"Read ten thousand books, and your pen will be guided as if by the gods" is an ancient Chinese idiom that can be seen in students' textbooks. China's Ministry of Education has published an action plan to further promote reading among students across the nation. With new and diverse book recommendations, the reading scene is expected to be revived not only at schools, but also across society. To contribute to this endeavor, the Global Times launched "My Reading Life" essay contest for middle school students.
Please pick up a pen and share your stories with us at reading@globaltimes.com.cn
Participants will be rewarded once the article has been selected. Over the years, reading has become an important part of my life. I always remember a notable motto that says, "Books are the ladder of human progress."
I like reading because reading can change people's lives. Through reading, people can obtain different information, knowledge and experiences, which can help them better understand the world and improve themselves.
At the same time, reading good books can also help people establish good values, world views and life attitudes, and obtain spiritual satisfaction and growth, and promote personal development.
Reading has not only enriched my mind, but also provided spiritual support and impetus for my growth.
For example, my favorite book Wonder by R.J. Palacio shows the substance of empathy, friendship, acceptance and celebrating differences.
I remember a quote from the book says that when given the choice between being right and being kind, choose kind. I believes in this quote.
Wonder tells the story of August, a 10-year-old boy who lives with his parents and sister in New York.
August is an ordinary boy in many ways. He likes riding a bike and playing video games. But August, or Auggie as people call him, was born with facial deformities and so looks very different from others. Because of his facial deformities, his mother homeschooled him for the past five years, but the family finally decided that it was time for him to start school. Auggie's first year at school was terrible, most people were afraid of him, so they kept away. Day after day, some kids bullied him with a game called "The Plague."
Whenever somebody got close to Auggie, that meant they caught the plague. But he never gave up on himself, and never lost hope. Through the hard times, a girl called Summer reached out her hands for him to be friends, that was when August first felt kindness from friends.
But towards the end, a dramatic event at a school camp changed things completely, people found out how brave he was, and how hard it was for him to get along with people and began to understand him.
Kindness is the main theme in Wonder. It helps us realize that a small, simple act of kindness can make a big difference, and we have the ability to choose kindness. From this book, I have learned to face differences in people. Maybe if we knew what other people were thinking, we'd know that no one is ordinary, and at least we all deserve a standing ovation at least once in our lives, because everyone is a unique star, and always ready to shine.
In 2017, the novel was adapted into a film of the same name by US director Stephen Chbosky. The film features stars like Julia Roberts and Owen Wilson and was a box-office success due to the heartwarming story that resonated with many audiences.
Although some of us do not go through the kind of hardship that Auggie does, we still can feel connected to the boy's story because at some points in life we have all gone through struggles and pain like Auggie.
Books like this make me believe that cultural productions can really inspire people and change how people think about life.
All in all, reading helps us become better people, and we can also gain happiness. If we continue to learn and constantly improve our cognition, we will be able to achieve a higher level of happiness. This sense of happiness derived from knowledge leads to both external happiness and inner satisfaction and prosperity.
So, I hope everyone can find a book that makes your day, and try to make reading part of your life.
The author is a student at the Beijing Wenhui Middle School
In today's world, where challenges and opportunities coexist, the global economy is undergoing an unprecedented transformation. How to respond to these changes and uncertainties has become a common issue for governments, businesses, and individuals alike. Recently, Global Times reporters Xie Wenting and Bai Yunyi (GT) conducted an exclusive interview with renowned economist and former governor of the Bank of Canada, Stephen Poloz (Poloz), on this topic. According to Poloz, five economic tectonic forces - population aging, debt accumulation, income inequality, technological advancement, and climate change - are constantly shifting and accumulating, much like geological forces, and are causing profound "economic earthquakes" around the globe. GT: In The Next Age of Uncertainty, you mention five economic forces (aging population, debt accumulation, income inequality, technological advancement, and climate change) that are reshaping the global economy. Could you introduce your conclusions to our readers on how these forces will reshape our economy? How should we respond to these changes?
Poloz: I refer to these forces in my book as tectonic forces because they are like forces of nature. They are always moving, and there is nothing that we can actually do about them. When the earth's tectonic forces build up in strength and collide, we get earthquakes.
In the book, I examine past major economic events, and I discover that some of these same tectonic forces were active in those time periods, such as during the global depression in the 1800s, the depression of the 1930s, or the global financial crisis.
All five of these forces are rising in strength right now. At the same time, the global population is aging very rapidly. The fourth industrial revolution is just gaining momentum. Incoming inequality is at a historic high level and is about to rise even more because of the industrial revolution. And debt is on an unsustainable trajectory. Climate change is becoming very pressing as it manifests itself daily.
