Diver dies in perilous mission to recover Italian tourists’ remains from Maldives sea cave Kristie Lu Stout 2026-09-27 | Diver dies in perilous mission to recover Italian tourists’ remains from Maldives sea cave
Why did Xi Jinping unexpectedly skip a key BRICS event? Kristie Lu Stout 2023-08-23 | Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Tuesday unexpectedly skipped a business forum of the BRICS economic group in South Africa, sending his commerce minister instead to deliver a fiery speech in his name that decried US hegemony. It's the first in-person BRICS grouping since the pandemic. It's only Xi's second international trip this year. It's also Xi's first trip to Africa in five years. So why did Xi skip this key BRICS event? Bonnie Glaser, managing director of the German Marshall Fund’s Indo-Pacific program, tells CNN: "It's extremely unusual for a Chinese leader to show up in a country hosting a multilateral meeting -- especially one that China is deeply invested in, like BRICS -- and fail to show up at the opening event." Brian Hart, a fellow with the China Power Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, says: "Xi’s absence is highly unusual. Chinese leaders rarely go off script at high-profile events like this." Hart adds: "Xi's disappearance is yet another reminder that Beijing can be a black box." CNN's Kristie Lu Stout reports.
AI and the next generation of video games Kristie Lu Stout 2023-08-09 | The basic #artificialintelligence in Pac-Man created more than four decades ago helped make the game an icon. Now, a new generation of game developers want to create something even better. CNN’s Kristie Lu Stout visits universities in Tokyo to showcase the role #academia is taking on to further the industry – and the exciting new #AI technology being developed in the classroom. That includes PHD student Shanchuan Wan at the University of Tokyo, who has created AI that can navigate areas of low visibility, and Masters student Kota Fukuchi at Rikkyo University, whose research pits AI against AI to help games learn over time. These young minds are creating worlds with better opponents, environments and stories – and building the #future of #gaming.
“Video Games Saved My Life” Kristie Lu Stout 2023-08-08 | CNN’s Kristie Lu Stout takes us on a tour of #Japan’s first #eSports High School in Tokyo, where students dream of becoming the next gaming superstar. Unconventional? Maybe. But teachers say this program helps students stay motivated and in school. Video #games can have a positive social and personal impact. Based in Boulder, Colorado, Zhenghua Yang started #SerenityForge in 2014. He was inspired to start the game development studio by his own past. At 18, he was hospitalized for two years with a rare and severe autoimmune disorder. Back then, being trapped in a hospital bed and not knowing if he was going to survive, Yang turned to the one thing he was familiar with: video games. The games he played gave him hope, a sense of accomplishment and connected him with new friends across the globe – he has credited them to saving his life. After recovery, Yang set out to create games “driven by meaning and value.” Now, Serenity Forge is a multi-million dollar company, with 35 employees and nearly 60 titles – played by tens of millions around the world.
Why Pac-Man Matters Kristie Lu Stout 2023-08-07 | In 1980, Toru Iwatani created one of the world’s most iconic games: #PacMan. The basic #artificialintelligence Iwatani used in the game has paved the way for innovators of tomorrow – inspiring the next generation of #developers to create smarter opponents and come up with more creative storytelling in the #gaming space. CNN’s Kristie Lu Stout travels to Japan to learn more about Pac-Man’s impact and how the development of #AI since is helping make our gaming experiences more exciting, more realistic and of course, more fun.
China sets generative AI rules with core socialist values Kristie Lu Stout 2023-08-01 | The US may be curbing AI chip exports to China, but the nation is fast becoming an AI powerhouse. It's home to top AI firms like Alibaba, Huawei, and Tencent. Baidu boasts its chatbot, Ernie, has beaten Open AI's ChatGPT on several metrics. Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk has hailed China's AI prowess while calling for oversight. China is doing just that, becoming one of the first countries in the world to regulate the technology that powers popular services like ChatGPT. In July, China unveiled interim rules to manage generative AI, saying it needs to be in line with "core socialist values." It has also enacted new rules against deepfakes, and detained people for allegedly using generative AI to commit fraud and create fake news. While China is moving fast to regulate the industry, critics warn it may not be equipped to avoid an AI disaster. CNN's Kristie Lu Stout reports on how Beijing is steering its own AI future.
US soldier believed to be detained by North Korea after ‘willfully’ crossing border Kristie Lu Stout 2023-07-19 | #US soldier Pvt. Travis King on Tuesday broke away from a tour group and crossed into #NorthKorea willfully and without authorization. King had spent 50 days in a detention facility in #SouthKorea for assault involving at least one South Korean national. The US-led UN Command says it is working with the North Korean military to "resolve this incident." Separately, early on Wednesday, Pyongyang fired two short-range ballistic missiles into the waters off its eastern coast. CNN's Kristie Lu Stout reports the latest details on the US soldier, the border crossing, and efforts to resolve the situation.
