Laos is very willing to learn and cooperate with China in the field of artificial intelligence (AI), said Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, recognizing China's rapid and significant progress in AI development.
During a recent exclusive interview with China Central Television (CCTV), Sonexay Siphandone mentioned the DeepSeek, a Chinese artificial intelligence (AI) startup that sent shockwaves through the tech world and beyond with the release of its AI assistant DeepSeek-R1, marks a major step for China in catching the AI trend.
"Regarding the development of DeepSeek, this is a new direction and a trend in the digital age. I highly appreciate China's development in this field. China's development in the AI field is very rapid, and President Xi Jinping also attaches great importance to the development of this field," he said.
Sonexay also expressed his great expectations that the China-ASEAN AI innovation cooperation center, which will be established in Laos capital Vientiane, will enable the Lao economy to keep pace with the times.
"AI will help us develop human resources more effectively and use natural resources more efficiently. Laos is very willing to cooperate with China and learn from China's experience to develop Laos' economy so that Laos' economy can keep up with the times. We believe that cooperation between the two countries will help Laos develop science and technology and AI," he said.
Lao PM looks forward to deepening AI cooperation with China
The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.
In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.
"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.
Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.
The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."
Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.
President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.
Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.
Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.
The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.
Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests
