Beijing says ‘firmly opposes’ US ban on smart cars containing Chinese tech

Technology

BEIJING, Jan 15 — Beijing today said it “firmly opposes” a United States move to effectively bar Chinese technology from smart cars in the American market, saying alleged risks to national security were “without any factual basis”.“Such actions disrupt economic and commercial cooperation between enterprises… and represent typical protectionism and economic coercion,” foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said, adding: “China firmly opposes this.”Yesterday’s announcement in the United States, which also pertains to Russian technology, came as outgoing President Joe Biden wrapped up efforts to step up curbs on China, and after a months-long regulatory process.The rule follows an announcement this month that Washington is mulling new restrictions to address risks posed by drones with tech from adversaries such as China and Russia.US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said that modern vehicles contain cameras, microphones, GPS tracking and other technologies connected to the internet.“Cars today aren’t just steel on wheels — they’re computers,” she said.“This is a targeted approach to ensure we keep PRC and Russian-manufactured technologies off American roads,” she added, referring to the People’s Republic of China.But Guo slammed the move, telling journalists in Beijing that China would “take necessary measures” to safeguard it legitimate rights and interests.“What I want to say is that the US, citing so-called national security, has restricted the use of Chinese connected vehicle software, hardware, and entire vehicles in the United States without any factual basis,” he told a regular press conference.“China urges the US to stop the erroneous practice of overgeneralising national security and to stop its unreasonable suppression of Chinese companies.” — AFP

Japan’s tourist arrivals hit all-time high as weak currency draws masses

Travel

Asian country welcomed record 36.8 million visitors in 2024, tourism agency says.Japan welcomed the most visitors in history in 2024, as the country’s weak currency fuelled a tourism boom, according to official figures.
More than 36.8 million people visited the Asian country for business or leisure last year, estimates from the Japan National Tourism Organization showed on Wednesday.
The figures far surpass 2019’s record of nearly 32 million arrivals and compare with 25.07 million visitors in 2023.
Spending by foreign visitors surged to 8.14 trillion yen ($51.78bn), a 53 percent rise from the previous year.
The boom in arrivals has been spurred, in part, by the slumping value of the yen, which at one point last year was trading at a 40-year low against the US dollar.
While the influx of visitors has delivered a boost to Japan’s economy after decades of stagnation, the surge in arrivals has also prompted pushback among locals.
Earlier this week, the city government of Kyoto, one of Japan’s most popular destinations, announced that it would hike hotel lodging taxes to as much as 10,000 yen ($63) per night as part of efforts to address over-tourism concerns. Advertisement
Kyoto Mayor Koji Matsui said the increased tax take would be spent on improving infrastructure such as roads and bridges so that residents could “tangibly feel” that welcoming visitors improves their lives.
The move came after officials in the historical capital last year banned tourists from entering alleyways in the traditional district of Gion following reports of visitors harassing geishas.
Other Japanese municipalities have also proposed measures to address complaints about strained infrastructure and disrespectful tourists.
In June, the mayor of Himeji, Hideyasu Kiyomoto, caused a stir when he said he would consider charging foreigners six times as much as locals to enter the city’s UNESCO-listed castle.
Despite the surge in arrivals, Japan still receives far fewer tourists per capita than major tourist destinations such as France, Italy and Spain.
Under the Japanese government’s tourism blueprint, officials hope to attract 60 million visitors a year by 2030.

‘THE VOTERS HAVE SPOKEN!!!’: Trump unintelligibly rips into the Special Counsel’s 2020 election findings

2024 Election

Donald Trump is in need of three things: jail time, dance lessons, and a proof-reader. Recommended Videos In a characteristically unhinged Truth Social rant, Trump raged against “deranged” Special Counsel Jack Smith’s report on Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election results. In the report, Smith wrote that he would fully support the decision to…

