Your Name producer Koichiro Ito jailed for underage sex, porn in Japan
Koichiro Ito, a producer of the acclaimed anime film Your Name, has been sentenced to four years in prison for committing obscene acts against minors. He was convicted of violating child prostitution and pornography laws, as well as non-consensual sex and filming indecent images.
The Wakayama District Court handed down the sentence after Ito pleaded guilty to paying a 15-year-old girl for sex and demanding explicit photos from another teenager. Prosecutors had sought a six-year prison term. Your Name, directed by Makoto Shinkai, achieved significant commercial success and won Best Animation at the 2016 Los Angeles Film Critics Association Awards.
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Koichiro Ito, a producer of the acclaimed anime film Your Name, has been sentenced to four years in prison for committing obscene acts against minors. He was convicted of violating child prostitution and pornography laws, as well as non-consensual sex and filming indecent images.
The Wakayama District Court handed down the sentence after Ito pleaded guilty to paying a 15-year-old girl for sex and demanding explicit photos from another teenager. Prosecutors had sought a six-year prison term. Your Name, directed by Makoto Shinkai, achieved significant commercial success and won Best Animation at the 2016 Los Angeles Film Critics Association Awards.
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Singapore scrutinises exports to Malaysia of China-banned Nvidia chips
Singapore is investigating whether Dell and Super Micro servers shipped to Malaysia contained Nvidia chips barred from China, highlighting the potential role of middlemen in circumventing US sanctions on high-end semiconductors. The investigation was prompted by the arrest of several individuals accused of misleading server suppliers about the true end users of the hardware, which was then shipped from Singapore to Malaysia.
Singaporean authorities are working to determine if Malaysia was the final destination for the servers or if they were subsequently shipped to other countries. The investigation follows reports that the US is also investigating whether a Chinese AI firm circumvented chip restrictions with the help of Singapore-based entities, raising concerns about the role of Singapore in potentially facilitating access to restricted technology for China.
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Singapore is investigating whether Dell and Super Micro servers shipped to Malaysia contained Nvidia chips barred from China, highlighting the potential role of middlemen in circumventing US sanctions on high-end semiconductors. The investigation was prompted by the arrest of several individuals accused of misleading server suppliers about the true end users of the hardware, which was then shipped from Singapore to Malaysia.
Singaporean authorities are working to determine if Malaysia was the final destination for the servers or if they were subsequently shipped to other countries. The investigation follows reports that the US is also investigating whether a Chinese AI firm circumvented chip restrictions with the help of Singapore-based entities, raising concerns about the role of Singapore in potentially facilitating access to restricted technology for China.
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Falling behind is ‘biggest security risk’ in AI, Chinese political adviser says
Political advisors in Beijing are cautioning against overregulation of AI companies, emphasizing that falling behind in the AI race poses the biggest risk. This comes amid growing debate surrounding the emerging technology and the rise of Chinese chatbots like DeepSeek.
Members of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) made these remarks ahead of the annual parliamentary meetings. Zhou Hongyi, co-founder of Qihoo 360, stated that exaggerating AI security issues could hinder progress and create monopolies, preventing China from fully benefiting from AI's potential to improve productivity.
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Political advisors in Beijing are cautioning against overregulation of AI companies, emphasizing that falling behind in the AI race poses the biggest risk. This comes amid growing debate surrounding the emerging technology and the rise of Chinese chatbots like DeepSeek.
Members of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) made these remarks ahead of the annual parliamentary meetings. Zhou Hongyi, co-founder of Qihoo 360, stated that exaggerating AI security issues could hinder progress and create monopolies, preventing China from fully benefiting from AI's potential to improve productivity.
