability to produce chips necessary for artificial intelligence applications and national security. Among those affected are Chinese semiconductor companies and manufacturers of essential chip-making tools. The US is also restricting the export of high-bandwidth memory chips and other crucial semiconductor equipment to China, with an aim to curb Beijing’s technological advances. This comes just ahead of Donald Trump’s expected return to the White House, where he is likely to maintain a hardline stance on China.

Huawei Mate 70 sales impacted by modest chip upgrades

 SCMP,

Huawei’s latest Mate 70 series smartphones are expected to underperform in sales, as analysts predict that the device’s modest chip upgrades and lack of Android support could limit its appeal. The Mate 70, which launched with significant AI features and a new home-grown operating system, HarmonyOS Next, has faced delays, impacting its market reception. Despite hardware improvements, including enhanced AI capabilities, the absence of Android app support and geopolitical tensions are expected to significantly affect sales outside of China. Huawei aims to continue building its self-sufficiency in the tech sector, though challenges remain.

Republicans in Congress react angrily to Biden’s pardon of Hunter

 Axios,

Republicans in Congress have reacted with anger to President Biden’s decision to pardon his son, Hunter Biden. Lawmakers have criticized the pardon as a political maneuver to protect Hunter from the legal consequences of his felony charges, including tax evasion and gun-related offenses. Key Republican figures have called the pardon a sign of a “two-tier justice system” that benefits powerful families. Biden, however, defended the move, stating that Hunter was unfairly prosecuted and targeted due to his family ties. This decision adds another chapter to the ongoing political divide regarding presidential pardons.