China reports lagging Q2 GDP growth, record high in youth unemployment Kristie Lu Stout 2023-07-17 | China's economic growth is losing steam. Official data released Monday show China’s economy expanded by 6.3% in the second quarter from a year ago, when lockdowns gripped the country. But the pace of recovery after the pandemic is slowing down. Compared to the first quarter, gross domestic product grew just 0.8% from April to June. Youth unemployment hit another record high, with the jobless rate for those ages 16 to 24 reaching 21.3% in June. Pressure is building on Beijing to roll out more stimulus measures soon. CNN's Kristie Lu Stout reports.
India shoots for the moon with historic Chandrayaan-3 mission Kristie Lu Stout 2023-07-14 | #India is bidding to become only the fourth country to execute a controlled landing on the #moon with the launch Friday of its #Chandrayaan3 mission. CNN's Kristie Lu Stout reports.
Thai democracy faces critical moment as parliament votes for new prime minister Kristie Lu Stout 2023-07-13 | Thailand’s parliament is voting for a new prime minister, a critical moment for the future of democracy in the country following nearly a decade of turbulent military-backed rule. CNN's Kristie Lu Stout reports.
Three children among the dead in knife attack outside kindergarten in China Kristie Lu Stout 2023-07-10 | Three children are among the dead in a knife attack outside a kindergarten in southern China on Monday morning. Police arrested the suspect, a 25-year-old man surnamed Wu, shortly after 8 a.m. The case is now under investigation. Disturbing video footage of the aftermath, which circulated online, show lifeless bodies on the street. China has faced a spate of mass stabbings in recent years, often targeting children; a 2022 stabbing at a kindergarten killed three in eastern Jiangxi province, while a 2020 knife attack at an elementary school injured 37 children in Guangxi region. CNN's Kristie Lu Stout reports.
World is big enough for the US and China, says Yellen after Beijing visit Kristie Lu Stout 2023-07-10 | After 10 hours of meetings across two days in Beijing, US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said she expects more regular communication between the US and China, adding that the world is big enough for both to thrive. Yellen had "direct" and "productive" talks with China's economic leadership including Premier Li Qiang and Pan Gongsheng, the new Party chief of China's central bank. After the talks, she said: "President (Joe) Biden and I do not see the relationship between the U.S. and China through the frame of great power conflict. We believe that the world is big enough for both of our countries to thrive." Within hours of that statement, President Biden had more pointed comments to make about Chinese leader Xi Jinping in an interview with CNN's Fareed Zakaria. Biden said: "I'm confident he wants to have the largest economy in the world and have the largest military capacity in the world." Yellen's trip marked the second visit by a US cabinet official to Beijing in recent weeks as Washington DC seeks to stabilize the rocky relationship. Tensions have flared over trade, targeted sanctions, and access to technology like semiconductors. Yellen reiterated that the US is not seeking to decouple from China which would be (quote) "disastrous" and "destabilizing." But she added that the US would continue to protect its national security interests. China is very concerned about US restrictive measures. Chinese state media also described the talks as "productive" -- but said that the "overstretching" of national security does "no good" to normal trade relations. CNN's Kristie Lu Stout reports.
After Covid-19 tourism slump, Asian travelers return with new tastes and demands Kristie Lu Stout 2023-07-09 | After three years of slow travel, Asian travelers have returned... but with different tastes and demands for tourism operators. For Marketplace Asia, CNN's Kristie Lu Stout sits down with Klook COO and co-founder Eric Gnock Fah. He tells her: "Flight prices are very high. Hence, those who can afford to travel are going for longer trips. As such, there are new trends.Asians generally speaking were not very big in car rental. We go to the main cities. But now that we go for longer trips, we go for more than just Tokyo and Osaka. That is where trains or car rental come into play." In this segment, they also discuss the meteoric rise of his Hong Kong-based billion-dollar online travel start-up, its game-changing pandemic pivot, and the future of Asia's travel industry. Fah is bullish about when Asia will see a fully revived tourism sector. "I would say some time next year," he says. "Flight capacity will get to about 80% by the end of this year. And then hopefully, 100% by next year."
Biden angers China by comparing Xi to a dictator Kristie Lu Stout 2023-06-22 | On the back of a high-level visit aimed at easing tensions with China, US President Joe Biden made comments comparing Chinese leader Xi Jinping to a dictator. Those comments did not go down well in Beijing, with China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs calling them "extremely absurd and irresponsible." "The remarks seriously contradict basic facts, seriously violate diplomatic etiquette, and seriously infringe on China’s political dignity," the spokesperson for the foreign ministry said. Whether the new acrimony further derails a "thaw" in US-China ties, something that Biden has openly hoped for, remains an open question. CNN's Kristie Lu Stout reports.