Strengthening China-ASEAN tourism ties through Nanning

Travel

Nanning, the capital of Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, is the closest Chinese provincial capital city to ASEAN countries. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Nanning, the capital of South China’s Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, will host the “Global Mayors Dialogue – Nanning” event from Jan 15 to 18, aimed at fostering deeper exchanges and cooperation between Chinese and ASEAN cities in the economy, trade, culture and tourism.
As the closest Chinese provincial capital to ASEAN countries and the permanent host city of the China-ASEAN Expo, Nanning plays a vital role as a gateway for openness and cooperation between China and ASEAN countries.
In recent years, Nanning has emerged as a significant tourism hub, connecting travelers from China to ASEAN destinations while welcoming ASEAN visitors to China. With a vision of becoming an international metropolis, Nanning has strengthened its partnerships with ASEAN cities, solidifying its role as a key player in regional tourism.
Statistics show that from January to November 2024, Nanning received 151,500 inbound overnight visitors, a 122.06 percent year-on-year increase. More than half of these travelers were from ASEAN countries. The recent introduction of a 240-hour transit visa-free policy in December 2024 has further simplified entry for international travelers through Nanning, fueling expectations of continued growth in inbound tourism.To enhance its international presence, Nanning’s culture and tourism authorities have adopted the “going abroad” and “inviting in” strategies. These efforts have borne fruit, with over 700 travel professionals from ASEAN countries – including Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia, visiting Nanning in 2024 to explore cultural and tourism collaboration.In 2024, the city also hosted a series of high-profile cultural and tourism events, such as the Melody of Spring transnational Spring Festival Gala, the China-ASEAN Film Festival and the China-ASEAN (Nanning) Theater Week. These activities not only enhanced the city’s international profile but also deepened cultural exchanges and tourism partnerships.
To date, Nanning has established sister-city relationships with 10 ASEAN cities, including Bac Giang in Vietnam and Ipoh in Malaysia. Consulates from six ASEAN countries – Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Laos, Myanmar and Malaysia, operate in Nanning, further strengthening its position as a key tourism connector. Leveraging its geographic location, Nanning has become a key gateway for tourism to ASEAN. All capitals of ASEAN countries are within a four-hour flight from the city. On Jan 7, Nanning Wuxu International Airport launched a new passenger route to Haiphong, Vietnam, under flight number QW6185/6. In 2024, the airport resumed 19 international routes connecting 15 cities, including Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur and Ho Chi Minh City. It also introduced new transfer routes such as Linyi-Nanning-Singapore and Jinan-Nanning-Phuket.

Traveling to the Maldives This Week? Stay Prepared with the Latest Weather Info

Travel

If you’re traveling to the Maldives this week, you might wonder how the weather will affect your travel plans. With its tropical climate, the Maldives often experiences sudden weather changes, so staying informed is key to making the most of your holiday. The Maldives Meteorological Service has issued a weather alert for 13th to 18th January 2025. It’s essential to understand what to expect and how to prepare.

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What the Weather Forecast Says

The Maldives Meteorological Service reports that a weather system developing over the southwest Bay of Bengal will bring heavy showers, thunderstorms, and rough seas to the Maldives. Wind speeds are expected to rise, especially in central atolls, with the possibility of swell surges. Stay updated on the latest forecasts, advisories, and warnings throughout your stay to ensure your safety and make informed decisions about your activities.

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) provides several key precautions for these weather conditions. Secure any outdoor items that strong winds might blow away, whether you’re staying at a resort or guesthouse. Also, unplug electrical appliances when not in use, as sudden storms may cause electrical disruptions.

If you’re traveling by boat or seaplane to your resort or between islands, stay informed about the latest weather updates. Rough winds and seas can impact both sea and air travel, so check transport schedules and prepare for possible delays. Always stay in touch with your resort or guesthouse for real-time weather updates to ensure a smooth and safe journey.

Preparing for the Maldives Weather

Sudden rain showers are common in the Maldives, especially during the wet season. While these showers are usually brief, they can be intense. Here’s how to prepare:

Umbrellas and Rain Gear: Resorts typically provide umbrellas for guests, making it easy to stay dry during a downpour. If you’re staying at a guesthouse, consider bringing a compact umbrella or rain jacket.

Muddy or Slippery Paths: Heavy rainfall can turn sandy paths into muddy or slippery surfaces. Wear waterproof footwear and stay cautious when walking around the island to remain safe and comfortable during and after rainfall.

Humidity and Dampness: After rainfall, humidity levels rise, making the air feel damp. Pack lightweight, breathable clothing to stay comfortable, and moisture-wicking fabrics will help you stay dry.

Rain-Related Disruptions: Transportation between the islands might be affected, especially for boat transfers. Stay in touch with your resort or guesthouse for updates and prepare for potential delays or changes to your schedule.

How About Making the Most of Your Time Indoors?

