China News - 2 November
International
AI could be used to interfere with 2024 elections, Nick Clegg warns. The former Liberal Democrat leader and deputy PM, now president of global affairs at Meta, said that industry and government cooperation was needed “right now” on the role generative AI will play in next year’s elections. David Lynch. The Independent, 1 November
Elon Musk and ChatGPT boss jet in for UK’s AI summit- Sunak warned of “here and now” threats. Bletchley Park will welcome more than 100 figures from international politics and business for the landmark AI summit. Tom Acres. Sky News, 1 November
US, China and 26 other nations agree to cooperate over AI development. Signatories have agreed to work together to ensure AI is used in a “human-centric, trustworthy and responsible” manner in the Bletchley Declaration, which is the first global commitment of its kind. Cristina Criddle, Madhumita Murgia and Anna Gross. Financial Times, 1 November
Joe Biden picks Asia expert Kurt Campbell for deputy secretary of state. The White House plans to nominate Capmbell for the role, a veteran Asia policy official who previously served at the state department and Pentagon. Demetri Sevastopulo. Financial Times, 1 November
US House panel seeks ban on federal purchases of Chinese drones. The House of Representatives’ China committee will introduce a bill that would ban the US government from buying Chinese drones. Demetri Sevastopulo. Financial Times, 1 November
Billion-dollar airport whets Cambodia’s appetite for Chinese investment. Cambodia has received billions in infrastructure funding from China under the banner of the Belt and Road Initiative. Planes have begun landing at the new Chinese-built airport near Siem Reap. Shaun Turton. Financial Times, 31 October
China’s veteran climate envoy Xie to step down in December. According to a government source, Xie Zhenhua is set to retire in December after this year’s COP28 climate talks in Dubai. Muyu Xu and David Stanway. Reuters, 1 November
Economy & Tech
Moutai shares jump after Chinese liquor maker raises prices. Shares in Kweichow Moutai, whose premium spirit is sold for around $200 for a half-litre bottle, jumped 6% after it raised distributor prices for the first time in 6 years. Thomas Hale. Financial Times, 1 November
Opinion & long-reads
Sparks by Ian Johnson review- China’s underground historians. “It is deeply satisfying to read a China book that could only have been written after decades of serious engagement with the country”. Amy Hawkins. The Guardian, 1 November
Halloween revellers throng Shanghai, some wearing costumes seen as a protest to China policies. Police looked on as some were even dressed in costumes that poked fun at China’s strict Covid-19 curbs in a rare showcase of free expression. Brenda Goh. Reuters, 1 November