Blinken meets Xi in Beijing as both sides seek to stabilize US-China relationship Kristie Lu Stout 2023-06-19 | On the final day of his high-stakes visit to Beijing, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. The meeting is a key sign of China's interest in taking steps to rebuild the relationship which is at its lowest point in decades. The meeting takes place days after Xi met Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates and said the foundation of China-US relations is "in the people." Blinken is the first US Secretary of State to visit China in five years. On Monday, he met with China's top diplomat Wang Yi. According to state media, Wang Yi said the two sides must "reverse the downward spiral of US-China relations." He also asked the US to lift unilateral sanctions against China and halt its tech crackdown. On Sunday, he met with Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang for "candid" talks that spanned 7.5 hours. They agreed to maintain high-level ties. Qin also accepted an invitation to the US and called for stable relations while making clear Taiwan is the "core of China's core interests." Before the talks, US officials said Blinken's main goal is to re-establish lines of communications, especially direct military-to-military communications. On Saturday, US President Joe Biden said he believes Blinken's trip to China could ease tensions. Biden added that he hopes to meet with Xi in "the next few months." Blinken's meeting with the Chinese leader paves the way for that very meeting. CNN's Kristie Lu Stout reports.
Bill Gates meets Xi Jinping in Beijing Kristie Lu Stout 2023-06-16 | Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates met with Chinese leader Xi Jinping Friday in Beijing, according to Chinese state media. It marks Xi's first with a Western business figure in years. Xi called Gates the first "American friend" he has seen this year, and referred to him as an "old friend" of China. According to state-run broadcaster CCTV, Xi told Gates: "In today's world situation, we can carry out all kinds of activities that will benefit our two countries, our two peoples, and humanity as a whole. Let's all be facilitators in this regard." Gates is in China to discuss global health issues with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. On Thursday, the foundation renewed its collaboration with the Beijing government and Tsinghua University to develop innovative therapies for infectious diseases around the world. Several Western business figures have visited China since it reopened after years of zero-Covid measures earlier this year including Elon Musk of Tesla, Jamie Dimon of JP Morgan, and Tim Cook of Apple. While Beijing has been rolling out the red carpet for Western execs, tensions remain high between the US and China. America's top diplomat will visit China this weekend as the US looks set to reset relations. Will Antony Blinken also meet with Xi? CNN's Kristie Lu Stout reports.
Blinken to travel to China this weekend as US looks to reset relations Kristie Lu Stout 2023-06-15 | Expectations are low for a high-stakes visit to Beijing. On Wednesday, the US and China both confirmed that America's top diplomat Antony Blinken will visit China this weekend. His trip was originally scheduled for February, but was postponed due to the Chinese balloon incident. This will be the first visit by a US Secretary of State to China in five years. Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Kritenbrink said he would not expect “a long list of deliverables” to come out of the visit, adding: "We’re not going to Beijing with the intent of having some sort of breakthrough or transformation in the way that we deal with one another. We’re coming to Beijing with a realistic, confident approach and a sincere desire to manage our competition in the most responsible way possible." Earlier, Blinken had a phone call with China's foreign minister. Qin Gang urged the US to respect China's core concerns including Taiwan. A Ministry of Foreign Affairs readout of the call said: "The United States should respect China's position on the Taiwan question, stop interfering in China's internal affairs and stop undermining China's sovereignty, security and development interests in the name of competition." The US-China relationship is at its lowest point in decades. US officials hope Blinken's visit will pave the way for more bilateral meetings including a possible trip by the US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen. This week, Yellen told US lawmakers "decoupling would be a big mistake" and called for more cooperation with China. CNN's Kristie Lu Stout reports.
Chinese foreign minister speaks with Blinken ahead of expected high-stakes visit to Beijing Kristie Lu Stout 2023-06-14 | Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang spoke with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken by phone on Wednesday, ahead of an expected visit by the secretary to China in coming weeks. Qin said China-US relations have encountered "new difficulties and challenges," and that "responsibility is clear," according to a Chinese foreign ministry statement. The two also discussed China's "core concerns" including Taiwan. "It is hoped that the U.S. will take practical actions to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state in Bali" and "effectively manage differences," the statement said. After the call, Blinken said: ""Discussed ongoing efforts to maintain open channels of communicaion as well as bilateral and global issues." CNN's Kristie Lu Stout reports.
