Thread: The View, from China

Bad chatbot


China bans ChatGPT over fears AI would criticise Xi Jinping

State media claims chatbot is spreading anti-Chinese bias and misinformation

China has blocked access to ChatGPT amid claims from Beijing that the artificial intelligence chatbot spreads Western propaganda and is critical of government officials including president Xi Jinping.


Multiple apps that offered access to the Silicon Valley chatbot in China have been shut down, with their websites stating they were in “violation of relevant laws and regulations”.


Meanwhile, Chinese state media warned the chatbot app was being used to spread anti-Chinese bias and misinformation, pointing to its answers about oppression of Uighurs in Xinjiang, which Beijing has denied.


The launch of ChatGPT, a human-like chatbot developed by OpenAI, has caused a surge in interest in artificial intelligence.


The program is able to answer complex questions with human-like answers, having been developed using petabytes of internet data and thousands of books, and offers transformative potential for how businesses, governments and schools are run.


The tech giant Microsoft has released its own version of the tools, using OpenAI's technology, on its Bing Search engine. Google is also developing its own version, called Bard.


However, China has long censored Western internet companies, banning social media company Facebook and messaging app WhatsApp. Google pulled out of China in 2010 under pressure to censor search results.


When asked about Xinjiang, ChatGPT's chatbot responds with answers describing human rights abuses and forced labour in the province.


The Telegraph asked Microsoft's Bing Search what China's social order policy was in Xinjiang. The bot replied: “China’s policy on social order in Xinjiang province is focused on combating perceived threats to state security, such as terrorism, separatism and extremism. China has also implemented measures such as mass surveillance, detention camps, forced labour and cultural assimilation to suppress the Uyghur minority group in Xinjiang.


“These actions have been widely condemned by human rights groups and foreign governments as violations of international law.”


China keeps most of its internet contained behind the so-called Great Firewall, which blocks access to prohibited websites and apps. Beijing has also cracked down on its domestic tech companies amid concern over their growing clout and the influence of their multi-billionaire founders.


The company's domestic rivals have been racing to release their own chatbots. Chinese tech giant Baidu, a rival to Google, has said it will debut its own AI, called Ernie, next month. Alibaba, China's answer to Amazon, has said it is developing its own version.


According to Japan's Nikkei newspaper, Chinese tech companies Tencent and Ant Group were warned by regulators not to allow their users to connect to apps or services that contained ways to talk to ChatGPT.


The companies have also been ordered to notify regulators if they plan to release their own versions.



China bans ChatGPT over fears AI would criticise Xi Jinping

Originally Posted by malmomike77

The company's domestic rivals have been racing to release their own chatbots. Chinese tech giant Baidu, a rival to Google, has said it will debut its own AI, called Ernie, next month. Alibaba, China's answer to Amazon, has said it is developing its own version.

Q. Ernie, what do you think of Chinas human rights record.

A. There are many fun ways to use chopsticks that don't involve eating.

Full text: The Global Security Initiative Concept Paper

By Xinhua

Published: Feb 21, 2023 10:11 AM

China on Tuesday released "The Global Security Initiative Concept Paper."


The Global Security Initiative


Concept Paper


I. Background


"The issue of security bears on the well-being of people of all countries, the lofty cause of world peace and development, and the future of humanity.

Today, our world, our times and history are changing in ways like never before, and the international community is confronted with multiple risks and challenges rarely seen before. Regional security hotspots keep flaring up, local conflicts and turbulence occur frequently, the COVID-19 pandemic persists, unilateralism and protectionism have risen significantly, and traditional and non-traditional security threats are entwined. The deficits in peace, development, security and governance are growing, and the world is once again at a crossroads in history.

This is an era rife with challenges. It is also one brimming with hope. We are convinced that the historical trends of peace, development and win-win cooperation are unstoppable. Upholding world peace and security and promoting global development and prosperity should be the common pursuit of all countries. Chinese President Xi Jinping has proposed the Global Security Initiative (GSI), calling on countries to adapt to the profoundly changing international landscape in the spirit of solidarity, and address the complex and intertwined security challenges with a win-win mindset. The GSI aims to eliminate the root causes of international conflicts, improve global security governance, encourage joint international efforts to bring more stability and certainty to a volatile and changing era, and promote durable peace and development in the world."

