A bitter dispute between China and Japan has moved to the cultural front

The UK government has expressed concerns regarding China's new mega-embassy in London, which some believe could serve as a center for espionage activities. The embassy's significant presence in the capital raises alarms about potential security risks associated with Chinese diplomatic operations.

Lee Chapman’s photographs capture the essence of Japan’s postwar Shōwa era, highlighting the fading scenes, signage, and family businesses that characterize this unique period, particularly in Tokyo. As these buildings and their occupants age, they symbolize a significant cultural shift, with many structures outliving their intended lifespan.

The launch of ChatGPT three years ago marked a significant moment in the AI landscape, initially positioning the United States as a frontrunner. However, recent developments indicate a dramatic shift, with China advancing in open-source AI models while Europe is retracting its regulatory ambitions, leading to concerns about the quality of AI-generated content.

China's official factory gauge showed a slight increase in November, indicating stronger production and demand, although it has remained in contraction for the eighth consecutive month. This suggests a modest improvement in manufacturing activity despite ongoing challenges in the sector.