CNN Marketplace Asia: Xpeng president weighs in on future of global EV race Kristie Lu Stout 2023-06-13 | Xpeng is one of a handful of Chinese companies leading the way in the development of low-altitude electric vertical take-off and landing vehicles or #eVTOLs -- battery-powered aircraft that can take off and land vertically. From the Macau BEYOND Expo, CNN's Kristie Lu Stout speaks with the president of Tesla rival Xpeng, Brian Gu, about how his company plans to soar ahead in the flying car and (non-flying) EV race. Gu believes only 10 carmakers will survive the global EV battle. What is XPeng doing to make it in this tough market? It's betting on smart EV features to stand out from the competition.
CNN Marketplace Asia: Macau expo touts flying EVs, latest advances in Chinese tech Kristie Lu Stout 2023-06-13 | The future of transportation, education and even pets were on display at the latest BEYOND expo in Macau. Held in May 2023, the expo provides a global stage for Asia's tech giants and start-ups to showcase their latest innovations in their own backyard. This year's show was heavily dominated by consumer tech from Mainland China from battlebots to electric cars that can fly. For Marketplace Asia, CNN's Kristie Lu Stout profiles the expo and talks to top players in the flying EV space including EHang and Geely subsidiary Aerofugia. EHang, a global leader in the development of flying vehicles, unveiled its latest prototype at the expo. Sitting in the cockpit of the VT-30, EHang COO Xin Fang says: "The VT-30 is designed for intercity transportation. It's capable of flying for 100 minutes with a flight range of 300 kilometers. It's an autonomous vehicle that does not need a runway."
Philippines volcano: Thousands evacuated as lava starts to flow Kristie Lu Stout 2023-06-12 | As the lava starts to flow from the Mayon volcano in the Philippines, nearly 13,000 residents have been evacuated. Authorities say at 88% of the local population have already evacuated and it's working to move the rest to safety. Video from Sunday night reveals the glowing crater of the volcano and hot molten rock flowing. Alert Level 3 has been raised which indicates the possibility of explosive activity. Any entry into a 6 kilometer (3.7 mile) radius of the volcano has been prohibited. Mayon is one of the most active of 24 volcanoes in the Philippines. It's awe-inspiring for its beauty and its destructive power. Mayon has erupted more than 50 times in the last 400 years. Given the current high level of unrest, volcanologists say a hazardous eruption is possible within weeks or even days. CNN's Kristie Lu Stout reports.
The Little Mermaid tanks in China, South Korea amid racist backlash Kristie Lu Stout 2023-06-08 | "The Little Mermaid" is dramatically under-performing in China and South Korea amid racist commentary and critiques. The film has grossed less than $5 million in each country since it was released in late May. Black actress Halle Bailey has been widely praised for her inspired performance as the main character Ariel. But apparently that's not enough to win over certain would-be viewers in China and South Korea who can't get over the fact Disney cast her in the role. CNN's Kristie Lu Stout reports.
New video shows near-collision in Taiwan Strait between US and Chinese warships Kristie Lu Stout 2023-06-05 | US-China friction was on full display at Asia's largest security forum and in the Taiwan Strait. On Saturday, warships from the US and China were involved in a near collision. The US and Canada were staging a "routine" transit through the Taiwan Strait when a Chinese vessel cut in front of the US ship. The US military says the Chinese vessel came within 150 yards (137 meters) of the US destroyer in an "unsafe manner." Hours after the near collision at sea at a defense forum in Singapore, China's Defense Minister Li Shangfu accused the US of creating chaos in the region, adding: "They are not here for innocent passage, they are here for provocation." During his security forum speech, US Defense Chief Lloyd Austin called for China to accept his invitation for high-level talks: "For responsible leaders, the right time to talk is anytime. The right time to talk is every time. And the right time to talk is now." The latest close-call between the US and Chinese militaries comes at a time of peak tension over Taiwan, technology and territorial disputes. But some engagement is taking place. A US official told CNN that CIA Director Bill Burns secretly traveled to China last month to help reset relations. CNN's Kristie Lu Stout reports.
Drone footage reveals aftermath of Indias worst train crash in decades Kristie Lu Stout 2023-06-04 | New drone footage reveals the aftermath of India's worst train crash in decades. Early reports blame signal failure. The aerial video filmed on Sunday shows the mangled wreckage of the three trains that crashed on Friday with some coaches turned completely upside down. Excavators and workers are on site to clear and repair the tracks. Recovery teams are scrambling to find the remains of the missing. A makeshift morgue has been set up for family members to identify their relatives. A mother who survived the crash watched her daughter die before her eyes, saying: "I managed to stand in a corner but I was hit in the head by some iron rod or something. I thought about how to get my daughter out from underneath the iron but didn't know how to move such heavy iron. My daughter kept crying and died right in front of my eyes." This is the aftermath of one of India's worst train accidents in history, as a community searches for answers and the remains of their loved ones. CNN's Kristie Lu Stout reports.