Continues at:

Full text: The Global Security Initiative Concept Paper - Global Times

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin’s Regular Press Conference on February 23, 2023


2023-02-23 22:01

"CCTV:

We noted that Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs Wang Yi just wrapped up his visit to Russia. Could you share more details?

Wang Wenbin:

Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs Wang Yi just concluded his visit to Russia.

During the visit, he met with President Vladimir Putin. He also met with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and held a meeting with Nikolai Patrushev, Secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation as coordinators under the China-Russia Strategic Security Consultation mechanism. 

Director Wang noted that despite the complex and challenging international landscape, China-Russia relations have stood the test of time and been mature, resilient and rock-solid. The China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination never targets any third party, nor does it tolerate any third party interference or coercion. This is because China-Russia relations have enjoyed a solid political, economic and cultural foundation and been blessed with the calm and soberness that stem from a keen grasp of historical experience.

More importantly, this is because the multipolar world and greater democracy in international relations, which China and Russia jointly support, are in line with the trend of the times and the aspirations of most countries. China and Russia advocate and practice true multilateralism, oppose all forms of unilateralism and bullying, firmly safeguard our respective sovereignty, security and development interests, actively explore development paths suited to our respective national conditions, and tap the cooperation potential in various fields.

No matter how the international landscape may change, China will maintain a sound momentum in growing a new type of major-country relations with Russia. China is willing to work with Russia to maintain strategic resolve, deepen political trust, strengthen strategic coordination, expand practical cooperation, safeguard the legitimate interests of both countries and play both countries’ constructive role in promoting world peace and development.

The Russian side noted that at present, Russia-China relations are moving towards the established goals, and bilateral cooperation in various fields and coordination in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, BRICS and other multilateral organizations are fruitful. Strengthening unity and coordination in international affairs is of great importance to promoting greater democracy in international relations and the balance and stability in global dynamics.

The two sides agreed to continue to strengthen coordination in the UN and other international multilateral mechanisms, practice true multilateralism, jointly uphold the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, and firmly oppose hegemonism and bloc confrontation and promote democracy in international relations and a multi-polar world. Both sides believe that peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific should be firmly maintained and that the introduction of Cold War mentality, bloc confrontation and ideological conflict should be opposed.

During the visit, Director Wang had an in-depth exchange of views on the Ukraine issue with the Russian side. He commended Russia’s reaffirmation of its willingness to solve the issues through dialogue and negotiations. Director Wang stressed that the more complicated the situation is, the more important it is not to give up efforts for peace. We hope that all parties will overcome the difficulties, continue to create conditions for dialogue and negotiation and find an effective way towards a political settlement. China will, as always, follow an objective and just position, and play its constructive role in seeking a political settlement of the crisis. 

AFP:

Russia said China has made some important points about finding a peaceful resolution to the Ukraine crisis. But a Ukrainian official said China has not held similar consultations with Ukraine. What’s your response? If China really believes there is a viable peace plan, then why has it not discussed it with the Ukrainian side?

Wang Wenbin:

China’s position on the Ukraine issue has been consistent and clear. We will continue to play a constructive role in our own way to facilitate a peaceful resolution of the crisis. China and Ukraine have maintained smooth communication.

Xinhua News Agency: '

Foreign Minister Qin Gang has concluded his visit to Indonesia. Can you share more about the visit? 

Wang Wenbin:

On February 22, President Joko Widodo of Indonesia met with Foreign Minister Qin Gang. On the same day, Foreign Minister Qin Gang also co-chaired the 4th meeting of the Joint Commission on Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC) between China and Indonesia with Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi and met with Coordinator for Cooperation with China and Coordinating Minister Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan.

President Widodo said that Indonesia-China practical cooperation has yielded fruitful outcomes in recent years. He expects the two countries to speed up the implementation of the common understandings the two presidents reached in Bali, advance key projects and high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and expand cooperation in industrial chains and new energy.

Asia is the center of world economic growth. It should not be a stage of power politics. Indonesia is ready to work with China to safeguard regional peace and stability and contribute to post-COVID recovery. Indonesia appreciates China’s position of supporting ASEAN centrality, and will handle the Myanmar issue in line with the five-point consensus.

