Thế giới toàn cảnh 29/10: Hội nghị thượng đỉnh Nhật Bản - Mỹ | VTV24

Key Concepts

• US-Japan Security and Economic Alliance: Strengthening of ties, strategic vision for the Indo-Pacific, increased defense spending, AI and next-gen communication technology cooperation, rare earth and strategic mineral trade agreement.
• China's Cybersecurity Law Revision: Focus on AI governance, promoting AI R&D, ethical and safety regulations, legal responsibility in cybersecurity.
• Electric Strollers: Smart baby strollers with rechargeable batteries, climbing assistance, and soothing features.
• Latvia-Belarus Border Closure: Accusations of cigarette smuggling via balloons, disruption of air traffic, potential military action, Belarus's protest.
• APEC Summit Preparations (South Korea): High security alert, deployment of police and military, no-fly zones, road closures, meeting between US President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
• Semiconductor Industry Investment (Germany): GlobalFoundries' €1.1 billion investment, strategic importance for European technological autonomy, strengthening critical infrastructure.
• Air Pollution in Lahore, Pakistan: Dangerous air quality index (422 AQI), health warnings, increased respiratory and eye infections, school schedule adjustments, fog cannons.
• Hurricane Melissa: Category 5 hurricane, potential impact on 1.5 million people in Jamaica, high wind speeds, heavy rainfall, risk of landslides and floods, evacuation and relief efforts.
• Israel-Gaza Conflict: Israeli airstrikes on Gaza, casualties, accusations of Hamas violating ceasefire, Hamas's denial and commitment to ceasefire.
• Dutch Snap Election: Government collapse due to immigration policy disputes, focus on immigration, healthcare, cost of living, and housing crisis.
• AI's Impact on Professions: AI matching or exceeding human performance in tasks, significant impact on project management, content creation, software development, finance, law, healthcare, journalism, and real estate.
• China's Advanced Technology Push: Focus on quantum computing, synthetic biology, hydrogen and geothermal energy, brain-computer interfaces, 6G mobile communication, digital economy, and AI.
• "Cute Economy" (China): Rise of collectible toys like Labubu, market value of Popmart, strategic use of IP, scarcity, social media, and blind box elements.
• Hello Kitty's Enduring Popularity: 50-year legacy, global brand, diverse product lines, significant revenue generation, UNICEF ambassadorship.
• US Federal Reserve (Fed) Policy Meeting: Transition from tightening to easing monetary policy, focus on labor market, inflation, consumer spending, and business investment.
• US National Debt: Projected to exceed Italy and Greece, driven by tax cuts and defense spending, potential risks to global financial stability.
• Aerospace Supply Chain Disruptions: Airbus delaying A220 production due to supply chain issues.
• Economic Slowdown in Europe: Companies reducing hiring or cutting jobs due to difficult economic conditions and US tariffs.
• Apple's Market Capitalization: Reaching $4 trillion, driven by strong iPhone sales.

US-Japan Summit and Strategic Alliance

At a summit in Tokyo, Japan and the United States committed to strengthening their security and economic alliance, ushering in a new chapter in their bilateral relations with a strategic vision for the Indo-Pacific region. This meeting marked the first encounter between US President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in her new role. Prime Minister Kishida declared Japan and the US as the world's largest alliance, pledging to contribute to global peace and prosperity and emphasizing cooperation for a "free and open Indo-Pacific." She expressed a desire to build a "new golden age" for the Japan-US alliance with President Trump.

Key Agreements and Discussions:

• Defense Spending: Japan intends to increase its defense spending, aiming to reach 2% of GDP earlier than projected, potentially by fiscal year 2025.
• Science and Technology Cooperation: The two nations agreed to collaborate in seven fields, including artificial intelligence (AI) and next-generation communication standards. The goal is to promote R&D and establish international standards for AI and reliable communication networks, with a focus on disseminating these to developing countries.
• Trade and Strategic Minerals: A trade agreement and cooperation on rare earths were signed immediately after the talks, aiming to secure the supply of rare earths and other strategic minerals. This agreement is seen as crucial in the context of China's tightening control over exports of these materials.