China slams US accusation of “aggressive maneuver” over South China Sea Kristie Lu Stout 2023-05-31 | The #US is accusing #China of a risky encounter over the #SouthChinaSea, and China is pushing back. On Tuesday, the US military said a Chinese fighter jet carried out an "unnecessarily aggressive maneuver" near a US military plane over the South China Sea in international airspace on May 26. Video of the encounter has been released showing a Chinese J-16 cutting in front of a US RC-135, forcing the US plane to fly through the wake turbulence generated by the maneuver. The US Indo-Pacific Command said the plane was conducting "safe and routine operations," adding: "The United States will continue to fly, sail, and operate – safely and responsibly – wherever international law allows." In response, the spokesperson for China's Embassy in Washington said: "China urges the US to stop such dangerous provocations, and stop deflecting blame on China." China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs offered a similar response on Wednesday, adding: "China will continue to take necessary measures to resolutely defend its sovereignty and security." The May 26 encounter follows what the US has called a trend of increasingly risky behavior by Chinese military aircraft. CNN's Kristie Lu Stout reports.
Chinese hackers spying on US critical infrastructure: Microsoft Kristie Lu Stout 2023-05-25 | It's called "Volt Typhoon," a state-sponsored Chinese #hacking group that Microsoft says has been #spying on US critical infrastructure. In a report out this week, Microsoft says the group is out to "disrupt critical communications" between the US and Asia in the event of a crisis. According to Microsoft, the group has been active since mid-2021 and has targeted critical infrastructure in parts of the US including the territory of Guam -- home to strategic US military bases and a major communications hub between the US and Asia. Microsoft adds: "Detecting and mitigating this attack could be challenging." #China has slammed the report. China's foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Thursday: "This is a collective disinformation campaign of the Five Eyes coalition countries initiated by the US for geopolitical purposes." The report comes as tensions simmer between the US and china over a raft of issues including Taiwan, access to technology like chips, and territorial disputes in the Pacific. CNN's Kristie Lu Stout reports.
Triple threat of devastation: Typhoon Mawar bears down on Guam Kristie Lu Stout 2023-05-24 | Typhoon Mawar is bearing down on the US territory of Guam and it's expected to bring a "triple threat" of devastation, according to the US National Weather Service Guam. The storm is unleashing torrential rain, catastrophic winds, and storm surge that will pose a major risk to life and property. 70% of the island's foliage could be ripped away. Power and water supplies may be unavailable for days or even longer. On Tuesday, the island entered a Condition of Readiness 1. The Office of the Governor urged residents to stay indoors at home or at designated government shelters. All US military personnel on the island have been instructed to shelter in place. Guam's international airport has also been affected with dozens of flights cancelled or delayed. CNN's Kristie Lu Stout reports.
Xi Jinping woos Central Asian leaders in Xian, China Kristie Lu Stout 2023-05-19 | As the G7 huddles in Hiroshima, Chinese leader Xi Jinping has gathered Central Asian leaders at a parallel summit in Xi'an, China. Xi delivered a grand development plan with five Central Asian nations to strengthen security and trade links while opposing "external interference." CNN's Kristie Lu Stout reports on the growing ties between China and its Central Asian allies -- Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. China and the five nations will now take turns to host the China-Central Asia Summit. Kazakhstan will host the next summit in 2025. CNN's Kristie Lu Stout reports.
China imposes $2 million fine for comedian’s army-themed quip Kristie Lu Stout 2023-05-18 | It's a high-wire act to be a comedian in China. In a stand-up set in Beijing on Saturday, Chinese comic Li Haoshi riffed on a military slogan used by Chinese leader Xi Jinping. He made a joke about watching his two rescue dogs chase a squirrel and it reminded him of the slogan that Xi used to praise the PLA's work ethic. The joke went viral and on Wednesday, Beijing police launched an investigation into the comic. Authorities also fined the company that represents him nearly $2 million. In China, insults against the military are illegal. In 2021, China passed a law banning slander and insults against military personnel. On Tuesday, a woman in China was detained after defending the comedian online. CNN's Kristie Lu Stout reports.
China sentences elderly US citizen to life in prison on spying charges Kristie Lu Stout 2023-05-16 | It's life in prison for a 78-year-old American citizen in China. John Shing-Wan Leung, who is also a Hong Kong permanent resident, was convicted of espionage and given a life sentence Monday by a court in Suzhou. In China, cases involving state security are usually managed behind closed doors. The U.S. State Department says it is aware of the sentencing, adding: "When a U.S. citizen is detained overseas, the department works to provide all appropriate assistance, including relevant consular access. The department has no greater priority than the safety and security of U.S. citizens overseas." The sentencing comes as China and the US seek to stabilize a rocky relationship. Last week, China's top diplomat Wang Yi met with US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan for two days of talks in Vienna. Sullivan raised concerns about US citizens detained in China and said this was a personal priority for President Joe Biden. There are at least three other U.S. citizens are known to be detained in China including Kai Li, Mark Swidan, and David Lin. Leung now joins that growing list of Americans imprisoned in China. CNN's Kristie Lu Stout reports.