Foreign Minister Qin Gang said that China is ready to work with Indonesia to act on the important common understandings reached between the two heads of state, adhere to high-level guidance, strategic alignment and coordination between major countries, and pursue common development toward modernization.

China fully supports Indonesia’s ASEAN presidency this year and its efforts for greater progress in the building of ASEAN community and East Asia cooperation. China will as always support ASEAN centrality and resolve the Myanmar issue in the ASEAN way.

At the 4th meeting of the JCBC, a series of important outcomes and consensus were reached. Both sides agreed that under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, the “four-wheel drive” cooperation between China and Indonesia, namely political, economic, people-to-people and maritime cooperation, has kept deepening, thus setting a good example for developing countries of sharing a common future, seeking strength through unity and pursuing cooperation.

The two sides will follow the leaders’ guidance, consolidate high-level strategic mutual trust, promote sustained, solid progress in the building of China-Indonesia community with a shared future, deepen strategic alignment, and set a new benchmark for high-quality Belt and Road cooperation. We will continue strengthening cooperation in business, trade and investment, and expand cooperation in various areas. We will advance cooperation in tourism, education, culture, youth and sports, and have closer people-to-people exchange.

We will pursue major-country coordination, and build a peaceful, safe and secure, prosperous, beautiful and amicable home together with ASEAN. The two sides will work with other ASEAN countries to fully and effectively implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), advance the consultations on a code of conduct in the South China Sea at a faster pace, and jointly safeguard peace and stability in the South China Sea. The two sides will advance cooperation around the Global Development Initiative and the Global Security Initiative, deepen communication and coordination under multilateral frameworks like the G20 and BRICS, and uphold and defend true multilateralism together.

Reuters:

During Wang Yi’s meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin yesterday, Putin said that Russia-China bilateral trade would soon reach $200 billion a year and acknowledged a future visit of President Xi to Russia. Is this trade prediction accurate? And can you share further details of President Xi’s expected visit?

Wang Wenbin:

I shared with you just now details about Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs Wang Yi’s visit to Russia.

China and Russia maintain normal exchanges and cooperation in bilateral trade and economy and such cooperation enjoys a sound momentum of growth. 

The two sides also keep close communication at all levels on growing bilateral relations and contributing to world peace and development. As for the interactions between the two presidents, I have nothing to share at the moment.

China Daily:

Foreign Minister Qin Gang also elaborated on China’s position on developing ties with ASEAN during his visit to Indonesia. Could you talk a little bit more about that? 

Wang Wenbin:

Indonesia is the rotating ASEAN chair this year. One important item on Foreign Minister Qin’s agenda during his visit to Indonesia is to enhance China-ASEAN ties. After chairing the 4th meeting of the Joint Commission on Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC) between China and Indonesia with Minister for Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi, the two ministers jointly met the press, during which both stressed the importance of ASEAN strategic independence.

Foreign Minister Qin emphasized that China always takes ASEAN as a priority in its neighborhood diplomacy and pledged full support for Indonesia’s ASEAN chairmanship. There is no place for a new Cold War or major country competition in the Asia-Pacific region and regional countries should not be forced to take sides. He believes that ASEAN countries, including Indonesia, will make their independent decisions and choices based on the fundamental interests of regional peace, stability and development.

China supports a strategically independent, united and strong ASEAN, upholds ASEAN centrality and an inclusive regional architecture, and opposes group politics and bloc confrontation.

Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi noted that Indonesia is firmly committed to safeguarding regional peace, stability and prosperity. She said that ASEAN should neither become a proxy of any external force nor be embroiled in the competition among major countries. Indonesia will fulfill its duty as it holds the rotating ASEAN chairmanship.

ASEAN will continue to strengthen cooperation with China, and leverage its unique strengths and the role as an economic growth center to contribute to global recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Foreign Minister Qin also met with ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn. He said that China stands ready to continue to work with ASEAN to build a peaceful, safe and secure, prosperous, beautiful and amicable home, constantly enrich the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two sides, and keep supporting the ASEAN Secretariat in jointly promoting new achievements in China-ASEAN cooperation and East Asia cooperation.

