Day: April 14, 2024

From China to India, how deepfakes are reshaping Asian politics

Media Library

Experts say the rise of deepfake technology may pose a significant threat to democracy in 2024, with major elections happening in India and the US. These manipulated videos, created using artificial intelligence, can deceive viewers by replacing faces or altering voices. Deepfakes are created for humorous or malicious purposes, and their potential impact on elections is a growing concern. With the spread of misinformation and the difficulty in distinguishing between real and fake content, voters may struggle to make informed decisions. Some countries including China have put regulations in place…

China is hungry for avocados, and South Africa is ready to deliver as export deal gets the green light

Media Library

But leading the way with avocados is also a win for China, where health-conscious consumers have a growing appetite for the fruit. According to Derek Donkin, chief executive of the South African Subtropical Growers’ Association (Subtrop), the final registration of avocado orchards and packhouses is under way, with hopes that the first shipment will set off next month. “A number of South Africa’s major exporters have already set up the necessary business contacts in China to be able to export as soon as the official requirements are met,” Donkin said.…

As Solomon Islands’ election looms, China’s influence on the Pacific country draws scrutiny

Media Library

China’s influence in the Pacific is being scrutinised as ally Solomon Islands prepares to hold elections this month, with two candidates indicating they would seek to review a controversial security pact between the two countries. Ties between China and Solomon Islands have deepened under prime minister Manasseh Sogavare, who is hoping to secure another term in the vote on 17 April. Solomon Islands, one of the poorest countries in the Pacific, relies heavily on partners including Australia and China for development aid and support. Beijing’s assistance ranges from infrastructure development,…

Oil market shrugs off fears of wider war after Iranian strike on Israel

Media Library

Unlock the Editor’s Digest for free Roula Khalaf, Editor of the FT, selects her favourite stories in this weekly newsletter. Oil prices were muted as markets reopened following Iran’s military strike on Israel, as traders shrugged off fears the conflict could escalate into a full-blown war and curb supplies from the region. Brent crude, the international benchmark, was flat at $90.45 a barrel as trading began in Asia on Monday morning. West Texas Intermediate, the US marker, was also broadly unchanged at $85.72 a barrel. The subdued reaction suggested markets…

Pressure mounts on US lawmakers to approve new aid for Israel

Media Library

Unlock the Editor’s Digest for free Roula Khalaf, Editor of the FT, selects her favourite stories in this weekly newsletter. Iran’s attack on Israel has increased pressure on the US Congress to pass additional military aid for Israel, with Republicans saying they will call a vote in the House of Representatives in the coming days. National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby urged the Republican-led House to pass a bipartisan Senate bill providing $95bn in aid to Israel, Ukraine and Taiwan. Republicans including former president Donald Trump have blocked the funding…

‘Parallel universes’: PR expert James Heimowitz finds hope for future US-China relations away from politics

Media Library

At the same time, I suppose it is emblematic of how many places on the planet are evolving to become more inward looking, and less engaged with the rest of the world. I find this very worrisome, because the fewer shared experiences we have, the easier it becomes for misunderstandings and mistrust to develop. In fact, I see this as a root cause of many of the problems that we have between China and America. It often feels like we are talking past each other, not with each other. Particularly…

FirstFT: Biden urges restraint on Israel after Iran’s attack

Media Library

Unlock the Editor’s Digest for free Roula Khalaf, Editor of the FT, selects her favourite stories in this weekly newsletter. Good morning. US President Joe Biden has urged Israel to show restraint after Iran’s drone and missile attack as Washington seeks to de-escalate Middle East tensions and reduce the risk of a full-blown regional war. Israel’s war cabinet met yesterday to consider its response to Iran’s attack, but had not yet made a decision on what action it would take, an Israeli government insider said. The person added it was…

Biden urges restraint on Israel after Iran’s drone and missile attack

Media Library

US President Joe Biden has urged Israel to show restraint after Iran’s drone and missile attack, as Washington seeks to de-escalate Middle East tensions and reduce the risk of a full-blown regional war. Israel’s war cabinet met on Sunday to consider the Jewish state’s response to Iran’s attack, but had not yet made a decision on what action it would take, an Israeli government insider said. The person added it was clear that Israel had to respond, “but just unclear when and how big”.  Iran launched the attack, the first…

Be restrained or go ‘crazy’? Israel faces tough choices after Iran attack

Media Library

Benjamin Netanyahu’s initial assessment of how Israel’s aerial defences dealt with Iran’s first direct drone and missile attack on the Jewish state contained more than a hint of satisfaction. “We intercepted. We stopped [the attack]. Together we will win,” the Israeli prime minister wrote on social media platform X on Sunday, after Israel and its allies shot down 99 per cent of the barrage launched by Iran and its proxies. But the next challenge for Israel’s leadership is arguably even more complex: how to respond to the first direct attack…

China’s capital markets activity falls to multi-decade lows

Media Library

Stay informed with free updates Simply sign up to the Chinese business & finance myFT Digest — delivered directly to your inbox. Activity on China’s equity capital markets on the mainland and beyond has slumped to multi-decade lows, highlighting how the loss of momentum in the world’s second-largest economy has weighed on investor confidence. Chinese companies have raised just $6.4bn in mainland IPOs, follow-on and convertible share offerings so far this year — the lowest level on record, according to Dealogic data. Their fundraising in offshore markets including Hong Kong…