China, US look to stabilize ties after balloon incident Kristie Lu Stout 2023-05-12 | China’s top diplomat Wang Yi and US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan met for two days of talks in Vienna. The surprise meeting is the highest-level engagement between the US and China since the balloon incident which led US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to delay a planned visit to Beijing in February. Although the talks in Vienna were deemed “candid and constructive” by both sides, there’s still no clear answer as to when America’s top diplomat will visit China. CNN's Kristie Lu Stout reports.
May Day holiday travel in China to surpass pre-pandemic levels Kristie Lu Stout 2023-05-01 | It's China's first May Day "Golden Week" holiday after the pandemic, and tourism is surging. In Shanghai, tourism authorities say the city has received over 3 million visits from tourists on Saturday, the first day of the 5-day holiday period. Massive crowds have descended upon the Great Wall, north of Beijing. Meanwhile in Macau, hundreds of thousands of Chinese tourists have been crowding into the world's biggest gambling hub. According to state media, over 240 million people will travel from April 29 to May 3, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. CNN's Kristie Lu Stout reports.
Biden and South Korea’s Yoon announce agreement to deter North Korea Kristie Lu Stout 2023-04-27 | It's called the "Washington Declaration" -- a key new agreement aimed at deterring North Korea. The US has pledged to give South Korea more insight into its nuclear planning and a new commitment to deploy a nuclear-armed submarine in South Korea for the first time since the early 1980s -- a very symbolic show of force. In return, South Korea agreed to not pursue its own nuclear arsenal. "Our two countries have agreed to immediate, bilateral Presidential consultations in the event of North Korea's nuclear attack and promised to respond swiftly, overwhelmingly and decisively using the full force of the Alliance including the United States nuclear weapons," said President Yoon from the Rose Garden at the White House. CNN's Kristie Lu Stout reports.
South Koreas Yoon to meet Biden as concerns grow over nuclear umbrella Kristie Lu Stout 2023-04-26 | South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol is in Washington DC for the first state visit to the US in over a decade. Ahead of the state visit, the White House said that the US commitment to its security partnership with South Korea is “ironclad” despite recent online leaks of Pentagon documents. On Tuesday, President Yoon said the alliance must "leap into a new phase" adding that the tech partnership should extend beyond chips to AI and quantum. The visit also comes as North Korea continues to heighten its military provocations, launching multiple intercontinental ballistic missile tests in the past year, and doubts grow inside South Korea over the US nuclear umbrella. CNN's Kristie Lu Stout reports.
China to be overtaken by India as worlds most populous nation Kristie Lu Stout 2023-04-20 | China is set to be overtaken by India as the world's most populous nation, according to new data from the UN. By mid-2023, China will have 2.9 million less people than India. China MOFA spokesperson Wang Wenbin addressed the issue, emphasizing China's "talent dividend," saying: "Size matters, but what matters more is talent. Nearly 900 million out of 1.4 billion Chinese are of working age and on average have received 10.9 years of education." Last year, China’s population fell to 1.411 billion people -- it's first drop since the 1960s. A number of factors are behind the drop including changing attitudes toward marriage and family, China's one-child policy which was introduced in the 1980s but later abandoned, and the challenges of raising children in China's expensive cities. China's falling population has economic and social implications, and the government is addressing the challenge with a plan to strengthen maternity leave and offer tax breaks and other perks to families. CNN's Kristie Lu Stout reports.
29 die in Beijing hospital fire, others escape from windows Kristie Lu Stout 2023-04-19 | At least 29 people died after a fire erupted at the Beijing Changfeng Hospital. According to state media, the fire broke out around 1pm on Tuesday and was extinguished about half an hour later. 71 patients were evacuated. Li Zongrong, deputy head of Beijing’s Fengtai district government said on Wednesday during a presser that the fire was caused by "sparks generated during the construction work" which ignited combustible paint on site. Amateur video shows one person exiting a window with a bedsheet and others perching on aircon units outside the building while attempting to escape the blaze. It is unclear if all those seen outside the building were rescued. State media did not report on the fire until many hours after it was extinguished, triggering anger on social media. CNN's Kristie Lu Stout reports.