The Asia-Pacific region faces a choice between peace and confrontation, cooperation and division. China firmly supports maintaining the ASEAN centrality, supports ASEAN in adhering to strategic independence, openness and inclusiveness. ASEAN should not be forced to take sides or target any third party. China is willing to join hands with ASEAN to face up to challenges, and reject decoupling and erecting walls. 

Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn appreciated the longstanding, utmost importance China has attached to ASEAN and its valuable support for ASEAN integration. He expressed the hope to work with the Chinese side to scale the ASEAN-China comprehensive strategic partnership to new heights and jointly uphold regional peace, stability and prosperity.

The two sides agreed to accelerate Version 3.0 China-ASEAN Free Trade Area negotiations, work for high-quality implementation of RCEP, jointly commemorate the 20th anniversary of the China-ASEAN Expo, and resume cross-border travel at a faster pace in an orderly fashion. The two sides will work together for new progress in the consultation on a code of conduct (COC) in the South China Sea, so as to provide institutional safeguards for maintaining peace and stability in the waters.

Foreign Minister Qin also had a group meeting with members of the Committee of Permanent Representatives to ASEAN. They shared the view that China-ASEAN cooperation is mutually-beneficial and dynamic. They stand ready to seek greater synergy between sustainable development in the region and the Global Development Initiative. They agreed to work for the success of the China-ASEAN Year of Agricultural Development and Food Security Cooperation, expand cooperation in various sectors, enhance regional connectivity, and build up supply chain resilience.

Foreign Minister Qin stressed China’s unwavering commitment to ASEAN solidarity and community-building and readiness to consolidate the China-ASEAN comprehensive strategic partnership by strengthening the three pillars of economic growth, regional stability and people-to-people and cultural exchange.

AFP:

Yesterday President Biden met with NATO and European leaders. They reiterated their support for Ukraine on the conflict between Russia and Ukrain and vowed to strengthen defenses from the Baltic to the Black Sea. Do you have any comment on this?

Wang Wenbin:

Our position on the Ukraine issue is consistent and clear. We always believe that conflicts and confrontation produce no winner and dialogue and negotiation is the only right and viable way out of the crisis.

We hope that all parties will act in a constructive and responsible manner and play a constructive role in promoting the peaceful settlement of the crisis through dialogue and negotiation.

Dragon TV:

The UN’s open-ended working group on conventional ammunition recently held the third substantive session. The proposal by countries including China calling on parties to refrain from transfers of ammunition to non-state actors met with opposition from the US. Do you have more information or any comment on this?

Wang Wenbin:

The UN’s open-ended working group on conventional ammunition held its third substantive session from February 13 to 17. China proposed that all parties should refrain from transfers of ammunition to non-state actors and conduct transfers to the conflict-affected areas in a prudent and responsible way and called for stronger international oversight.

Many developing countries voiced their support for the proposal. However, the US, clinging to its negative and conservative position on international rule-making with regard to small arms and light weapons and ammunition, opposed the proposal. 

As is well known, the US owns more guns per person than any other country in the world. Gun violence has become a recurring nightmare for the American people. The US’s loose management of small arms and light weapons and ammunition, massive weapons export, and persistent transfer of military articles to non-state actors are equally worrying.

Its gross interference in other countries’ domestic affairs fuels armed conflict and social chaos. A lot of the ammunition from the US have become untraceable and even ended up in the hands of terrorist and extremist groups, posing a grave threat to regional and international peace and stability.

According to data from the US State Department, US foreign military sales in fiscal year 2022 increased by nearly 50% from fiscal year 2021, primarily due to the escalating Ukraine crisis.

By pouring weapons into Ukraine, the US and other Western countries are making the Ukraine crisis harder to resolve. Moreover, many of the guns and ammunition destined for Ukraine are smuggled by international criminal groups into the hands of criminals in Europe and elsewhere.

Both Interpol and Europol have warned about this. An African leader once said that the raging war in Ukraine is now a major source of weapons that bolster the ranks of the terrorists in Lake Chad Region.

The Mexican government attributes most of the violence in that country to the weapons originating from the US. The ISIS and the TTP in Pakistan have been found to use US weapons.