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China slams fresh US tariff hike, calls for ‘equal talks’ to solve dispute
中国强烈反对美国最新对华产品加征关税的举措，并誓言将采取“一切必要反制措施”捍卫自身利益。中国商务部发言人在线发表声明，敦促美国立即撤销不合理的单边关税，并重回平等对话解决分歧的道路。
此前，美国总统特朗普威胁要对中国出口商品加征10%的额外关税，这建立在上个月已经实施的10%关税之上，同时指责中国未能有效阻止芬太尼流入美国。新的美国关税于周二生效，该计划还包括对来自墨西哥和加拿大的所有进口商品征收25%的关税。目前，中美两国尚未就关税问题进行双边谈判的迹象。
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中国强烈反对美国最新对华产品加征关税的举措，并誓言将采取“一切必要反制措施”捍卫自身利益。中国商务部发言人在线发表声明，敦促美国立即撤销不合理的单边关税，并重回平等对话解决分歧的道路。
此前，美国总统特朗普威胁要对中国出口商品加征10%的额外关税，这建立在上个月已经实施的10%关税之上，同时指责中国未能有效阻止芬太尼流入美国。新的美国关税于周二生效，该计划还包括对来自墨西哥和加拿大的所有进口商品征收25%的关税。目前，中美两国尚未就关税问题进行双边谈判的迹象。
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Philippines investigates China-linked donations amid spying concerns
The Philippine government will investigate donations made by Chinese nationals linked to Communist Party-affiliated groups, following the arrest of four individuals on suspicion of espionage. The probe aims to determine if the donations, including cash, motorbikes, and patrol vehicles given to local officials and police, were made in good faith or with ulterior motives.
Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro emphasized that accepting donations is acceptable if done honestly, but potential hidden agendas warrant investigation, particularly concerning the involvement of local government officials who received the donations. The Chinese foreign ministry stated that its citizens are required to abide by local laws and that civic groups are not affiliated with the Beijing government. These events occur amidst rising tensions between the Philippines and China, including recent arrests of suspected Chinese spies and ongoing disputes in the South China Sea.
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The Philippine government will investigate donations made by Chinese nationals linked to Communist Party-affiliated groups, following the arrest of four individuals on suspicion of espionage. The probe aims to determine if the donations, including cash, motorbikes, and patrol vehicles given to local officials and police, were made in good faith or with ulterior motives.
Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro emphasized that accepting donations is acceptable if done honestly, but potential hidden agendas warrant investigation, particularly concerning the involvement of local government officials who received the donations. The Chinese foreign ministry stated that its citizens are required to abide by local laws and that civic groups are not affiliated with the Beijing government. These events occur amidst rising tensions between the Philippines and China, including recent arrests of suspected Chinese spies and ongoing disputes in the South China Sea.
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Hong Kong property sales fall to 5-month low; buyers spooked by US-China tension: agencies
Hong Kong property sales plummeted to a five-month low in February, signaling a cautious approach from both homebuyers and investors. According to Centaline Property Agency, total property transactions, including homes, offices, and commercial spaces, decreased by 13% to 4,295 deals, with the total value dropping by 23.1% to HK$28.24 billion (US$3.63 billion). This decline follows a seven-month high in November, marking the third consecutive month of falling property deals.
Analysts attribute this downturn to a "wait-and-see" attitude prevailing in the market before the US presidential inauguration in January, coupled with the impact of the Lunar New Year holiday, which saw many residents traveling abroad. The increasing tensions between Washington and Beijing, highlighted by the potential doubling of tariffs on Chinese imports, further contributed to the dampened market sentiment and investor hesitancy.
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Hong Kong property sales plummeted to a five-month low in February, signaling a cautious approach from both homebuyers and investors. According to Centaline Property Agency, total property transactions, including homes, offices, and commercial spaces, decreased by 13% to 4,295 deals, with the total value dropping by 23.1% to HK$28.24 billion (US$3.63 billion). This decline follows a seven-month high in November, marking the third consecutive month of falling property deals.
Analysts attribute this downturn to a "wait-and-see" attitude prevailing in the market before the US presidential inauguration in January, coupled with the impact of the Lunar New Year holiday, which saw many residents traveling abroad. The increasing tensions between Washington and Beijing, highlighted by the potential doubling of tariffs on Chinese imports, further contributed to the dampened market sentiment and investor hesitancy.
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Optimism in China’s property market is well-deserved, with caution
Wall Street firms like Goldman Sachs are now expressing cautious optimism about China's housing market, suggesting it may be bottoming out in 2025, a significant shift from their downbeat predictions in late 2023. This change in sentiment is attributed to more effective easing measures introduced by Beijing, which have boosted sales in both secondary and primary markets, and a broader rally in Chinese stocks, particularly in the technology sector.
The improved outlook is supported by data indicating stabilization in parts of the housing market, including growing new home sales and slight monthly price increases in major cities like Shanghai and Shenzhen. While challenges remain and the recovery is uneven, with some cities still experiencing price declines, the emerging "green shoots" in first-tier cities and the overall positive shift in investor sentiment suggest a potential turning point for China's beleaguered property sector.