Chinese e-commerce giant Pinduoduo under fire for malware Kristie Lu Stout 2023-04-03 | In China, Pinduoduo is an e-commerce heavyweight. Some 750 million people in China each month use the app which is now under fire over malware. CNN has spoken to an array of cybersecurity experts who say they have identified malware in versions of Pinduoduo. "We found that it uses techniques to get extended functionality," says Check Point APAC President Sharat Sinha. "I have never seen anything like that before," adds cyber-security expert and Oversecure founder Sergey Toshin. "This is highly unusual, and it is pretty damning for Pinduoduo," says WithSecure Chief Research Officer Mikko Hyppönen. "Our team has reverse engineered that code and we can confirm that it tries to escalate rights, tries to gain access to things normal apps wouldn't be able to do on Android phones." CNN also spoke to a Pinduoduo employee who says the company in 2020 set up a team of about 100 engineers and product managers to dig for vulnerabilities in Android phones and develop ways to exploit them and make a profit. Pinduoduo's parent company PDD Holdings did not respond to CNN requests for comment. The allegations are casting a cloud on the Nasdaq-listed company and its global push with its international app Temu, and comes at a time of heightened tension and security concerns over tech that’s "Made in China." CNN's Kristie Lu Stout reports.
China and Russia play peacemakers, deepen ties in Moscow Kristie Lu Stout 2023-03-22 | In Moscow, the leaders of China and Russia posed as peace-brokers, playing up China's plan for peace in Ukraine. The plan calls for a ceasefire and talks, but does not include any calls for Russia to withdraw from occupied territory. The plan has been criticized by the West, with Ukraine adding that a ceasefire is not in its interest. In addition to overtures for peace, Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin emphasized their deepening relationship. At the start of Tuesday's state dinner, the two leaders raised a toast and Putin proclaimed: "Russia-Chinese relations are at the highest point ever." Xi also touted their close economic ties. Since the invasion, China has been buying Russian energy -- softening the impact of Western sanctions. Putin says Russia is ready to "increase uninterrupted oil supplies" to China and will support Chinese business "in replacing Western enterprises that left Russia." CNN's Kristie Lu Stout reports.
Dear friends: Chinas Xi meets with Putin in Moscow Kristie Lu Stout 2023-03-21 | China and Russia "share similar goals," President Xi Jinping said in a meeting with President Vladimir Putin on Monday during at the start of a three-day state visit to Moscow. The visit follows Putin's arrest warrant for war crimes. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken says Xi's visit shows China’s intent to provide “diplomatic cover” for Russian crimes in Ukraine. China has framed the visit as a "journey of peace," but Western leaders have expressed skepticism about Beijing's role as a peacemaker. Meanwhile, Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio is headed to Ukraine on Tuesday to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. CNN's Kristie Lu Stout reports.
A powerful lesson in modern-day slavery Kristie Lu Stout 2023-03-16 | Activist Matt Friedman leads a powerful sweatshop simulation so students know what it feels like for the millions of people across the world entrapped in slave labor. The students taking part in the exercise say they are now determined to help end modern-day slavery. 50 million people worldwide are believed to be victims of forced marriage and forced labor -– up 25% from the last estimate in 2016. From Hong Kong, CNN's Kristie Lu Stout reports on My Freedom Day, a student-led day of action.
Hollywood digital effects house gives AI a human face Kristie Lu Stout 2023-03-15 | For CNN's Marketplace Asia, Kristie Lu Stout speaks with Daniel Seah, CEO of Digital Domain -- the Hong Kong-listed #visualeffects house behind some of #Hollywood’s biggest hits including "Titanic," "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button," and the Avengers franchise. They discuss the company's pivot to virtual humans, including a virtual avatar of the late Taiwan pop star Teresa Teng. They also discuss advances in #artificialintelligence and the push to infuse virtual avatars with AI.
Cyber-scam traffickers targeting professionals across Asia Kristie Lu Stout 2023-03-14 | They're educated and tech-savvy... and have been trafficked into forced labor in Southeast Asia. A growing number of professionals across Asia are being forced into cyber-scam operations that dupe people out of their money. They are seduced with promises of high-paying jobs to Cambodia and other Southeast Asian countries only to be held captive, forced to work as cybercriminals. Experts say cyber-scam traffickers have exploited unemployment from the Covid-19 pandemic to lure tens of thousands of people. For CNN’s My Freedom Day, Kristie Lu Stout reports on the growing human trafficking trend that is targeting new, unsuspecting victims of modern-day slavery. One victim tells her: "You can earn $20,000 for one person you scam. Many (traffickers) would be willing to do it, even if it means selling their relatives and friends. Everyone can be their target."
China looms large as Biden makes submarine moves with UK, Australia Kristie Lu Stout 2023-03-14 | The leaders of Australia, US, and UK have unveiled an ambitious plan for a new fleet of nuclear-powered submarines. The deal is widely seen as a bid to counter China's military ambitions in the Pacific. China has repeatedly expressed its firm opposition to the agreement, urging the alliance known as "AUKUS" to "abandon the Cold War and zero-sum game mentality." CNN's Kristie Lu Stout reports.
