World News, Technology News
Global Powers in 2024: Technology, Military, and Economic Influence Unpacked
World News, Technology News
As we delve into 2024, the landscape of global power is shaped by a complex interplay of technological advancements, military capabilities, and economic influence. Understanding the dynamics among leading nations requires an examination of their strategic priorities and how they leverage their strengths to assert influence on the world stage. This article unpacks the multifaceted nature of global powers, highlighting the key players in technology, military strength, and economic dominance.
According to recent research, global internet freedom has fallen for the 14th consecutive year, with Myanmar and China tied for the poorest record. Freedom House, a pro-democracy research organization based in the United States, claimed in a study released on Wednesday that Kyrgyzstan experienced the most significant drop in 2024 as President Sadyr Japarov cracked down on online organizing and the government sought to muzzle digital media. The Kyrgyz authorities shut down Kloop, an investigative media website that had reported on an opposition leader's charges of torture in jail.
China's latest nuclear-powered submarine has sunk at the Wuhan port, with the Communist Party attempting to cover up the incident for several months. The Zhou-class submarine, distinguished by its X-shaped stern, reportedly sank while undergoing final tests in late May or early June. The incident was first detected by U.S. officials analyzing satellite images of the Wuchang Shipyard. It is unclear if nuclear fuel was onboard during the mishap, though experts believe it is likely. U.S. officials have noted that China has not yet tested the water for radiation and raised concerns about possible fatalities among military personnel involved in the submarine’s construction.
China has emerged as the world's leading creator of generative AI patents, but it is unable to implement many of its ideas due to US export prohibitions and long-standing issues with its domestic innovation culture. In July, the UN's intellectual property organization said that China had submitted more than 38,000 generative AI patents over the previous decade, more than any other country combined. According to World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) data, Chinese corporations and institutions, including Tencent, Ping An Insurance, Baidu, and the Chinese Academy of Sciences, are among the top ten patent holders worldwide.
China's foreign minister, Wang Yi, has responded to NATO's "groundless accusations" that Beijing is assisting Russia in its conflict with Ukraine. He has also warned the Western alliance against inciting conflict. Mr Wang's remarks, delivered during a phone chat with his Dutch counterpart, come hours after NATO leaders met in Washington, DC, and released a proclamation mentioning the battle.
As the newly inaugurated president of Taiwan, Lai Ching-te demanded that China "cease their political and military intimidation against Taiwan" and prevent further war from engulfing the international community. Lai assumed the presidency on Monday morning at the presidential office constructed in central Taipei during the Japanese colonial era. Tsai Ing-wen's relations with Beijing deteriorated during her eight years in office.
China has implemented significant measures to reverse its declining birth rate, even though its elderly population is projected to reach 520 million by 2050 and couples were previously limited to having a single child. China is in dire need of its citizens to procreate more. The nation is confronted with a demographic catastrophe causing an economic crisis. Simply put, there is an excessive number of elderly and insufficient youth. In moments of crisis, drastic measures are required.
China pledged to "strictly regulate" new coal power in 2021. It increased two years later, according to Global Energy Monitor, which fueled concerns about additional emissions at a time when they ought to be declining. According to GEM, the new capacity may not be utilised, and other nations must also increase their efforts. A new analysis indicates that China increased its coal power capacity last year despite a pledge to "strictly control" the deadliest fossil fuel.
China has undertaken military "combat patrols" in the contested South China Sea, thereby increasing tensions in the region on the same day that the United States, the Philippines, Japan, and Australia execute their inaugural joint military exercises. The Philippines was expected to conduct joint drills in the same area on the same day, according to defence chiefs from all four countries. Beijing's unexpected announcement of a naval exercise on Sunday followed that day.
A crisis-stricken Country Garden, a Chinese real estate developer, has halted trading on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange after postponing the disclosure of its annual financial results. The company announced last week that it required additional time to gather data to restructure its debts. The company defaulted on its foreign obligations the previous year and faced a winding-up petition.