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Wall Street firms like Goldman Sachs are now expressing cautious optimism about China's housing market, suggesting it may be bottoming out in 2025, a significant shift from their downbeat predictions in late 2023. This change in sentiment is attributed to more effective easing measures introduced by Beijing, which have boosted sales in both secondary and primary markets, and a broader rally in Chinese stocks, particularly in the technology sector.
The improved outlook is supported by data indicating stabilization in parts of the housing market, including growing new home sales and slight monthly price increases in major cities like Shanghai and Shenzhen. While challenges remain and the recovery is uneven, with some cities still experiencing price declines, the emerging "green shoots" in first-tier cities and the overall positive shift in investor sentiment suggest a potential turning point for China's beleaguered property sector.
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China parents lose US$130,000 death lawsuit against park as daughter did not buy ticket
一家中国法院驳回了一对夫妇的上诉，他们要求旅游景点赔偿其女儿的死亡，原因是女儿未购票进入景区。 女大学生高某2021年独自前往江西庐山旅游，失踪十天后，警方在景区一处50米高的悬崖下发现了她严重腐烂的遗体。
最初，高某的父母与景区达成协议，景区同意赔偿4万元人民币。但几个月后，这对夫妇起诉了旅游公司，索赔95万元人民币，指责该公司未履行保障游客安全的义务。江西法院二月份的最终裁决驳回了这对夫妇的请求，认为旅游公司对高某的死亡不承担责任。
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一家中国法院驳回了一对夫妇的上诉，他们要求旅游景点赔偿其女儿的死亡，原因是女儿未购票进入景区。 女大学生高某2021年独自前往江西庐山旅游，失踪十天后，警方在景区一处50米高的悬崖下发现了她严重腐烂的遗体。
最初，高某的父母与景区达成协议，景区同意赔偿4万元人民币。但几个月后，这对夫妇起诉了旅游公司，索赔95万元人民币，指责该公司未履行保障游客安全的义务。江西法院二月份的最终裁决驳回了这对夫妇的请求，认为旅游公司对高某的死亡不承担责任。
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Trump pauses US military aid to Ukraine after clash with Zelensky
美国总统特朗普已暂停对乌克兰的所有军事援助。此前，特朗普与乌克兰总统泽连斯基上周发生冲突，起因是特朗普认为泽连斯基对美国在俄乌战争中的支持不够感激。
一位白宫官员匿名表示，特朗普总统明确表示他专注于和平，并希望合作伙伴也能致力于这一目标。因此，美国正在暂停并审查对乌克兰的援助，以确保其有助于问题的解决。此前，特朗普上任后改变了美国对乌克兰和俄罗斯的政策，对莫斯科采取了更为和解的姿态。特朗普还对媒体报道泽连斯基称战争“还很遥远”表示不满，认为泽连斯基应该更加感谢美国的支持。
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美国总统特朗普已暂停对乌克兰的所有军事援助。此前，特朗普与乌克兰总统泽连斯基上周发生冲突，起因是特朗普认为泽连斯基对美国在俄乌战争中的支持不够感激。
一位白宫官员匿名表示，特朗普总统明确表示他专注于和平，并希望合作伙伴也能致力于这一目标。因此，美国正在暂停并审查对乌克兰的援助，以确保其有助于问题的解决。此前，特朗普上任后改变了美国对乌克兰和俄罗斯的政策，对莫斯科采取了更为和解的姿态。特朗普还对媒体报道泽连斯基称战争“还很遥远”表示不满，认为泽连斯基应该更加感谢美国的支持。
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Hong Kong social welfare groups fear budget cuts will hurt service
香港的社会福利机构将面临政府未来三年削减高达7%的资金，这将影响其服务和人员配置。在劳工及福利局局长孙玉菡周一向他们简报了削减资金的计划后，该行业表达了担忧。此次削减旨在缓解公共财政的压力，此前财政司司长宣布2024-25年度的赤字已达到872亿港元（112亿美元）。
孙玉菡在会后告诉媒体，每年接受超过5000万港元的58家大型社会福利机构的资金将在2027-28财政年度前削减7%。预算还要求中小规模团体削减3%的资金，社会福利署承担4%的削减。财政司司长陈茂波表示，他将加强政府的生产力提升计划，以实现从2024-25年度到2027-28年度累计削减7%的支出。
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香港的社会福利机构将面临政府未来三年削减高达7%的资金，这将影响其服务和人员配置。在劳工及福利局局长孙玉菡周一向他们简报了削减资金的计划后，该行业表达了担忧。此次削减旨在缓解公共财政的压力，此前财政司司长宣布2024-25年度的赤字已达到872亿港元（112亿美元）。
孙玉菡在会后告诉媒体，每年接受超过5000万港元的58家大型社会福利机构的资金将在2027-28财政年度前削减7%。预算还要求中小规模团体削减3%的资金，社会福利署承担4%的削减。财政司司长陈茂波表示，他将加强政府的生产力提升计划，以实现从2024-25年度到2027-28年度累计削减7%的支出。
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Hong Kong’s finance sector to benefit from AI, China opening, Asia wealth: think tank
香港金融业有望受益于人工智能的快速发展、中国的对外开放以及亚洲地区的财富增长。金融服务发展委员会(FSDC)主席Benjamin Hung Pi-cheng表示，香港市场将在帮助企业筹集资金方面发挥重要作用，而中国金融业的自由化将加强香港作为中国内地与世界其他地区之间桥梁的作用。