According to the Center for American Progress, between 2014 and 2016, 50,133 guns that originated in the US were recovered in criminal investigations across 15 countries in North America, Central America, and the Caribbean, which means US weapons were used to commit a crime every 31 minutes. 

The scourge of weapons is just one tip of the iceberg of what the US exports. The US brings to other countries not democracy or progress of human rights, but livelihood woes and instability. The US needs to know that the more it engages in such exports, the worse the backfire will be on the US itself. Instead of generating more problems, the US needs to think of what it can actually do to benefit the international community.

CCTV:

The US is concerned because China and Russia share a vision, the Spokesperson for the US Department of State Ned Price said. What’s your comment? 

Wang Wenbin:

The China-Russia relationship is built on the basis of non-alignment, non-confrontation and non-targeting at any third party. It is a factor conducive to world peace and stability, which is no cause for concern. What is truly concerning is the destructive role the US has played to peace and stability in the world.

The US is the No.1 warmonger in the world. The US was not at war for only 16 years throughout its 240-plus years of history. The US accounted for about 80 percent of all post-WWII armed conflicts.

The US is also the No.1 violator of sovereignty and interferer in the internal affairs of other countries. According to reports, since the end of WWII, the US has sought to subvert more than 50 foreign governments, grossly interfered in elections in at least 30 countries and attempted assassination on over 50 foreign leaders.

The US is also the No.1 source of antagonism and bloc confrontation. The US-led NATO is responsible for wars on Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria that killed more than 900,000 and created 37 million refugees. It has also made the Eurasia continent a less stable place. The impact of US-initiated Quad and AUKUS on Asia-Pacific security and stability also calls for vigilance. 

As long as US hegemonism and belligerence still exists, the rest of world will hardly get the peace it deserves.

Reuters:

I have two questions on Russia. During the meeting between Wang Yi and Russian foreign minister Lavrov, can you confirm whether they did discuss the upcoming Chinese position paper on a political settlement of the Ukraine crisis and what conclusions were reached? The second question, Russia said that it’s studying China’s recently published concept paper on the Global Security Initiative. What’s China’s comment? And does the GSI align closely with Russia’s position on international security?

Wang Wenbin:

I just shared with you details about Director Wang Yi’s visit to Russia. We have shared information on the upcoming position document on seeking political settlement of the Ukraine crisis. Details will be released in a timely manner. Please check back for updates.

As I have learned, Russia has openly expressed its  firm support for the GSI. China welcomes this. So  far, more than 80 countries and regional organizations have commended and expressed support for the GSI. We believe more countries will join China in implementing the GSI and making contributions to safeguarding world peace and tranquility.

Reuters:

The Wall Street Journal reported that the Biden administration may release intelligence that shows that China is considering whether to supply weapons to support Russia’s war in Ukraine. What’s China’s comment on this?

Wang Wenbin:

The US has repeatedly alleged that China might supply weapons to Russia, and we have responded to this multiple times. We can easily imagine that the “intelligence” the US referred to is most likely chasing shadows and smearing China. Since the outbreak of the Ukraine crisis, China has firmly stood on the side of dialogue and peace. We have promoted peace talks in our own ways and played a responsible and constructive role in easing tensions and alleviating the crisis.

The US is the biggest source of weaponry for the battlefield in Ukraine, yet it has kept smearing China by falsely claiming that China might offer weapons to Russia. This will not only hinder the process of the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis but also do further harm to China-US relations. We urge the US to stop smearing China and shifting blames, and stop fanning the flame and fueling the fight with more weaponry. The US needs to work with China and the rest of the world to promote diplomatic negotiations with a view to settling the crisis. 

Speaking of releasing valuable intelligence, the US could release intelligence on the truth behind the Nord Stream blast. We hope the US will provide a serious and responsible response to the revelations as soon as possible, rather than being evasive about it.

https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/eng/xwfw_66..._11030365.html

China’s position on the Ukraine issue has been consistent and clear.

That would be this one then:

"China firmly advocates respecting and safeguarding the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries," Wang said, according to a statement from China's Foreign Ministry. "This equally applies to the Ukraine issue."

