China approves Synopsys-Ansys merger, but draws red lines on contracts

On the afternoon of July 14, 2025, China’s State Administration for Market Regulation announced its conditional approval of US-based Synopsys’ acquisition of Ansys shares. This deal is a significant merger in the global semiconductor and simulation software sectors, valued at approximately US$35 billion. It has attracted considerable industry attention since its announcement in early 2024.

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Japan’s JS Foundry files for bankruptcy following power chip strategy setbacks

JS Foundry, a Japanese contract manufacturer focused on power semiconductors, filed for bankruptcy with the Tokyo District Court on July 14, reporting liabilities of JPY16.1 billion (approx. US$110 million). The company’s failure highlights increasing challenges faced by the global power semiconductor industry, where optimistic projections linked to electric vehicle (EV) demand have confronted difficult market conditions.

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SoftBank to launch high-altitude 5G network using solar planes and airships by 2026

SoftBank is preparing to commercialize its next-generation telecommunications infrastructure using high-altitude platforms by 2026, marking a pivotal milestone in its UTX (Ubiquitous Transformation) initiative. The company announced that it will deploy a hybrid fleet of solar-powered aircraft and unmanned airships to operate base stations in the stratosphere, approximately 20 kilometers above the Earth’s surface. This dual-platform system is expected to support emergency communications first, with plans to expand into broader commercial services by 2027.

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