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1. Tokyo spells out part position on Taiwan in bid to ease tension with Beijing
The Japanese government has spelled out its position on Taiwan – although only in part – based on the 1972 document that normalised diplomatic ties to ease tensions, but insists the Taiwan issue should be resolved “peacefully through dialogue”.
2. Sci-fi writer Liu Cixin on why he’ll be happy if AI surpasses humans
Acclaimed author of the Three-Body trilogy also discusses his “dark forest” theory, and the struggle to come up with original ideas.
3. China’s growth engines sputter as retail and investment hit in November
China faces mounting pressure to ramp up stimulus as new data shows its growth engines sputtering, with retail sales growth slowing for six straight months and investment showing renewed signs of strain in November despite recent policy support.