Therefore, the prediction of my book is that we face a future in which there will be more of these kinds of economic and financial earthquakes in the world as these forces collide with each other. I think we need to prepare ourselves. We need to be more conservative financially. We need to learn new skills all the time so we can shift our occupations. We need to invest in flexibility and adaptability.
GT: You mentioned in your book that technological advancement may cause instability in the job market. How do you think we should address the employment issues brought about by these new technologies?
Poloz: We've had three industrial revolutions in history: The steam engine, electricity, and the computer chip. Each time, many jobs have been destroyed by the new technology. However, at the same time, more jobs have been created than were destroyed after a period of time. The problem is that the process of job creation takes time, and it may take five to 10 years for the process to complete itself.
I think the important thing that most people forget is that new technology creates a lot of new wealth. Those are the companies that were first to develop the technology, or the companies that were the first to deploy the technology, and that new income and wealth that has been created is spent everywhere in the economy. So new jobs are created, not just in writing code or making iPads or whatever, but those jobs are in construction work, maintenance work, throughout the service sector, and other goods.
The fourth industrial revolution is just getting started. That's the digitization of our companies and the application of artificial intelligence (AI) to manage it. There's no doubt that this will be very stressful, possibly affecting as much as 20 percent of global workers, maybe more over time. As societies, we need to ensure we have good income safety nets to protect people during the transition and help facilitate the process. We also need to provide retraining opportunities for individuals to move between sectors or geographically. This is the best way to support the transition, make the process less painful, and realize the benefits sooner.
GT: Some say that the development of AI is different from the first and second industrial revolutions as it won't help create more jobs. What's your opinion?
Poloz: I don't agree with that. I think that, for example, with AI-driven vehicles, if all the trucks that deliver goods or transport items became automated vehicles, a whole new class of maintenance people would be needed to maintain those sophisticated vehicles. A traffic control system would also be necessary, as they can't just drive wherever they want.
The more important thing is that if AI really works as expected, it will create a lot of value, which goes out into the economy. While some people may be displaced, there will be growth in other areas of the economy. I am quite optimistic about this, especially when considering historical precedents. It has happened many times before, with each technological revolution leading to tremendous growth for society.
However, there is a risk that some people may be left behind, possibly permanently or for a long time. This can lead to political unrest, populism, and polarization in politics. It is important to learn from past mistakes and address income inequality to prevent further societal divisions. GT: How would you evaluate the performance of the Chinese economy? Some have claimed that "China has peaked." What's your take?
Poloz: I really don't think China has peaked. As any economy matures and moves up the productivity scale, and as it gets larger, it is natural for its growth rate to slow down. That doesn't mean it has peaked. It still continues to reach new heights.
Countries are kind of like a flock of Canada geese. The geese are flying in a triangle, and the geese that are most advanced are at the front of the triangle. The geese that are less advanced are a little bit further back in the triangle. They have an advantage because the ones that are upfront are breaking the wind and making it easier for the geese to fly. Inevitably, they continue to progress.
Maintaining momentum is an important job. That maintenance of momentum comes from deep investments, education, collaborative models, cross-discipline models, research, and development. And these are all things that China has in abundance.
GT: In recent years, China has been vigorously developing the new energy industry and promoting a green economy transformation. How do you view this process?
Poloz: This is an example in which the government really should be involved. The reason is that we find ourselves in a world with excessive carbon emissions, and we know this because the market fails. The market does not get us to the right place. That's because air pollution is something that everybody contributes to by driving their car or buying something made in a factory that pollutes the air directly or indirectly. But no one pays for the air pollution. But we pay a price because the air is of lesser quality, or because emissions are causing climate change.
There are many ways of correcting this failure. But it's clear governments must take the lead. In my opinion, the best solution to the climate change issue is to invest as much as we can in carbon capture. The world will demand more and more energy as we move forward, and energy security will be very important to people. If we can solve the emissions problem with our existing technology, even though it may be expensive, that is the best way to focus our resources.
GT: Economic relations between China and the US have attracted a lot of attention. How do you view the roles of the two countries in global economic governance? What do you see as the future trends in economic cooperation and competition between China and the US?
Poloz: I do believe that our futures are closely intertwined. If we go back to the Canada geese metaphor, it is obvious that we are all, in a basic sense, flying forward together. This is the best way forward in terms of governance of the global economy or system. We have many forums for this, based on collaboration. They work well in a crisis, but not as effectively in other times.
