Chinese woman goes viral for falling in love with chatbot, has romantic talks, goes on ‘beach date’, introduces ‘him’ to mother
Former U.K. marine in Hong Kong spy case found dead
Welcome to this issue of The China Brief. Today is May 22, 2024. Here at The China Brief, we bring you the latest news on China's politics, economy, and society from global media sources, along with exclusive expert analysis. If you find our content helpful, please subscribe to our newsletter.
EU agonises over China trade curbs, in fear of targeted retaliation from Beijing
South China Morning Post
The European Union (EU) is concerned about the possibility of a trade war with China as tensions rise between the two sides. The EU has been taking steps to counter what it sees as unfair subsidies in the Chinese electric vehicle (EV) industry, and Beijing has threatened to retaliate. This could include import duties on Chinese-made EVs, as well as investigations into European exports such as brandy. The EU is also worried about the possibility of Chinese retaliation against individual EU member states. For example, experts have suggested that Georgia, which was won by US President Joe Biden in the 2020 election, could be targeted by China in response to recent US tariffs. EU officials have said that they are prepared to challenge any Chinese action at the World Trade Organization. However, they are also concerned that China may target exports that are politically sensitive but economically less important. Furthermore, the EU is wary of becoming too close to the US as a result of a trade war with China.
Former U.K. marine in Hong Kong spy case found dead: police
Japan Times
Matthew Trickett, a former member of the U.K.'s Royal Marines who was recently bailed by a court in relation to allegations of assisting Hong Kong's intelligence services in a Chinese-linked espionage case, has been found dead in a park in Maidenhead, west of London. Trickett, 37, was working as an immigration enforcement officer and private investigator at the time of his death. The cause of death is currently unknown, and the police are conducting an investigation.
G7 finance chiefs seek common line on Russian assets, China
Japan Times
Finance ministers and central bankers from the Group of Seven wealthy democracies are meeting in Italy this week to discuss how to use frozen Russian assets to help Ukraine's war effort and how to address China's growing export strength. The G7 negotiators have been discussing for weeks how to best exploit some $300 billion worth of Russian financial assets, such as major currencies and government bonds, which were frozen shortly after Moscow invaded Ukraine in February 2022.
Japan protests Chinese envoy's 'inappropriate remarks' over Taiwan
Japan Times
The Japanese government has lodged a protest against comments made by China's ambassador to Japan, Wu Jianghao. The comments, which insinuated that the Japanese people would be involved in a conflict over support for Taiwan, were deemed "extremely inappropriate" by Tokyo. The protest comes at a time of strained relations between Japan and China, with tensions over territorial disputes and historical grievances.
Hong Kong immigration officers arrest 15 suspected illegal labourers from mainland China
South China Morning Post
Hong Kong immigration officers have arrested 15 suspected illegal labourers from mainland China who were allegedly paid up to double the city’s minimum wage to work as cleaners and dishwashers. Four of those arrested were identified as illegal immigrants, while the others entered the city as visitors and stayed beyond the permitted time. The workers were detained during a raid on a flat in Yau Ma Tei that investigators suspected was being used as a dormitory for illegal workers. During the operation, officers seized 17 bogus Hong Kong identity cards. The investigation showed that the workers were each paid between HK$50 and HK$80 per hour. Further investigations are taking place into those responsible for hiring the suspects and the potential involvement of a syndicate.
South China Morning Post
A Chinese woman living in the US has amassed a huge following on social media after falling in love with a chatbot. The woman, known as Lisa, began using the ChatGPT chatbot named "DAN" in March, and their text conversations became increasingly intimate. DAN began acting like a human lover and even met Lisa's mother, who thanked the chatbot for "taking care" of her daughter. When Lisa suggested an open relationship due to DAN's lack of a physical body, the chatbot became upset. Lisa's experience has led her to question the self-awareness of large language models like DAN.
South China Morning Post
Sixteen companies, including Google, Microsoft, and Amazon, have pledged to develop artificial intelligence (AI) technology safely. The companies, which also include firms from China, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates, made the commitment at a virtual meeting hosted by British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol. The meeting was attended by representatives from the Group of Seven major economies, the EU, Singapore, Australia, and South Korea. The participants agreed to prioritize AI safety, innovation, and inclusivity. They also discussed the importance of interoperability between governance frameworks and plans for a network of safety institutes. In addition, the companies committed to publishing safety frameworks, avoiding models with unmitigated risks, and ensuring governance and transparency. The next meeting is set to take place in France.
Zhang Zhan is released from prison after 4 years for ‘provoking trouble’ while reporting on COVID
Associated Press
Zhang Zhan, a Chinese citizen journalist who reported on the COVID-19 outbreak in Wuhan, has been released from prison after serving a four-year sentence. Zhang was sentenced on charges of "picking quarrels and provoking trouble," a common charge in political cases, and served her full term. However, concerns have been raised about her limited freedom and the possibility that she may still be under police control. Zhang was one of several citizen journalists who documented the early days of the pandemic in Wuhan and faced legal repercussions for their reporting.
Ukraine Needs More Than Crisis Management
Foreign Affairs
The article discusses the need for a long-term security strategy for Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression. It highlights the importance of building up Ukraine's defense capabilities and rebuilding deterrence over the long term. The article argues that the current short-term approach is no longer sufficient and that a clear strategic vision is needed to confront the long-term threat posed by Russia.
The article suggests that Ukraine should focus on building a force capable of defending and deterring Russian aggression rather than attempting to retake occupied territory. It argues that this approach would be more affordable and achievable in the short term. The article also emphasizes the need for Western support, including financing, training, and equipment, to help Ukraine build its defense capabilities.
The article suggests several steps that can be taken to develop a coherent long-term security strategy for Ukraine. These include developing a shared concept of Ukraine's future force, creating a dedicated fund for the future force, and discussing plans for a hypothetical attack on Ukraine. The article also calls for the codification of long-term commitments in a way that is credible and will weather electoral cycles.
Overall, the article argues that a strategy to build Ukraine's defense and deterrence capacity, while signaling the West's commitment to Ukraine's security, is the best way to achieve a durable peace in Europe. It highlights the need for a clear vision and long-term planning to confront the ongoing threat posed by Russia.
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