November 12, 2001

High-Technology Exports From China Create Tension China's high-technology industry finds itself treading on geopolitical fault lines these days as Chinese companies have become suppliers of advanced communications equipment to nations that Western companies avoid, or are barred from doing business with, including Iraq, Cuba, North Korea and, at least before Sept. 11, the Taliban leadership in Afghanistan. Industry analysts and United States trade officials say China has been responsive to efforts by the State Department to help the nation set up a system of export controls, which are crucial now that China has joined the World Trade Organization. [Page C2.]

Product tie-in wars for toys based on new motion pictures are already heating up for holiday season; Harry Potter does not appear in theaters until Nov 16, but boy wizard can already be found in stores, facing off with characters from Monsters Inc; just over horizon is army of action figures and toys pegged to Dec 19 release of Fellowship of the Rings, third big contender; photos (M)

Television news program 60 Minutes is reducing its production staff as part of plan by CBS News to pare its budget in reaction to rising costs of covering war in Afghanistan; cuts are not being called layoffs because some, or perhaps all, of those dropped from 60 Minutes may be reassigned to other news programs; although executives describe move as only affecting handful of staff members, move is seen as significant reflection of economic strains of war coverage and possible decline of program's status; photo (M)

Northern Alliance rebels in Afghanistan report capturing northeastern city of Taliqan, in second apparent victory over Taliban forces in three days; reportedly enter city after making deal with local Taliban warlord to switch sides; launch attack against Taliban forces north of Kabul, backed by American airpower; are seeking to break Taliban lines in drive across strategic Shamali plain; other forces attack along western edge of front line near village of Khalazi; American fighter planes aim bombardment along front lines, flying much lower than in recent days to provide close air support for alliance forces; maps; photos (M)

Ben Brantley reviews Neil Simon play 45 Seconds From Broadway, directed by Jerry Zaks and starring Lewis J Stadlen; photo (M)