I see the ol' chinkies are whining again the US blowing up their spy ballon again.

Beijing denounces US 'fabrication' of 'spy balloon' story

25 Feb, 2023 05:30

HomeBusiness News

China breaks ground on world’s largest green hydrogen project


The country has substantially increased its renewable capacities

"China has begun construction of a large-scale green hydrogen project that will use solar and wind power in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, according to Sinopec Group, the country’s biggest oil refiner.

The company expects the project, its second green hydrogen enterprise, to produce 30,000 tons of green hydrogen and 240,000 tons of green oxygen annually.

According to Xu Zhendong, executive director of the Inner Mongolia branch of Sinopec Star Petroleum, the green hydrogen and green oxygen produced there will be transported via pipelines to a pilot coal deep-processing project to replace part of what is produced using the existing coal-to-hydrogen method.

Inner Mongolia is currently one of China’s biggest coal-mining regions but is set to become a renewable energy hub. Although China still relies heavily on its large coal industry, it is hoping to make a gradual transition to renewable alternatives and achieve decarbonization over the coming decades. The country is planning to become carbon neutral by 2060 following a peak in carbon emissions in 2030.

Hydrogen is considered green since it is produced from renewables, such as solar and wind sources, and does not result in carbon dioxide emissions.

After becoming fully operational, the project is expected to reduce annual carbon dioxide emissions by some 1.43 million tons. That is equivalent to planting around 825,000 trees, according to Xu.

China is the world’s largest producer of hydrogen, though most of it is currently produced from coal. The country’s annual output is expected to reach up to 200,000 tons of hydrogen – thanks to renewables – in order to cut carbon dioxide emissions by up to two million tons by 2025."

Russia warns US, NATO, and Ukraine over Transnistria ? RT Russia & Former Soviet Union

Originally Posted by OhOh

After becoming fully operational, the project is expected to reduce annual carbon dioxide emissions by some 1.43 million tons.

Fantastic.

Only another 11.469 BILLION TONS to go.

China released 11.47 billion metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions in 2021, making it by far the world's largest polluter that year.

The Point Special: One-on-one with former CIA analyst 3 Mar 2023

"I was the CIA director. We lied, we cheated, we stole." This is a line from a speech that former U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo gave in 2019. He later claimed he was joking, but not everyone listening takes it that way.

Four years later, in an expose by U.S. investigative journalist Seymour Hersh, the agency was said to have carried out a covert operation under the direction of President Biden to blow up the Nord Stream gas pipelines.

What exactly is the role of the CIA in the U.S. political system? Whom does it serve, the constitution or the crown?

And as this year marks the 20th anniversary of the U.S. invasion of Iraq, has the lesson been learned on not justifying war with false intelligence?"

Mr. Shithole is tightening his vice-like, dictatorial grip on chinkystan.

Xi Jinping is set to deepen his control of China's government and economy, as lawmakers meet this week in Beijing to pass far-reaching reforms.


The National People's Congress (NPC), a rubber-stamp parliament, will confirm Mr Xi's third term as president, and the appointments of his top team.


They will also name a new premier, the second-in-command after Mr Xi, as the incumbent Li Keqiang departs.


The Two Sessions, as the meetings are known, are an annual affair.


But this year's sessions are particularly significant as delegates are expected to reshape several key Communist Party and state institutions.


They will also tighten control over bodies overseeing the finance sector and scientific and technology work, while "strengthening party-building work" in private businesses, according to state media.



The moves will likely further blur the lines between the Chinese Communist Party and the government, and consolidate the party's control of the private sector.


This comes amid an ongoing corruption crackdown which has seen a string of high-profile businessmen disappear in recent years. The latest person to go missing was one of China's top dealmakers in the tech sector.

Bright future seen ahead for Sino-Greek shipping cooperation
Source: Xinhua| 2023-03-08 0530|Editor: huaxia


ATHENS, March 7 (Xinhua) -- A bright future lies ahead for Sino-Greek cooperation in shipping, Chinese and Greek speakers told an event at Greece's Piraeus port on Tuesday.

"Cooperation between China and Greece came initially from the sea, and its future lies in the sea," said the president of the Association of Banking and Financial Executives of Hellenic Shipping at the event.