亚洲商业家族日益增长的财富可能会促使他们在香港设立家族办公室，进行投资和继承规划。Hung强调，许多海外人士对香港的看法较为负面，主要是因为一些媒体报道称香港失去了活力和自由。因此，FSDC成员将通过路演等方式，向世界讲述香港的真实情况，并抓住当前市场回暖的有利时机，积极推广香港。
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香港金融业有望受益于人工智能的快速发展、中国的对外开放以及亚洲地区的财富增长。金融服务发展委员会(FSDC)主席Benjamin Hung Pi-cheng表示，香港市场将在帮助企业筹集资金方面发挥重要作用，而中国金融业的自由化将加强香港作为中国内地与世界其他地区之间桥梁的作用。
亚洲商业家族日益增长的财富可能会促使他们在香港设立家族办公室，进行投资和继承规划。Hung强调，许多海外人士对香港的看法较为负面，主要是因为一些媒体报道称香港失去了活力和自由。因此，FSDC成员将通过路演等方式，向世界讲述香港的真实情况，并抓住当前市场回暖的有利时机，积极推广香港。
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‘People are angry’: Japan braces for a new unknown – prolonged inflation
Japan is grappling with a significant rise in the cost of living, as supermarkets prepare to increase prices on thousands of essential goods by an average of 16% this month. This marks a departure from decades of deflation, pushing the nation into unfamiliar inflationary territory and impacting consumers who have long enjoyed stable or declining prices.
The price hikes, affecting at least 2,343 food and beverage items by the end of March, are driven by several converging factors, including rising raw material costs, a weak yen, and increased logistics and labor expenses. While government subsidies have helped to mitigate the impact on households, these measures are now being phased out, leaving shoppers to directly face the rising costs.
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Japan is grappling with a significant rise in the cost of living, as supermarkets prepare to increase prices on thousands of essential goods by an average of 16% this month. This marks a departure from decades of deflation, pushing the nation into unfamiliar inflationary territory and impacting consumers who have long enjoyed stable or declining prices.
The price hikes, affecting at least 2,343 food and beverage items by the end of March, are driven by several converging factors, including rising raw material costs, a weak yen, and increased logistics and labor expenses. While government subsidies have helped to mitigate the impact on households, these measures are now being phased out, leaving shoppers to directly face the rising costs.
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At least 31 dead, 22 injured in Bolivia after truck rams into bus
至少31人在玻利维亚南部的一起严重交通事故中丧生。一辆卡车在高速公路上与一辆巴士相撞，导致巴士冲出道路，造成大量人员伤亡。警方发言人林伯特·乔克证实了这一消息，并表示死者包括男性和女性，另有22人受伤。
事故发生在奥鲁罗和波托西之间的高速公路上，巴士在碰撞后滚落至约500米深的沟壑中。卡车司机已被逮捕，事故原因正在调查中。玻利维亚总统路易斯·阿尔塞在社交媒体上对遇难者表示哀悼，并强调必须调查这起不幸事件以明确责任。
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至少31人在玻利维亚南部的一起严重交通事故中丧生。一辆卡车在高速公路上与一辆巴士相撞，导致巴士冲出道路，造成大量人员伤亡。警方发言人林伯特·乔克证实了这一消息，并表示死者包括男性和女性，另有22人受伤。
事故发生在奥鲁罗和波托西之间的高速公路上，巴士在碰撞后滚落至约500米深的沟壑中。卡车司机已被逮捕，事故原因正在调查中。玻利维亚总统路易斯·阿尔塞在社交媒体上对遇难者表示哀悼，并强调必须调查这起不幸事件以明确责任。
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North Korea’s Kim Yo-jong says Trump administration stepping up provocations
Kim Yo-jong, the sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, has criticized the United States, stating that increased "provocations" justify North Korea's need to strengthen its nuclear deterrent. She specifically cited the visit of the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier to South Korea as an example of the US pursuing a "policy of confrontation."
Kim Yo-jong argues that the current US administration is continuing the hostile policies of the previous Trump administration. She believes these actions provide North Korea with ample justification to indefinitely bolster its nuclear war deterrent. The USS Carl Vinson's arrival in Busan, South Korea, was intended as a show of force against North Korea.
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Kim Yo-jong, the sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, has criticized the United States, stating that increased "provocations" justify North Korea's need to strengthen its nuclear deterrent. She specifically cited the visit of the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier to South Korea as an example of the US pursuing a "policy of confrontation."
Kim Yo-jong argues that the current US administration is continuing the hostile policies of the previous Trump administration. She believes these actions provide North Korea with ample justification to indefinitely bolster its nuclear war deterrent. The USS Carl Vinson's arrival in Busan, South Korea, was intended as a show of force against North Korea.
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Donald Trump unveils US$100 billion investment plan by semiconductor giant TSMC
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) announced it will invest US$100 billion in new capital in the United States to build state-of-the-art semiconductor manufacturing facilities. The announcement was made alongside US President Donald Trump and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, who both criticized TSMC for previously taking advantage of America by building facilities in Taiwan instead of the US.
Trump stated that this investment would ensure that the most powerful AI chips in the world will be made in America. He believes that his administration's policies, including the threat of tariffs, have made it costly for companies to take advantage of the US, leading to increased investment in the country. Trump acknowledged that while tech company leaders may not personally like him, they are investing in the US due to these economic pressures.
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Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) announced it will invest US$100 billion in new capital in the United States to build state-of-the-art semiconductor manufacturing facilities. The announcement was made alongside US President Donald Trump and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, who both criticized TSMC for previously taking advantage of America by building facilities in Taiwan instead of the US.
Trump stated that this investment would ensure that the most powerful AI chips in the world will be made in America. He believes that his administration's policies, including the threat of tariffs, have made it costly for companies to take advantage of the US, leading to increased investment in the country. Trump acknowledged that while tech company leaders may not personally like him, they are investing in the US due to these economic pressures.
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Hanoi residents endure toxic air as Vietnam struggles with pollution problem
河内近几个月来经常登上瑞士空气质量追踪机构IQAir全球污染最严重主要城市排行榜的榜首。世界卫生组织表示，长期暴露于有毒空气中会对人类健康产生灾难性影响。
越南首都已采取措施限制空气污染，但居民表示，这些措施未能有效保护他们。这一情况表明，河内治理空气污染的努力仍面临挑战，需要更有效的措施来改善空气质量，保障居民健康。
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河内近几个月来经常登上瑞士空气质量追踪机构IQAir全球污染最严重主要城市排行榜的榜首。世界卫生组织表示，长期暴露于有毒空气中会对人类健康产生灾难性影响。
越南首都已采取措施限制空气污染，但居民表示，这些措施未能有效保护他们。这一情况表明，河内治理空气污染的努力仍面临挑战，需要更有效的措施来改善空气质量，保障居民健康。
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‘No room’ for delay: Trump says 25% tariffs on Mexico, Canada imports to start on Tuesday
Former US President Donald Trump announced that 25% tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada would begin on Tuesday, raising concerns about a potential North American trade war. Trump stated the tariffs aim to pressure both countries to enhance their efforts against fentanyl trafficking and illegal immigration, while also addressing the trade imbalance and encouraging factories to relocate to the US.
The announcement quickly impacted the US stock market, with the S&P 500 index dropping 2% on Monday afternoon. While the Trump administration believes tariffs will boost US manufacturing and attract foreign investment, evidenced by TSMC's expanded US investment, these measures also carry the risk of higher inflation and jeopardizing long-standing trade partnerships. Trump also reiterated that tariffs on imports from China, previously set at 10%, would double to 20% on Tuesday.
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Former US President Donald Trump announced that 25% tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada would begin on Tuesday, raising concerns about a potential North American trade war. Trump stated the tariffs aim to pressure both countries to enhance their efforts against fentanyl trafficking and illegal immigration, while also addressing the trade imbalance and encouraging factories to relocate to the US.