Michelle Yeoh makes history with best actress Oscar win Kristie Lu Stout 2023-03-13 | Michelle Yeoh has won best actress at the 95th Academy Awards on Sunday night, becoming the first woman of Asian descent to win the award. Yeoh, who earned the trophy for her acclaimed performance in “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” has also entered the history books for becoming the first Malaysian-born performer to be honored with a best actress Oscar. “For all the little boys and girls who look like me watching tonight, this is a beacon of hope and possibilities. This is proof to dream big and dreams do come true,” Yeoh gushed while accepting her Oscar. She added: “Ladies, don’t let anybody tell you you’re ever past your prime.” “Everything Everywhere All at Once” also stars Ke Huy Quan, who won Best Supporting Actor. In total, the film won seven Academy Awards out of 11 nominations, including best picture. Among its other wins, “Everything Everywhere” clinched best original screenplay and best director for duo Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert. CNN's Kristie Lu Stout reports.
China’s new foreign minister blames the US for fraying ties, warns of conflict and confrontation Kristie Lu Stout 2023-03-07 | China’s new Foreign Minister Qin Gang warned Tuesday that "conflict and confrontation" with the United States is inevitable if Washington does not change course, delivering a stern and wide-ranging rebuke of US policies for his first press conference in the new role. Qin's comments follow striking remarks by Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday to a group of Chinese entrepreneurs, saying US-led containment has presented “severe challenges” to China. CNN's Kristie Lu Stout reports.
Chinas Xi hails unbreakable friendship with Putin ally Belarus Kristie Lu Stout 2023-03-02 | Chinese leader Xi Jinping met with Belarusian counterpart Alexander Lukashenko – a close ally of Vladimir Putin – on Wednesday, in a state visit that comes as the West raises concerns that China could be drawing closer to Russia. Xi calls the friendship between #China and #Belarus "unbreakable." Both sides pledge to enhance trade and security cooperation as well as open a Belarus consulate in #HongKong. Meanwhile, Putin says he is preparing for meeting with Xi in Moscow. CNN's Kristie Lu Stout reports.
China rolls out the red carpet for key Putin ally as US warns against aiding Russia’s war Kristie Lu Stout 2023-03-01 | A key autocratic ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in China for a state visit on Tuesday, amid warnings from United States officials that Beijing may be considering aiding Moscow in its ongoing assault on Ukraine. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko will stay in China until Thursday and meet with Chinese leader Xi Jinping to discuss a range of issues from trade and investment to “acute international challenges,” Belarus’ state news agency Belta reported Tuesday after confirming the leader’s arrival. CNN's Kristie Lu Stout reports.
Hong Kong ends mask mandate in place since outbreak of Covid-19 Kristie Lu Stout 2023-02-28 | Hong Kong’s Chief Executive, John Lee, announced on Tuesday: "The (mask) mandate will be fully scrapped staring March 1, including outdoor, indoor and public transport." The mask mandate ends after almost three years of both indoor and outdoor use for Hong Kong residents. CNN’s Kristie Lu Stout reports.
China calls for political settlement on Russia-Ukraine war anniversary Kristie Lu Stout 2023-02-24 | On the one year anniversary of #Russia's invasion, #China has released a 12 point document on Friday, detailing its position on the political settlement of the war in #Ukraine. The paper calls for the end of hostilities, the end of unilateral sanctions, and the resumption of peace talks. The EU delegation ambassador to China says the document is "not a peace proposal." Ukraine's Charge D'Affaires in China says the publication of the paper is a good sign, and urged China to do “everything” to stop the war. CNN's Kristie Lu Stout reports.
Putin and China’s top diplomat pledge to strengthen ties ahead of Ukraine war anniversary Kristie Lu Stout 2023-02-23 | China's top diplomat Wang Yi told Russian President Vladimir Putin that relations between China and Russia are "resilient and rock solid" as he wrapped up a visit to Moscow. Wang Yi also met with the Russian Foreign Minister and head of country's Security Council. The visit is expected to set the stage for a meeting between Chinese leader Xi Jinping and Putin. CNN's Kristie Lu Stout reports.
China’s top diplomat visits Moscow ahead of anniversary of Russia’s Ukraine invasion Kristie Lu Stout 2023-02-22 | #China’s top diplomat Wang Yi arrived in Moscow on Tuesday in the first visit to #Russia by a Chinese official in that role since the Kremlin’s full-scale invasion of #Ukraine began nearly a year ago. After talks with the head of Russia's Security Council on Tuesday, Wang Yi is meeting Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov ahead of the one-year anniversary of the war. The Wall Street Journal reports that Chinese leader Xi Jinping could visit Moscow soon for a summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin. CNN's Kristie Lu Stout reports.