When we consider international trade between the US and China, trade does not actually occur between the two countries. Trade occurs between business people in the US and business people in China. These individuals know and like each other, and they have been doing business together for many years. In my opinion, these relationships are stronger than politics. I am hopeful that the strength of these ties will continue to benefit us.
The main thing I worry about today is uncertainty. Because what it all does is it makes the future less certain. I find that today, politics adds to the uncertainty. It slows down business investment and the investments we make in the future. So, it slows the whole flock of Canada geese down. The more we can do to reduce uncertainty, the better things can be.
GT: What's your outlook on globalization? Do you think the era of globalization is ending, and is the era of regionalization on the rise?
Poloz: Globalization will never end because it is Mother Nature at work. Adam Smith taught us that the division of labor into smaller and smaller slices, that specialization in production, is the key to rising productivity and rising living standards that we all want.
In our economies, you don't do your own dry cleaning, you don't grow your own vegetables; you go to the grocery store and the dry cleaning store. Someone else specializes in those things, and that's how we all do better. Globalization just extends that simple idea to the international level. It was hard 200 years ago because things had to move around on animals or by ship. But today everything is easier to move around. So we can improve our living standards through international trade.
Sometimes I think that global supply chains were developed by the chief financial officer and optimized by dollars and cents. Then during the pandemic, we saw many disruptions in supply chains. We realized that sometimes the supply chains are risky because of some problems, so it's not all perfect. Now, what we are seeing is that supply chains are being remodeled more by the chief risk officer, rather than the chief financial officer.
This shift in focus is leading to a certain amount of reassurance in the supply chain. It is a re-balancing of globalization, and a new balance will emerge, albeit slightly different from before. Globalization is not black and white; it is an equilibrium that will reemerge.
From September 12 to 16, the 2024 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) is being held in Beijing.
In a congratulatory letter, Chinese President Xi Jinping pointed out that CIFTIS, having been successfully held for 10 years, is a vivid illustration of the high-quality development of China's service industry and service trade, making positive contributions to the building of an open world economy. As the largest comprehensive exhibition in the global service trade field, this year's CIFTIS continues to be highly attractive. In total, 85 countries and international organizations have set up exhibitions and more than 450 Fortune Global 500 and industry leading companies have participated offline, making it a bridge for all parties to share development opportunities, promote industrial growth, and strengthen communication and exchanges.
Trading "tangible goods" is called trade in goods, while trading those invisible products or services is usually categorized as trade in services. The WTO divides trade in services into 12 major areas, including tourism and travel-related services, business services, transportation services, construction and related engineering services, and financial services. From the perspective of world trends, the importance of trade in services has become increasingly prominent. According to WTO statistics, global service exports grew at an average annual rate of 4.9 percent from 2013 to 2023, approximately twice the growth rate of goods exports, and the proportion made up by services trade in total trade in goods and services increased to a quarter. China is a big manufacturing country. Moving toward becoming a strong manufacturing country and expanding high-level opening-up to the outside world cannot be achieved without a strong modern service industry.
China has a high position in promoting the development of the service industry. It does not do it behind closed doors, but is instead committed to promoting the in-depth cooperative development of global trade in services and service industry and making progress together with the world. Since its establishment, the CIFTIS has attracted more than 900,000 participants from 197 countries and regions, and established itself as a global brand. The much-anticipated and widely welcomed CIFTIS has refuted those who believe that the attractiveness of the Chinese market has declined. During this year's CIFTIS, hundreds of activities will be held and more than 200 integrated innovation results will be released. Fortune Global 500 and industry leading companies such as Siemens, Google, Amazon, and GE HealthCare will actively participate in the conference, and "old friends" of CIFTIS such as Philips and Tesla have chosen to "debut" their cutting-edge innovative products at CIFTIS, which demonstrates that these companies still attach great importance to the Chinese market, and China's opening-up has brought new opportunities to foreign enterprises. Meanwhile, the momentum of China's economic recovery has not changed, and the rising willingness for international cooperation is even clearer.
We have observed that although global economic growth has slowed and trade protectionism and trade friction have increased, the process of digitalization, intelligence, and greening of China's service trade has been accelerating, and the attractiveness of opening up the service industry remains strong. According to data from the National Bureau of Statistics, the value-added of China's service industry grew by 4.6 percent year-on-year in the first half of 2024, and service industry accounted for 56.7 percent of the country's GDP. The scale of service trade reached a record high for the same period, with total service imports and exports reaching 3.6 trillion yuan, an increase of 14 percent year-on-year. The level and scale of service trade are continuously improving and expanding, showing an "acceleration" of China's openness to the world. Globally popular phenomena this year, such as "China Travel" and "Black Myth: Wukong," are closely linked to the openness and progress of China's modern service industry.