Don’t let rainy weather spoil your vacation in the Maldives. Even when the skies are overcast, many resorts offer a variety of indoor activities to keep you entertained and relaxed. If you enjoy staying active, most resorts have gyms with state-of-the-art equipment, so you can maintain your fitness routine even on a rainy day. If relaxation is what you’re after, indulge in a luxurious spa day to unwind and rejuvenate indoors. Many resorts also offer ways to experience local culture in enjoyable ways, providing a variety of activities that help you stay connected with the Maldives’ unique atmosphere. Be sure to ask the resort staff about their daily schedule of indoor activities—they’ll guide you to the best experiences available, ensuring your time in the Maldives is enjoyable, rain or shine.

Staying Prepared for Any Weather

The weather in the Maldives this week may bring occasional showers and stronger winds, but with a little preparation, you can still enjoy everything this tropical paradise has to offer. While the Maldives typically experiences two distinct seasons; the wet season from May to November, and the dry season from January to March, weather patterns can shift, and conditions are not always predictable.

By staying informed and taking the necessary precautions, you can make the most of your holiday, rain or shine.

This article is based on reports from the Maldives Meteorological Service and guidelines provided by the Maldives National Disaster Management Authority, ensuring you’re prepared for any changes in the weather during your trip.

Feature Image via JOALI Maldives: the Aquazzura x JOALI Maldives tropical capsule collection

CDT Research Uncovers Widespread Use of Questionable Technologies in K-12 Schools Despite Parent Concern and Lack of Awareness

Technology

New survey reveals approximately one in four teachers say their school uses drones to patrol their campus – and the same number say their school has experienced a large-scale data breach in the past school year (2023-24)
(WASHINGTON, DC) — Today, the Center for Democracy & Technology (CDT) published new survey research showing that the explosive growth of artificial intelligence (AI), along with many other technologies, in schools has happened despite parents expressing concern and lack of awareness about these tools being used in educational settings.
“Since CDT began this quantitative research in 2020, we have seen a rapid expansion of educational data and technology use, including AI, in K-12 schools. However, this has happened without meaningful engagement with the families that they serve,” said CDT President and CEO, Alexandra Reeve Givens. “Decisions to implement edtech tools in the classroom should be made transparently and in consultation with those they impact the most – students and their families.”
In the 2023-24 school year, CDT found that:

AI and other technologies are being used for student safety and academic purposes, despite high concern among parents and lack of awareness about level of use:

Approximately one quarter of teachers report that their school uses drones to patrol school campuses. Nearly half of parents are concerned about this practice, with Black and Hispanic parents expressing heightened concerns compared to white parents.
Fifty-five percent of teachers say that their school uses student data to predict whether individual students are at risk of poor academic outcomes. About half of parents are concerned about this approach, with Black and Hispanic parents again expressing heightened concerns compared to white parents.
Seventy percent of high school students report that they have used generative AI, whereas only 46 percent of parents of high schoolers say that their child has used the technology.
Eighty-eight percent of teachers say that their school uses student activity monitoring software to track what students are doing online, but only 45 percent of parents know about the use of this technology by their child’s school.

Finally, teachers reveal ongoing issues caused by lack of strong privacy and security practices:

Nearly one in four teachers report their school has experienced a large-scale data breach in the past school year, and 13 percent of teachers say that they or another teacher have been doxxed.
One third of teachers report their school does not have policies in place regarding student privacy for gender expansive students, or they are not sure that their school has one.

“Introducing new technologies into K-12 schools also introduces new threat vectors and risks of irresponsible use. This underscores the importance of schools needing to clearly communicate with families and educate them about how edtech tools are being used in their child’s school – including its potential harms,” says Elizabeth Laird, Director of the Equity in Civic Technology Project at CDT. “Just because technology is rapidly evolving doesn’t mean that community engagement should be left behind. Schools can do both.”
CDT’s research is based on nationally representative surveys of 6th-12th grade public school teachers and parents, and 9th-12th grade students. The full text of the research report can be accessed at: https://cdt.org/insights/out-of-step-students-teachers-in-stride-with-edtech-threats-while-parents-are-left-behind/
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The Center for Democracy & Technology (CDT) is the leading nonpartisan, nonprofit organization fighting to advance civil rights and civil liberties in the digital age. We shape technology policy, governance, and design with a focus on equity and democratic values. Established in 1994, CDT has been a trusted advocate for digital rights since the earliest days of the internet. The organization is headquartered in Washington, D.C., and has a Europe Office in Brussels, Belgium.