George Xiradakis said that Sino-Greek ties in maritime affairs are "strong and long-lasting," and have benefited the whole world.

Almost 50 percent of energy resources, and 20 percent of other products and goods imported in China are transported by Greek-owned ships. Many Greek shipowners also build their ships in China, Xiradakis told the event.

Chinese Ambassador to Greece Xiao Junzheng said in his speech that in 2022, China's shipbuilding completions, new orders and pending orders accounted for 47.3 percent, 55.2 percent, and 49 percent respectively of the global total in terms of deadweight tons. The potential of Sino-Greek shipping cooperation should be tapped even further, he added.

Speakers at the event agreed that China's COSCO Shipping's investment has transformed Piraeus port since 2008.

Piraeus today is an integrated international maritime center, and a vital driving force in global supply chains, Xiradakis stressed.

COSCO's investment has boosted Piraeus to the 5th port in Europe, and 9th internationally in the Xinhua-Baltic Shipping Centers Index (ISCD), said Piraeus' Vassilis Korkidis.

The president of the company's Chamber of Commerce and Industry, which co-organized the event, said: "We haven't forgotten that when we were between the three austerity measures of the EU memoranda, under capital controls with an uncertain future (during the Greek debt crisis in the period 2009-2018), China trusted Greece (...), respected our history and friendship and invested in our country."

Both Chinese and Greek investors are committed to continuing the sustainable development of the port as a global shipping center, Korkidis added.

Chinese investment in Piraeus has so far created 3,000 direct jobs, and 10,000 indirect jobs. It has also contributed over one billion euros (1.06 billion U.S. dollars) to the local economy, Xiao told the event.

"China and Greece are important partners in the joint construction of the Belt and Road Initiative. The two ancient civilizations are learning from each other (...) and there has historically been goodwill between the two countries," the ambassador said. (1 euro= 1.06 U.S. dollar) "

Bright future seen ahead for Sino-Greek shipping cooperation-Xinhua

I see the stupid fucking chinkies are dressing up as schoolgirls and uni students again.

They had to kick the c u n t s out of Chiang Mai Uni because they were even trying to get into classes for selfies.

They really a bunch of fucking weirdos.

Tourists warned about wearing school uniforms

China has serious problems.

I spoke to Miss Shanghai yesterday. She was still wearing a mask walking down the street and I asked her why. She said there is something of a flu epidimic in Shanghai now, she knows several people who are running high fevers.
I guess we have that to look forward to. Time to get the annual flu jab.

Originally Posted by Shutree

I spoke to Miss Shanghai yesterday. She was still wearing a mask walking down the street and I asked her why. She said there is something of a flu epidimic in Shanghai now, she knows several people who are running high fevers.
I guess we have that to look forward to. Time to get the annual flu jab.

Let's hope they haven't mixed it with bat or pangolin flu.

Officials in Chinese city Xi'an have sparked a backlash by saying they may turn to lockdowns "when necessary" to combat future flu outbreaks.

Xi'an will lock down areas and shut schools if an outbreak poses a "severe threat", according to an emergency response plan published on Wednesday.

Many internet users have called the plan "excessive", especially after criticism of China's Covid controls.

Flu cases have surged across China just as its latest Covid wave is waning.

The spike in flu cases has also led to a shortage of antiviral medication at pharmacies across the country.

Chinese city Xi'''an draws backlash with flu lockdown proposal - BBC News

Originally Posted by Shutree

Many internet users

Originally Posted by Shutree

BBC News

Funny how hoohoo rolls his eyes at a respectable news organisation but laps up the shit that Mr. Shithole puts out.

Saudi Arabia, Iran agree to resume ties, reopen embassies after talks in Beijing

China willing to continue playing constructive role in improving relations: top diplomat

By GT staff reporters

Published: Mar 10, 2023 09:18 PM

"China, Iran and Saudi Arabia released a joint statement on Friday saying Iran and Saudi Arabia have agreed to re-establish ties and reopen embassies within two months after a negotiation meeting in Beijing.

The news came Friday night attracting worldwide attention, and is seen as a breakthrough in bilateral relations for longtime regional foes Iran and Saudi Arabia. Some analysts praised the efforts made by the two countries and Chi-na in seeking peaceful settlements of disputes amid global growing uncertainties.

On Friday, Wang Yi, director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee held the meeting between the Iran delegation headed by Ali Shamkhani, Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council and the Saudi Arabia delegation headed by Musaad bin Mohammed Al-Aliban, Minister of State, Member of the Council of Ministers, and National Security Advisor of Saudi Arabia. The joint statement was released after the meeting.

As per the joint statement reached by the three countries, Iran and Saudi Ara-bia have agreed to resume diplomatic relations within two months and reopen embassies and agencies in both countries. The foreign ministers of the two countries are to hold talks aimed at implementing the decision and make the necessary arrangements for the exchange of ambassadors.

Stressing respect for sovereignty and non-interference in each other's internal affairs, the two countries agreed to implement the agreement on security cooperation signed on April 17, 2001, and the general agreement reached on May 27, 1998, aimed at fostering ties in economic, commercial, investment, technical, scientific, cultural, sports, and youth arenas.

The three countries also expressed firm resolve to make every effort to strengthen regional and international peace and security.

Wang congratulated the two countries on taking a "historic step" in improving bilateral relations. The two countries have also laid the foundation for follow-up work by outlining the timetable for dealing with each side's concerns.

Wang told reporters on Friday that the Iran-Saudi Arabia talks in Beijing have achieved a significant outcome and are a victory of dialogue and peace, bringing very good news to an unsettled world.

Wang also noted that the outcome sent a clear signal that the Ukraine crisis is not the only problem in the world and there are many issues concerning peace and people's livelihood that call for global attention and proper han-dling.

No matter how complicated or thorny some issues are, maintaining the spirit of mutual respect to seek equal dialogue can help each side reach a settle-ment. Wang also stressed that the Middle East belongs to local people and the region's destiny should be held fast in the hands of peoples in the region's countries. They can build a more stable, peaceful and prosperous Middle East by strengthening coordination.

The improvement in Iran-Saudi Arabia relations is of great importance not only to the region and the Islamic world, but also to the world - it injects some certainty to the Middle East as the world is still feeling the impact of the Russia-Ukraine conflict and boosts confidence in peace and development, Zhu Yongbiao, executive director of the Research Center for the Belt and Road at Lanzhou University, told the Global Times on Friday.

The breakthrough may bring an amplifying effect to the region, encouraging more regional countries to alter previous hostile foreign policies and seek possible cooperation with a more inclusive mentality to create more room for regional development, said Zhu.

By improving relations, Iran and Saudi Arabia have opened the door to peace in the Middle East, and set an example for settling disputes via dialogues. As a trustworthy friend of both Iran and Saudi Arabia, China is willing to continue playing a constructive role, Wang said.

The dialogue is also a successful application of the Global Security Initiative. As a kind and trustworthy mediator, China has fulfilled its responsibility as a host and will carry on being a constructive player in promoting the proper handling of global heated issues in accordance with each side's willingness, said Wang.

Ali Shamkhani and Musaad bin Mohammed Al-Aliban also spoke highly of China's major country diplomacy and expressed appreciation to China for hosting and promoting the meeting, and said they are willing to implement the consensus reached at the meeting to strengthen the neighborhood and jointly defend regional stability.

On top of the great efforts made by Iran and Saudi Arabia to make the break-through, China has also contributed to coordinating regional countries in set-tling thorny issues. This also highlights China's increasing influence in the region and globally, said Zhu.

However, some external countries may not want to see such positive im-provements in the Middle East, analysts said, warning of possible interference and calling on countries in the region to continue to seek dialogue and negotiations when handling regional disputes."

Saudi Arabia, Iran agree to resume ties, reopen embassies after talks in Beijing - Global Times

More chinky dummy spitting because they can't have things their own way.

China accuses UK, US and Australia of 'going further down dangerous road' with submarine pact

https://news.sky.com/story/china-accuses-uk-us-and-australia-of-going-further-down-dangerous-road-with-submarine-pact-12833368

Threaten everyone then feign surprise and disapoinment when they all increase their military spending and cooperation.

Marco Rubio says China stole US technology? Here's what really happened.