Int’l journalists in Shenzhen marvel at China's innovation, rapid upgrading

A delegation of journalists visited Shenzhen on Thursday, where the 33rd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting will be held in November, to gain a firsthand look at how the southern Chinese city has transformed into a global hub of innovation.

From test-driving electric vehicles to exploring cutting-edge technologies, the visit offered both excitement and insight.

The journalists from the APEC economies were particularly impressed by the tour inside the headquarters of Chinese EV giant BYD, which has already gained popularity in several APEC markets.

The journalists were eager to experience the latest models not yet available in their home countries.

"When you punch the gas and directly go, and it's so smooth, and no bumps, and no everything. The specific reason why I need to try this is because I think we need these kind of cars that can punch through floods or the water. Because in Indonesia, there are so many floods and disasters everywhere, and it's happening more often," said Luki Aulia, a journalist at Kompas (Indonesia).

Beyond the products themselves, attention also turned to the broader ecosystem behind China's technological rise.

"I think BYD does not just produce electric vehicles, but builds a strong and complete ecosystem, from batteries to final assembly. As a Malaysian, I hope our country can invest more in technology to build out country more technological and futuristic," said Abu Hassan Mohd Ridzuan, a journalist from Sinar Harian (Malaysia).

Mia Gu, deputy director of BYD Branding and PR Division, stressed that the group is introducing China’s experience to the world.

"We've already made a lot of improvements, like we produced our fast charging, the mega-charging, that can charge a car in 5 minutes, in 7 minutes or in 12 minutes. So what we can do is to bring our experience in China, and to leverage those experiences internationally," said Gu.

Following the visit to BYD, a thematic dialogue was held, bringing together officials, experts and business leaders to discuss innovation, industrial upgrading and opportunities for international cooperation.

Experts highlighted the speed of China's development.

"What most impressed me is that changes here are too fast. Comparatively speaking, other East Asian economies, like Japan, South Korea and Singapore, are able to upgrade their industries every 10 years. But we are much faster. We are able to upgrade the industries in less than 10 years," said Zheng Yongnian, a renowned Chinese economist.

"I think the most important thing is you need a government that knows how to walk into the future, not just formulating policies, you need to realize them. That's why Shenzhen has been transformed, not just all at once, it transforms gradually, in each step, from a low-intensive labor area into one of the most advanced areas," said Disthan Kornkit, a journalist at Thai news outlet The Better.

Int’l journalists in Shenzhen marvel at China's innovation, rapid upgrading

Japanese citizens took to the streets of Tokyo's Shinjuku district on Saturday, voicing strong opposition to Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's administration for lifting the ban on lethal weapons exports, advancing a "National Intelligence Agency" bill, and pushing for the revision of the country's postwar pacifist constitution.

On Tuesday, the Japanese government, led by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, officially revised the "three principles on transfer of defense equipment and technology" and their implementation guidelines.

The revisions scrap the restrictions that had limited arms exports to five non-combat categories, allow, in principle, the export of lethal weapons, permit transfers to nations engaged in active conflict under specified circumstances, and sideline parliament from the decision-making process, crossing a line that previous governments had at least nominally upheld.

"Allowing the export of lethal weapons and even attempting to possess nuclear arms, the Takaichi administration is leading Japan toward war, despite our postwar commitment of never starting a war again. Many people are worried. This must be stopped," said a protester.

The cornerstone of Japan's pacifist constitution is Article 9, which renounces the nation's right to engage in war or to resort to military force to resolve international conflicts. For decades, this article has been a fundamental constraint on Japan's military endeavors.

"I am firmly opposed to amending the Constitution. Takaichi claims 'the time has come,' but that's just her own decision. Without Article 9 of the Constitution, Japan could be swept into America's wars. That must not happen," said another participant.

"Japan once invaded other Asian countries and has maintained a pacifist constitution ever since. But now the government has arbitrarily decided to lift the ban on exporting lethal weapons without sufficient parliamentary debate. It's unacceptable," said another demonstrator.

"If we abandon our stance as a peaceful nation under the constitution, it would be absolutely intolerable. Thanks to Article 9, Japan hasn't waged war or been pulled into conflict. For Japan's place in the international community, Article 9 must not be changed," said another protester.

Tokyo protesters oppose Takaichi’s lethal weapons export, constitution revision plans