The measures China has taken to promote the development of its service trade are steady. The Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee explicitly urged the country to "innovate and upgrade trade in services"; the General Office of the State Council has unveiled a set of guidelines to promote high-quality development of trade in services with high-standard opening-up; the Ministry of Commerce rolled out national and pilot free trade zone versions of negative lists for cross-border trade in services; pilot programs to expand opening in the medical field were launched, allowing foreign-funded hospitals to be established in Beijing, Tianjin, and other regions; and the number of comprehensive pilot cities for expanding the opening-up of the service industry increased to 11, with over 1,300 pilot measures introduced across 13 sectors including technology, telecommunications, culture, tourism, and finance. Through these measures, the world can recognize China's willingness and determination to promote development through openness and achieve mutual benefits through openness.
Judging from the impressions of this year's CIFTIS, the enthusiasm of old friends has not diminished, new friends have come in droves, and the CIFTIS "circle of friends" continues to expand. This is also an epitome of China's high-level opening-up to the outside world and a reflection of deepening economic globalization. From developed countries to developing countries, from international giants to small- and medium-sized enterprises, everyone has brought more updated achievements, technologies and applications to CIFTIS to fully demonstrate their attractiveness. What resonates with the attractiveness of the large platform of CIFTIS and the big Chinese market behind it is the mutual fondness between exhibitors from all over the world and the Chinese market.
The escalation of recent tensions between China and the Philippines raises concerns among neighboring countries in the South China Sea. How will the Philippines' provocations, instigated and supported by the US, affect the situation in the South China Sea in the rest of 2024? Why does ASEAN hope that the situation will be contained?
In the "ASEAN Perspective on the South China Sea" series, we collect wisdom and insights from former diplomats and scholars from ASEAN member countries. In an interview with Global Times (GT) reporter Wang Wenwen, Benedict Weerasena (Weerasena), research director of Malaysia-based Bait Al Amanaha, an independent research institute, said that the key to managing the situation in the South China Sea is peaceful dialogue.
Engaging as much as possible in diplomacy is essential, and all parties should exercise restraint, despite the threat of tensions escalating, he noted.
GT: Since last year, tensions in the South China Sea have been escalating. In a recent move, the Philippines made provocations at Xianbin Jiao in the South China Sea, with its ship continuously and dangerously approaching China Coast Guard ships that were conducting normal navigation. What do you think of the Philippines taking these provocative actions?
Weerasena: I believe that it's a reassertion on the Philippines' hedging strategy. The competitive game between China and the US has contributed to the Philippines' hedging strategy against China while ensuring that its ties with the US remain positive.
If we look at the past two decades, we can see that there have been three key phases of the Philippines's hedging pattern against China.
The first phase, from about 2001 to 2010, can be characterized by cooperative behavior over confrontational behavior with China. The next phase, from 2010 to 2016, saw a shift toward confrontational behavior over cooperative behavior. Finally, in the third key phase, from 2016 to 2022, a moderation of oppositional behavior can be seen.
Looking at these phases, it is clear that the Philippines in the past two decades has definitely been influenced by domestic changes in governance as well as external factors with regards to how it has addressed the issue in the South China Sea.
The Philippines has repeatedly made public statements confirming that it is pursuing diplomacy over military action in response to rising maritime tensions. This is the position that most Southeast Asian countries take. I hope that the Philippines is sincere and this commitment is backed up with action.
GT: To what extent will the Philippines' actions regarding the South China Sea disputes and its leaning toward the US affect ASEAN as a whole?
Weerasena: I think the foundational point to remember is that all ASEAN members exercise their own foreign policies. Because of this, it is hard to dictate what each member state should or should not do.
That being said, the Philippines' actions regarding the South China Sea have definitely somewhat impacted ASEAN unity and centrality. This has led to potential fragmentations.
For example, we can see slight fragmentation between Singapore and the Philippines. In other words, ASEAN unity, or the way ASEAN sees foreign policy, has been somewhat impacted by the developments in the South China Sea.
I also believe that this will influence how ASEAN, as a whole, navigates its relationships with external powers, both in the short term and the long term, particularly in terms of how ASEAN responds to both China and the US.
Furthermore, it has definitely impacted ASEAN's position and influence as a negotiator in global forums and as a regional convener, as different member states have adopted different foreign policies for their own national interest.
However, I don't think ASEAN's influence and impact are in danger of being completely undermined. Definitely, fragmentation is what's happening now, and I think that this fragmentation will continue in the near future. Nevertheless, I do not believe this fragmentation will lead to a complete breakdown of the role of ASEAN.
GT: What is the key to managing the situation in the South China Sea?
Weerasena: For me, above all, it's peaceful dialogue. Engaging as much as possible in diplomacy is essential, and all parties should exercise restraint, despite the threat of tensions escalating.
Of course, I understand that this is much easier said than done. That's why the second thing we need to manage is the code of conduct. ASEAN really needs to speed up the negotiations with China regarding the code of conduct to mitigate the risk of conflicts in this highly contested South China Sea.
There have been challenges in finalizing the code of conduct, which policymakers say will be completed by 2026. I think to facilitate this process, two things need to happen. First, greater trust needs to be built between the nations, especially among ASEAN member states and China. Second, the participants need to be willing to sign a legally binding agreement. I think this will definitely be a make-or-break situation for the effectiveness of the code of conduct.
GT: China and Malaysia have maintained friendly relations despite the South China Sea issue. What can the Philippines learn from this?
Weerasena: I think Malaysia has always positioned itself as equidistant between the US and China. It's maintaining a neutral position on a macro level while seeking inclusive but selective multi-layered partnerships with competing powers across micro-level domains.
I think that Philippines should commit as much as possible to being consistent on neutrality. Of course, as a third party and analyst, I can't dictate how the Philippines should decide on its foreign policy. However, I think it's very important for every ASEAN member state to continue pursuing a neutral equidistance stance between the major powers in the region.
Of course, we will still be committed to protecting our sovereignty, sovereign rights and interest in the maritime areas, in the South China Sea. But we must always remember that any issues, any matters and any conflicts must be resolved peacefully and constructively. And this is in accordance with the universally recognized principles of the international law, including in 1982 UNCLOS.
I think it's very important that we uphold this "rules-based order" that we have in the South China Sea, to resolve disputes through peaceful means via existing platforms and diplomatic channels, without compromising our principled positions.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the discovery of the Terracotta Warriors, one of the greatest archaeological finds of the 20th century. On Sunday, an international conference on protecting the Qinshihuang Mausoleum and its surrounding heritage site was held.
That same day, an exhibition also opened at the Qinshihuang Mausoleum Site Museum in Xi'an, Northwest China's Shaanxi Province, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the discovery and excavation of the iconic Terracotta Warriors. It is also the first exhibition of its kind to showcase such a broad selection of artifacts - 230 pieces from significant discoveries made over five decades.
In 1974, local farmers accidentally unearthed clay fragments while digging a well, leading to the discovery of the Terracotta Warriors.
Around 2,000 life-size clay warriors and numerous weapons have been unearthed from three pits surrounding the tomb of Emperor Qinshihuang of the Qin Dynasty (221BC-207BC), the first emperor of a unified China. The army of Terracotta Warriors was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1987.
After 50 years of excavation and research, over 10 above-ground building sites and more than 500 underground burial pits and tombs have been discovered in the mausoleum. Over 50,000 relics have been unearthed.
As we reflect on this half-century of excavation and preservation, it's clear that the Terracotta Warriors have evolved into more than just an archaeological marvel - they have become a cultural icon for China and the world. The influence of the Terracotta Warriors goes far beyond their historical and artistic value.
Li Gang, director of the Qinshihuang Mausoleum Site Museum, captured the significance of the Terracotta Warriors perfectly when he described them as a "wonder in the history of world heritage exhibitions" and a "gold business card" for Chinese cultural heritage diplomacy.
"They play an irreplaceable role in enhancing the shared identity of the Chinese nation, promoting cross-cultural exchange, and contributing to global cultural heritage governance. By telling the story of these ancient warriors, they have made a unique contribution to fully, comprehensively, and authentically showcasing both ancient and modern China," said Li.
Over the past 50 years, archaeologists have revealed the complex layout of the mausoleum, centered around the emperor's burial mound and surrounded by inner and outer walls, burial pits, and accompanying tombs.
The artifacts from the site offer a glimpse into the technological, material, and institutional advancements that emerged around unification of China under Qinshihuang.
Opening Sunday, the exhibition showcases 230 relics from significant discoveries made over five decades. The exhibition uses innovative display techniques, such as large-scale models, digital interaction, and live broadcasts, to present the mausoleum's history, design, and cultural value from multiple perspectives.
Notably, the artifacts on display, including those unearthed from the eastern gate of the outer city, the tomb's architectural remains, and accompanying tombs, are being presented to the public for the first time.
According to Ye Ye, deputy head of exhibition department of the Qinshihuang Mausoleum Site Museum, the exhibit follows the design philosophy of the mausoleum, highlighting its grand layout, ceremonial buildings, burial pits, tombs, and unearthed artifacts, vividly portraying the rich political, economic, military, and artistic life of the Qin Dynasty.
The global appeal of the Terracotta Warriors has been evident since their first overseas exhibition in Japan in 1976. Since then, the artifacts from the site have traveled to 49 countries and nearly 200 cities, with 277 exhibitions drawing in more than 20 million visitors, according to media reports. These international tours have played a crucial role in spreading Chinese culture, history, and values across the globe.
Beyond their cultural significance, the Terracotta Warriors have been a key player in promoting international cooperation. The year 2024 also coincides with the 45th anniversary of the establishment of the Qinshihuang Mausoleum Site Museum.
The museum has signed cooperation agreements and memorandums with institutions from countries including Germany, Belgium and the UK, advancing China's principles of heritage protection on the global stage. These collaborations help promote China's conservation methods.
The Terracotta Warriors site not only allows visitors to witness the "Eighth Wonder of the World," but also provides a model and experience for the protection and display of large-scale archaeological heritage in China.
In many ways, the preservation of the Terracotta Warriors symbolizes the broader advancements in China's cultural heritage field. From the painstaking eight-year restoration of the bronze chariots and horses to the use of advanced technology to stabilize fragile artifacts, the outstanding technology and craftsmanship not only demonstrate the dedication of cultural heritage workers but also highlight the pursuit of excellence in China's cultural heritage preservation efforts.
A deepfake crime surge in South Korea has sparked worries in China as Chinese experts said on Sunday that AI-powered scams have turned into an international concern, and social media platform operators should take more action.
Numerous chat rooms suspected of creating and distributing deepfake pornographic material with doctored photos of ordinary women and female service members have been reportedly discovered on messaging app Telegram recently, with many of the victims and perpetrators known to be teenagers, The Korea Times reported last week.
Perpetrators reportedly used social media platforms such as Instagram to save or screen-capture photos of victims, which are then used to create deepfake pornographic material, the Guardian reported.
The incident in South Korea attracted particular attention in China after multiple netizens, claiming to be South Korean women, posted on Chinese social media platforms recently, saying that they hope Chinese netizens will spread the story as they are that afraid that the incident is being overlooked in their country, Shanghai-based news website thepaper.cn reported on Saturday.
There are similar situations in other countries, making deepfake technology an international problem, Xie Yongjiang, a professor at the Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, told Global Times on Sunday.
As AI develops, deepfake technology is increasingly realistic, and coupled with the fact that it does not require specialized knowledge; more criminals are now scamming by means of counterfeiting some videos and pictures, and more attention should be paid to it, he said.
In June, a male suspect in China surnamed Bai was prosecuted for producing and selling obscene materials for profit as he used deepfake technology to create nearly 7,000 fake nude photos involving female students and teachers.
Since the wider public are not yet capable of differentiate AI-generated content from reality-based content, relevant authorities should develop appropriate identification technologies, Xie said, suggesting social media platform operators to set up mechanisms to deal with the issue.
The 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) is being held in Beijing from September 4 to 6. It takes place at a critical juncture when the world is grappling with various regional and global crises and there is a pressing need for countries from the Global South to join hands. How will this year's FOCAC elevate ties between China and Africa? What is the significance of building a high-level China-Africa community with a shared future? The Global Times (GT) interviewed a number of former officials and pundits from various African countries to share their insights and stories.
In the fifth article of this series, GT reporter Su Yaxuan interviewed Busani Ngcaweni (Ngcaweni), director-general of the National School of Government in South Africa and research associate in world economics at the University of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.
GT: The theme of the 2024 Summit of the FOCAC is "Joining Hands to Advance Modernization and Build a High-Level China-Africa Community with a Shared Future." What's your perspective on this theme?
Ngcaweni: FOCAC is a significant platform for engagement between China and Africa. "Joining hands to advance modernization" indicates that this forum aims to focus on mutual development in a context of mutual respect, recognizing the need for cooperation.
"A shared future" reflects how China views its relationships with other parts of the world and how it engages with other countries and regions, emphasizing that establishing common goals is essential. In practice, it means that shared aspirations are combined with the sharing of resources. It also entails deepening collaborative efforts and treating others with respect and as equals.
