Xi and Trump prepare to meet at G20 after the failure of APEC
Tensions between the US and China were emphasised once more at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum in Papua New Guinea earlier this month. US Vice President Mike Pence hit out at China’s Belt & Road initiative, warning other leaders present of China’s attempts to buy their influence.
Xi Jinping hit back, attacking US’s isolationist and protectionist trade policy, which he claimed was doomed to fail. The clash led to no consensus being reached, and China’s Commerce Minister has spoken out ahead of this week’s G20 in Buenos Aires warning the same outcome must not occur there. Much will rest on a meeting between Xi and Trump and whether they can find areas of agreement.
Chinese scientist claims world’s first gene-edited babies
Chinese scientist He Jiankui has claimed to have created the world’s first genetically edited babies, causing consternation in the world of science, with many scientists condemning the ethics of his experiment.
He Jiankui has defended his experiment, saying that he has edited the embryos of two twin girls, Nana and Lulu, to help prevent them from contracting HIV.
He Jiankui’s university, the Southern University of Science and Technology in Shenzhen was not aware of the experiment, which he fully funded himself. The volunteers for the project were HIV positive men married to HIV negative women. Debate is expected to continue on what this will mean for the future of genetic experimentation on human beings.
China unveils first ever AI news anchor
China’s main state news agency Xinhua, in collaboration with Chinese search engine company Sogou, revealed the first ever AI news anchors earlier this month. The anchors, based on real life news presenters, were presented at China’s Wuzhen World Internet Conference – a China led forum which promotes China’s vision of Internet regulation globally.
The concept behind the AI anchors is that they can present news anywhere at any time of the day. While many Chinese netizens were impressed by the technology, others questioned the impact on the jobs of those working in the news industry, as well as whether they could ever have the same amount of personality as real presenters.
Meanwhile…
China is set to overtake France and other countries to become the most visited country in the world by 2030. Significant economic growth in the Asia-Pacific region will be a major contributing factor, as tourist numbers from countries neighbouring China are set to increase significantly.
Barriers to this prediction being realised include the relative inconvenience of obtaining a Chinese visa for travellers visiting from many of the world’s richest countries including US & UK, as well other off-putting factors including China’s environmental degradation.
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