by Editor BGF | Nov 17, 2024 | News
Mark Kennedy, Director of The Wilson Center’s Wahba Institute for Strategic Competition and Member of the BGF Board of Thinkers, comments on President Biden and President Xi Jinping’s meeting at the APEC Summit in Peru. Here are his key messages:
- Importance of U.S.-China Communication: Despite the political transition in the United States, it’s crucial for the current administration to maintain open lines of communication with China. President Biden’s meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the APEC summit in Peru signals to the world that both nations are continuing diplomatic engagement.
- Transition of Power and International Perception: The recent election results, with President Trump set to take office in 67 days, have impacted President Biden’s ability to project confidence internationally. However, it’s important to demonstrate that the U.S. government remains functional and attentive to global affairs during this transition period.
- Trump’s Appointees and Future Policy: China’s leadership is observing the incoming administration’s appointments, noting that the selections for Secretary of State and National Security Advisor are considered “China hawks.” This suggests a potentially tougher U.S. stance toward China in the future.
- Global Concerns Over U.S. Policy Shifts: Other countries, particularly in Europe, are closely watching the U.S. to understand how the new administration’s policies might affect international relations, including positions on issues like Ukraine.
- China’s Expanding Influence in Latin America: China is increasing its presence in the Western Hemisphere, exemplified by the construction of a $1.3 billion mega port in Peru, where the summit is taking place. This is part of a broader strategy that has led China to become the top trading partner with many South American countries, surpassing the U.S.
- Strategic Competition and Trade: The United States needs to pay more attention to trade relationships and infrastructure investments, such as ports, to maintain its influence. As China expands its global trade network, it’s essential for the U.S. to ensure that other countries continue to view it as a preferred trading partner.
- Need for Vigilance: Mark Kennedy emphasizes that the U.S. should be concerned about China’s growing global influence and take proactive steps to address strategic competition, especially in trade and economic partnerships.
For more details, please refer to the full discussion here.
by Editor BGF | Nov 17, 2024 | News, World Leaders in AIWS Award Updates
Amma, the 2023 World Leader for Peace and Security Award recipient, prayed for world peace during Diwali celebrations in Amritapuri in November 2024.
- Thousands of flames filled the main hall during the evening arati as devotees circled clay lamps in devotion, with Amma joyfully returning the flame.
- Amma called for prayers for global peace as the gathering chanted “Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu”—May all beings everywhere be happy and free.
“There are many wars happening around the world today. Let us all sincerely pray for universal peace and harmony,” Amma said. For three minutes, the gathering chanted in unison “Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu”—May all beings everywhere be happy and free.
Simultaneously, Amma waved sparklers in large, gentle circles with a radiant smile on her face. This expression of her motherly love inspired all to imagine a universal family of peace joined through unity in diversity—a family where each one contributes to the global light of happiness in their own small way.
See the full story here.
by Editor BGF | Nov 17, 2024 | Shinzo Abe Initiative for Peace and Security, News
Japan is grappling with a labor shortage due to low birth rates and an aging population, prompting recent governments to bring in more foreign workers. Under the leadership of the late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, significant immigration reforms were introduced between 2012 and 2020, aiming to alleviate these challenges by increasing the foreign workforce. However, despite these efforts, the government has continued to uphold the long-standing status quo of not having a formal immigration policy, mainly to balance business interests and nationalist sentiments.
Despite these limitations, Abe’s tenure saw a notable increase in Japan’s foreign population, driven by the expanded use of activity-based visas, which restrict workers to specific sectors. Although new activity-based visas, such as Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) and Highly Skilled Professional (HSP), offer some benefits like the possibility of permanent residency, most foreign workers still come through restrictive visas as technical interns or working students. Overall, Japan’s immigration system continues to rely on the old “side-door” pathways from the 1990s to admit foreign workers, especially those who are low-skilled.
See the full story:
Opening Borders for Workers: Abe’s Profound Influence on Japan’s Immigration Regime
by Editor BGF | Nov 17, 2024 | News, Shaping Futures
IBM has announced the launch of its most advanced quantum computers to date, marking a significant milestone in the pursuit of quantum advantage. The new systems, including the IBM Quantum Heron—the company’s first qubit chip with a new design—promise to accelerate the development of quantum computing applications across various industries. These advancements are expected to unlock new scientific value and pave the way for breakthroughs in fields such as artificial intelligence, cryptography, and complex system modeling.
In light of these groundbreaking developments, the Boston Global Forum (BGF) has invited esteemed guests, thought leaders, and innovators to their High-Level Discussion on “The Convergence of AI Chips and Quantum Computing for a New Democracy – AIWS.” This gathering is dedicated to exploring the frontiers of technology and its profound impact on the fabric of our global society.
The event will adopt a flexible format, beginning with meetings and discussions starting on November 3, 2024. The dialogue will continue on November 25, 2024, at the BGF Conference at Harvard University’s Loeb House. Subsequent discussions with distinguished leaders and innovators will culminate in a Special Report to be presented at the BGF Conference “Strategies for Democracy to Win in the AI Battle” in late April 2025. This report aims to contribute to building the AI World Society (AIWS) economic model.
For more information on IBM’s latest quantum computing advancements, you can read the full announcement here.
by Editor BGF | Nov 17, 2024 | Global Alliance for Digital Governance
Former officials say the incoming president will expand tech controls on China, as the rivalry with Beijing promises to loom large for his administration.
The containment policy set in the first Trump administration and continued under President Biden is expected to get a harder edge, according to former officials.
Donald Trump launched a technological war against China during his first presidency. His next administration faces a much harder task: finishing it.
Former officials say the incoming administration is expected to expand and deepen measures to hobble China’s technological development, using tariffs as a bulwark and export controls as a slashing blade. They say Republican officials poised for senior positions will be less patient than their Biden administration counterparts in negotiating with China and will seek to move fast, even at the expense of breaking things.
The Boston Global Forum (BGF) looks forward to policies from President Trump and his new cabinet to help democracies win against China in the AI battle. BGF is discussing “How Democracies Win in the AI Battle and AI Economy,” a collaboration between the Wilson Center and the Boston Global Forum.
See the full story here: Trump set to deepen tech Cold War with China