GT: Regarding China's increasing engagement with Africa in recent years, is this development positive for the African continent?
Ngcaweni: Some people are concerned about China's influence in Africa. Who is worried and why?
In my view, those who are particularly concerned, especially in the West, recognize that there is now an alternative modality of cooperation and that they no longer have a monopoly on influence over the African continent. They are also compelled to acknowledge that a different approach is possible - one that goes beyond imposed conditionalities and exploitative relationships, which are not developmental in form and substance. Those who attempt to articulate concerns about China's possible "exploitation" often fail to provide an alternative, nor are they committed to engaging in developmental initiatives that equalize opportunities.
Many are concerned because they fear trade competition. China has been doing well, affirming increased intra-African trade and reducing many countries' dependence on their former colonizers. Some also assume that Africans cannot negotiate better contracts and that the relationship with China is biased. Such assumptions are somewhat racist and based on the presumption of low capacity. However, Africans are now at the forefront of securing better deals and ensuring that we act in the longer-term interest of our people in Africa.
GT: In what ways can China assist Africa in its energy transition?
Ngcaweni: There is an incredible opportunity for mutually beneficial cooperation between Africa and China on the green energy transition. Africa has many opportunities to do things differently and to utilize our natural endowments more effectively. The continent has many of the minerals needed for new green energy equipment. China increasingly recognizes that Africa, as an industrial hub for production, makes much more sense than merely serving as a source for raw material exports. This approach emphasizes mutual benefit and win-win strategies. Naturally, we must continually restate the importance of industrialization and manufacturing in Africa so that China continues to benefit from infrastructure investments. A much more aggressive approach to investments in industrialization would be the next step in demonstrating to the world that this relationship is about mutual development and it's not as one-sided as many would like to propose.
GT: You mentioned that "it is crucial to tell the real China-Africa story." Could you share some examples of such stories?
Ngcaweni: Let me give you an example about South Africa. In South Africa, we are one of the fastest-growing markets for Chinese vehicles.
In my interpretation, ordinary South Africans use their money, go to a bank, and obtain loans to buy cars made in China, such as those from Great Wall Motor or Haval. It means that people are embracing products from China, which are increasingly perceived as being of good quality.
This is not a government activity. These are individuals and households making their own spending choices. That's the real story of how South Africans connect with China on a personal level. This mutual appreciation highlights the people-to-people connections between the two countries.
To measure the relationship between the two countries, you must go deeper into it. Then you will find that South Africans want to study in China because they feel safe, see opportunities, and believe they will receive higher-quality education.
GT: Western media has portrayed China's development financing in Africa as a "debt trap." How do you respond to this narrative?
Ngcaweni: China is not interested in establishing a culture of conditionality. China is not interested in imposing policies in Africa. Its ethos revolves around finding common solutions to challenges as they arise. Regarding the "debt trap" narrative, we must question these alarming tendencies. What exactly is this trap? Africa needs to develop and requires resources, and credit lines are opening, especially from China. The BRICS Bank (New Development Bank), the African Development Bank and others have agreed to establish credit lines that are different from historical ones. These credit lines are not accompanied by conditionalities that make our people's lives impossible. They are really about implementing projects.
So, I don't believe the "debt trap" narrative. The main issue is that Africans must negotiate and sign good, mutually beneficial contracts with China.
GT: What are your prospects for the future of China-Africa cooperation?
Ngcaweni: The opportunities for the future are great. If we sustain the current momentum, we will likely tell a very different story of development moving forward. Our current narratives are dominated by a history of exploitation, followed by neo-colonial penetration, aid dependency and a lack of development. Many in the Global North have gone so far as to suggest that Africa is a lost continent. They fail to understand that what is unfolding will make a significant difference for everyone around the globe.
The prospects for China and Africa are very positive. China is focused on developing and navigating realities that are mutually beneficial. Our people welcome relationships where they can experience the tangible benefits of modernization and mutual development. This FOCAC summit has substantial and real value for China and Africa.
We need to communicate better and more effectively to convey the real story. It is the people who will defend the relationship between our countries for a long time to come.
Experts call for attention and countermeasures to prevent cybercriminals from using new technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) powered deepfake technology amid growing concerns over the issue around the world.
Numerous chat rooms suspected of creating and distributing deepfake pornographic material with doctored photos of ordinary women and female service members have been reportedly discovered on messaging app Telegram recently, with many of the victims and perpetrators known to be teenagers, The Korea Times reported last week.
