WSJ Tech News Briefing: China Launches Investigation Into Qualcomm

Date: October 10, 2025
Host: Zoe Culkin, The Wall Street Journal

Episode Overview

In this episode of the WSJ Tech Minute, host Zoe Culkin delivers concise updates on the biggest developments shaking up the tech world. The main headline centers on China launching a high-stakes anti-monopoly probe into Qualcomm, a critical player in the global semiconductor industry. The minute also covers fresh scrutiny of Tesla’s self-driving technology and the surprising career shifts of former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in the world of tech advising.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. China’s Antitrust Investigation into Qualcomm

• [00:26] China’s top market regulator announced it’s investigating Qualcomm for “suspected violation of the country's anti-monopoly law.”

• The probe is linked to Qualcomm’s recent acquisition of the Israeli startup Autotox.

• This action follows a broader pattern: “a string of actions by Beijing targeting the US chip industry.”

• Importantly, it signals Beijing’s tough stance leading up to an anticipated summit between President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

• Quote:

  "China's top market regulator says it launched an investigation into Qualcomm... for suspected violation of the country's anti monopoly law."
  — Zoe Culkin [00:26]

• Qualcomm has yet to officially comment on the investigation.

2. New Federal Probe into Tesla’s Full Self-Driving System

• [00:55] U.S. federal regulators have opened another investigation, this time into Tesla’s “full self driving system.”
• The system allegedly caused some cars to “run red lights or turn into incoming traffic,” resulting in crashes and injuries.
• The investigation spans nearly 2.9 million vehicles equipped with the full self-driving system.
• This adds to a series of federal probes scrutinizing Tesla’s autonomy claims.
• Quote:

  “Several incidents have resulted in crashes, with some causing injuries. That's according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.”
  — Zoe Culkin [01:02]

• Tesla, at the time of the episode, had not responded to media inquiries.

3. Rishi Sunak Hired by Microsoft and Anthropic

• [01:17] Former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has taken advisory roles at both Microsoft and Anthropic.
• This follows his similar move to Goldman Sachs.
• Sunak announced via social media that he intends to "donate his full compensation from both roles to the Richmond Project, a charity run by him and his wife."
• He’s tasked with helping these companies address “strategic questions on how to make tech work for economies.”
• Quote:

  "Sunak said on social media that he'll donate his full compensation from both roles to the Richmond Project, a charity run by him and his wife."
  — Zoe Culkin [01:24]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• China’s Regulatory Stance:

  “This move comes after a string of actions by Beijing targeting the US Chip industry, and it suggests that China doesn't plan on backing off ahead of an expected meeting between President Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping.”
  — Zoe Culkin [00:37]

• Regulatory Pressure on Tesla:

  “This is the latest of several probes into Tesla’s technology and covers nearly 2.9 million vehicles with the full self driving system.”
  — Zoe Culkin [01:10]

• Tech Meets Politics:

  “Microsoft and Anthropic have hired former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak as an advisor following his appointment to a similar position at Goldman Sachs.”
  — Zoe Culkin [01:17]

Important Timestamps & Segment Breakdown

• 00:26: China launches investigation into Qualcomm
• 00:55: U.S. regulators open new investigation into Tesla’s self-driving system
• 01:17: Rishi Sunak joins Microsoft and Anthropic as an advisor

Summary

The October 10, 2025, Tech News Briefing delivers a fast-moving update on three significant tech headlines:

• China intensifies scrutiny of American tech giants by launching an anti-monopoly investigation into Qualcomm, signaling continued tension ahead of a crucial US–China leadership summit.
• Tesla finds itself under another federal investigation due to newly reported failures of its “full self driving” system, emphasizing ongoing safety and regulatory concerns in autonomous vehicle technology.
• Former UK PM Rishi Sunak expands his post-political career, advising two of the most influential companies in tech and AI, with a notable pledge to donate his compensation to charity.

This episode cuts directly to the crucial news, setting up the day’s biggest tech stories and their wider implications for industry watchers and policymakers.