The announcement quickly impacted the US stock market, with the S&P 500 index dropping 2% on Monday afternoon. While the Trump administration believes tariffs will boost US manufacturing and attract foreign investment, evidenced by TSMC's expanded US investment, these measures also carry the risk of higher inflation and jeopardizing long-standing trade partnerships. Trump also reiterated that tariffs on imports from China, previously set at 10%, would double to 20% on Tuesday.
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Geely follows BYD in making AI-powered pilot system available across all brands
Geely Auto, China's second-largest carmaker, will integrate its AI-powered G-Pilot system across all its brands, including Galaxy, Zeekr, and Lynk, enabling features like highway navigation and self-parking. This move positions Geely as the second major mainland car manufacturer to offer self-driving technology to a wider customer base.
This decision follows BYD's announcement last month to include its autopilot system in nearly all its cars for free, including budget-friendly models like the Seagull hatchback. According to analysts, Geely's push for autonomous driving and vehicle intelligence will intensify competition with market leader BYD, particularly as both companies boast diverse product portfolios catering to various price points. In 2024, Geely delivered 2.18 million vehicles globally, second only to BYD.
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Geely Auto, China's second-largest carmaker, will integrate its AI-powered G-Pilot system across all its brands, including Galaxy, Zeekr, and Lynk, enabling features like highway navigation and self-parking. This move positions Geely as the second major mainland car manufacturer to offer self-driving technology to a wider customer base.
This decision follows BYD's announcement last month to include its autopilot system in nearly all its cars for free, including budget-friendly models like the Seagull hatchback. According to analysts, Geely's push for autonomous driving and vehicle intelligence will intensify competition with market leader BYD, particularly as both companies boast diverse product portfolios catering to various price points. In 2024, Geely delivered 2.18 million vehicles globally, second only to BYD.
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‘Two sessions’ 2025: can China boost investment narrative as AI sweetens economic outlook?
China's technological advancements, particularly in AI, are sparking renewed investor confidence and reshaping perceptions of its economic potential ahead of the annual "two sessions" parliamentary meetings. The development of the DeepSeek-R1 large language model, comparable to ChatGPT, has been a key catalyst, signaling China's ability to innovate despite ongoing technological restrictions.
Deutsche Bank has even suggested that 2025 will be the year the world recognizes China's competitive edge, referring to DeepSeek as a "Sputnik moment" for the AI sector. This optimism is reflected in market enthusiasm, with Bank of America suggesting that a "China bull market may have just begun," reversing previous market gloom that saw international capital favoring other Asian markets.
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China's technological advancements, particularly in AI, are sparking renewed investor confidence and reshaping perceptions of its economic potential ahead of the annual "two sessions" parliamentary meetings. The development of the DeepSeek-R1 large language model, comparable to ChatGPT, has been a key catalyst, signaling China's ability to innovate despite ongoing technological restrictions.
Deutsche Bank has even suggested that 2025 will be the year the world recognizes China's competitive edge, referring to DeepSeek as a "Sputnik moment" for the AI sector. This optimism is reflected in market enthusiasm, with Bank of America suggesting that a "China bull market may have just begun," reversing previous market gloom that saw international capital favoring other Asian markets.
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China is ready to be an anchor in a brave new multipolar world
The latest Munich Security Report, titled “Multipolarisation,” signals the end of the unipolar era, with many viewing China as a stabilizing force amid concerns over Donald Trump's agenda. The conference's thematic evolution, from "collective helplessness" to "lose-lose dynamics," now reflects a world of dispersing powers, accelerated by the prospect of a second Trump presidency.
This shift was evident in the increased representation from the Global South at the conference. While Trump's tariff threats loomed large, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's call for multilateralism and an "equal and orderly multipolar world" resonated with attendees seeking stability and cooperation, offering a counterpoint to protectionist tendencies.
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The latest Munich Security Report, titled “Multipolarisation,” signals the end of the unipolar era, with many viewing China as a stabilizing force amid concerns over Donald Trump's agenda. The conference's thematic evolution, from "collective helplessness" to "lose-lose dynamics," now reflects a world of dispersing powers, accelerated by the prospect of a second Trump presidency.
This shift was evident in the increased representation from the Global South at the conference. While Trump's tariff threats loomed large, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's call for multilateralism and an "equal and orderly multipolar world" resonated with attendees seeking stability and cooperation, offering a counterpoint to protectionist tendencies.
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