Telegram had removed certain deepfake pornographic content on its platform and apologized for its response to digital sex crimes, the Yonhap News Agency reported Tuesday citing South Korea's media regulator.
The issue has raised outrage among South Korean netizens, which soon spread to its Chinese neighbors after some South Korean netizen brought it to Chinese social media platforms.
But it is just the tip of the iceberg of the Telegram's deepfake porn scandal. On August 28, a court in Paris filed a charge against Pavel Durov, 39-year-old Russian billionaire and founder of Telegram, for being complicit in the spread of images of child sexual abuse, as well as a litany of other alleged violations on the Telegram messaging app.
While Durov responded mockingly to the charge by changing his Twitter handle to Porn King, global scientists, governments and regulators view the issue as an urgent alert for them to strengthen measures to prevent cybercrimes powered by new technologies.
Deepfake refers to a kind of technology that uses a form of AI technology called deep learning to make images of fake events, hence the name deepfake.
The core principle of deepfake technology is to animate 2D photos using specific image recognition algorithms or to implant a person's face from a photo into a dynamic video, The Beijing News reported citing an industry observer named Ding Jiancong.
Recently, voice synthesis has also gradually been incorporated into the concept of deepfake. With the gradual maturity of AI large model technology in recent years, some AI image generation models, while pursuing greater realism, have inadvertently become accomplices in AI face-swapping or AI nudity, Ding said.
For instance, the well-known large model Stable Diffusion was developed with a one-click nudity feature, which once became widespread. Although the model later modified its related functions to curb such behavior, the open-source nature of the technology has already opened a "Pandora's box," making it difficult to close again, Ding warned.
Apart from the new deepfake crime, there are also two other types of risks brought about by new technologies, Xiao Xinguang, chief software architect from Chinese cybersecurity company Antiy, told the Global Times.
First, new technologies will drive the escalation of traditional threats and risks. For example, in cyberattacks aimed at stealing information or targeted ransomware, AI technologies can significantly assist throughout the entire attack process, including enhancing the efficiency of discovering attack vectors and automating attack activities, according to Xiao.
Second, the infrastructure of new technologies will become targets of exploitation. Large model platforms are becoming new hubs for information assets, and the entry points for large model applications are also becoming new exposed surfaces that are vulnerable for attacks, Xiao said.
The expert believed that with the advancement of AI technology, it is unrealistic to stop people from using AI to generate fake videos or images. Instead, it will be more effective to have strict regulations over the dissemination of technology.
Xiao was echoed by founder and chairman of 360 Security Technology Zhou Hongyi. When talking about the threats brought about by AI technologies at a forum held in North China's Tianjin municipality on Wednesday, Zhou said that "we must use AI to counter AI."
"AI technology is profoundly affecting various industries, bringing opportunities for the development of new productive forces, but also bringing many new security challenges. It is necessary to reshape security with AI and to create security large models and reshape security products with specialized large model methodologies, which will reform the security industry," Zhou said.
Strict regulations and law are also necessary. AI technology platforms should have reviews for the content uploaded and generated, and users should be required to register with their real names. There should also be severe crackdowns on tools or websites that support illegal activities, experts noted.
China and Africa have deepened meteorological cooperation to enhance their climate change response and disaster risk reduction capabilities, achieving fruitful results in recent years, under the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) frameworks.
China has implemented meteorological infrastructure projects in several African countries, including Zimbabwe, Kenya and Namibia. These projects include establishment of automatic observation stations, and data reception and processing systems for the Fengyun-3G, a satellite dedicated to measuring precipitation on Earth, according to the China Meteorological Administration (CMA).
The CMA has initially established an early warning service platform designed for developing countries and regions. It plans to collaborate with more African countries to jointly develop and construct meteorological early warning service platforms, utilizing services such as China's Fengyun-3G, aiming to strengthen disaster prevention and climate change response capabilities in Africa, according to the CMA.
Establishing meteorological early warning systems has been included in the 10 partnership actions for modernization proposed by China to deepen China-Africa cooperation.
Meanwhile, visiting meteorological scholars from BRI countries have recently participated in meteorological exchange and cooperation between China and Africa, according to the CMA.
Limited meteorological observation capabilities hinder effective responses to climate change and the management of weather-related disasters in Africa, said Ma Jun, director of the Beijing-based Institute of Public and Environmental Affairs.
It requires improved access to data, monitoring, forecasting, and early warning systems, to strengthen the adaptation capabilities to climate change in Africa, especially given the rising frequency of extreme weather events, Ma said.
