Day: February 1, 2024

Analysts: Russia-North Korea Military Ties Pose Dilemma for China

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Washington —  China, dismayed by North Korea’s deepening military cooperation with Russia, could try to keep that relationship from disrupting regional stability for its own benefit rather than Washington’s, according to analysts. Experts worry that North Korea could obtain weapons technology from Russia that would speed up Pyongyang’s missile and nuclear development programs to create a greater threat in the region. The increasing belligerence of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has exacerbated those concerns. He has ordered the country to be ready to occupy South Korea if war breaks…

Award-winning AI scientist who left US for China creates world’s first AI child in Beijing

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Unlike popular large language models in AI, Little Girl can independently assign tasks to herself, ranging from exploring her environment to tidying rooms and cleaning stains. She has her own emotions and intellect, and is capable of autonomous learning. “Little Girl possesses a mind and strives to understand the common sense taught by humans. She discerns right from wrong, expresses her attitudes in various situations, and has the power to shape the future,” a video posted by BIGAI said. World at a crossroads: extinction or a new AI-enabled civilisation? In…

Nicole Kidman’s series on Hong Kong expats, China unveils new warship technology: SCMP’s 7 highlights of the week

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We have selected seven stories from this week’s news across Hong Kong, mainland China, the wider Asia region and beyond that resonated with our readers and shed light on topical issues. If you would like to see more of our reporting, please consider subscribing. 1. Why antennas will go almost unseen on China’s next-generation warships China’s third and newest aircraft carrier, the Fujian, has yet to undergo sea trials but its design details – including an advanced “all in one” mast – are gradually being revealed. The Fujian’s much talked…

Western Analysts Warn of Russia’s, China’s Influence in Western Balkans

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washington —  With Russia and China increasingly aligned, Western policymakers and analysts are sounding the alarm over their influence in the Western Balkans. With so much focus on the wars in the Middle East and Ukraine, they warn that the Western Balkans should not be ignored. U.S. Representative Pete Sessions told VOA on Wednesday that Russia has been a part “of destabilizing the Balkans for a number of years,” and that it has demonstrated it uses misinformation and military force to fulfill its objectives. “Destabilizing the Balkans is something that…

‘A race against time’: Taiwan strives to root out China’s spies

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In November, a Taiwan court heard accusations that two serving soldiers had accepted bribes from Chinese agents to record a video declaring their loyalty to China and their intention to defect in the event of a war. The video reportedly made its way into Chinese propaganda materials. Weeks later, a conviction over a similar accusation was upheld against a retired army colonel. The colonel was found guilty of having accepted monthly payments totalling more than half a million Taiwan dollars (£12,500) to delay his retirement for years and serve as…

China’s ‘financially unhealthy’ small firms have a serious cash-flow problem that threatens to topple more dominoes, survey finds

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China’s small businesses, which are critical components of its private sector and big drivers of urban jobs, are still contending with severe payment delays and other operational difficulties, according to a recent financial health survey. The findings, compiled by the Chinese Academy of Financial Inclusion at Renmin University in Beijing, were based on data collected from more than 2,300 small and micro-sized firms across the country. In a subsequent report, the academy flagged the most pressing problems while offering suggestions for financial institutions and governments to more effectively empower small…

India’s stock market rally fuels rush of IPOs

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Stay informed with free updates Simply sign up to the Indian business & finance myFT Digest — delivered directly to your inbox. India’s surging stock market is fuelling a rush of initial public offerings, but some investors are becoming worried about the poor performance of many of Mumbai’s listings. Investors and analysts said the upbeat outlook for India’s economic growth, improved corporate earnings and strong demand from foreign investors are providing a tailwind for deals, with Dealogic data showing 21 IPOs raised about $678mn in January, compared with $17mn a…

China and India should be Global South anchors, not power competitors

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Much has been said about how China and India are jostling for leadership of the Global South. This is bunkum. China harbours no intention of becoming the Global South leader, and India is unlikely to become one even if it wants to. China describes itself only as “a natural member of the Global South”, in line with what it calls itself: a developing country. But while India has not yet declared itself the leader of the Global South, its ambition is hardly veiled. Last year, with New Delhi hosting the…

China’s start-ups take on big global beauty brands

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When Chinese student Yeva Zhang first started to dabble in make-up, she only had eyes for “Japanese and South Korean brands” but now the 18-year-old student has stocked her “vanity case with Chinese ones”. Tempted to buy by social media advertisements and livestreamers, she says she can “hardly tell the difference” between cheaper local brands and some of the biggest names in global beauty. Local companies are nipping at the heels of global names such as L’Oréal, Estée Lauder and Shiseido in China, the world’s second-biggest beauty market by sales.…