Public and Analyst Perspectives:

• Positive Reception: The Japanese public generally viewed the summit positively, seeing it as a strong start for Prime Minister Kishida's administration, with President Trump showing clear goodwill.
• Supply Chain Security: The agreement on mineral supply chains and rare earths was highlighted as a significant step, particularly given the vulnerabilities exposed in global supply chains.
• Symbolic Statement: Prime Minister Kishida's "golden age" statement for the Japan-US alliance was considered powerful and symbolic by the press.
• Concerns: Some expressed concern about Japan's ability to fulfill commitments like increased defense spending and expanded investment in the US, given its ongoing economic challenges and rising prices.

Strategic Significance:

Analysts viewed the summit's strategic importance across four dimensions:

• Foreign Policy: Redefining Japan's role in the global order through the "free and open Indo-Pacific" strategy, based on the Japan-US diplomatic foundation.
• Economy: Ensuring supply of strategic minerals and rare earths, encouraging Japanese investment in the US, and shaping international technology standards.
• Defense: Japan's proactive defense posture reflected in the accelerated increase in defense spending.
• Domestic Policy: Prime Minister Kishida, leading a minority government, needed an early foreign policy success to bolster her credibility and support for her new cabinet.

The summit's outcomes extend beyond specific agreements, carrying broad strategic implications and reaffirming the shifting dynamics of global alliances in a volatile geopolitical landscape.

China's Cybersecurity Law Revision and AI Governance

China's National People's Congress has passed a revised cybersecurity law aimed at addressing the growing need for AI governance while simultaneously promoting AI development. The revised law will take effect on May 1st of next year.

Key Provisions:

• AI Research and Development: The law supports fundamental AI research and promotes key technologies like algorithms, as well as the development of AI-related infrastructure, including training data and computing power.
• Ethical and Safety Regulations: It mandates the improvement of ethical standards for AI, enhances oversight of security risks, and strengthens AI safety regulations.
• Legal Responsibility and Coordination: The revised text emphasizes strengthening legal responsibility in cybersecurity, improving coordination, and ensuring consistency with related laws.

Innovations in Childcare: Electric Strollers

A new trend for parents is emerging with the introduction of electric strollers for children. The IKZO stroller by CBEX, showcased at a children's exhibition in London, features a rechargeable battery that can last a week with normal use. It includes special functions to assist mothers, such as climbing assistance for steep inclines and a gentle rocking motion to help babies fall asleep.

Latvia Closes Border with Belarus

The Latvian government announced an indefinite closure of its border with Belarus, with exceptions for diplomatic personnel and EU citizens returning from Belarus. This action follows accusations that numerous cigarette-smuggling balloons from Belarus have entered Latvian airspace, disrupting air traffic. The Latvian Prime Minister stated that the military has been ordered to shoot down any balloons violating airspace and that coordination with neighboring countries like Lithuania and Poland is being considered. Belarus's Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Latvian interim charge d'affaires to protest the unilateral border closure, citing it as an infringement on citizens' rights and the principle of free movement.

South Korea's APEC Summit Preparations

South Korea is making extensive preparations for the upcoming APEC summit, scheduled from October 31st to November 1st. Security forces are on high alert, with a significant deployment to ensure safety during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum. Maximum security measures are in place in the Bomun area of Gyeongju, the summit venue and lodging for many leaders. Over 19,000 police officers and nearly 4,000 soldiers will be deployed. South Korea has also established no-fly zones and blocked several roads around Bomun to accommodate high-level guests. Notable side events include a summit between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

European Semiconductor Autonomy: GlobalFoundries Investment in Germany

Amid Europe's efforts to enhance its technological self-sufficiency in semiconductors, US chip manufacturer GlobalFoundries announced a €1.1 billion investment to expand its facility in Dresden, Germany. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz described the investment as strategic, demonstrating Germany and Europe's commitment to shaping the future of the global semiconductor industry. He emphasized that each silicon wafer produced would contribute to strengthening Europe's critical infrastructure, from aerospace and banking to data security.

Severe Air Pollution in Lahore, Pakistan

Lahore, Pakistan, continues to be enveloped in toxic smog, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) soaring to 422, a level considered dangerous for human health. City authorities have issued health warnings to over 13 million people. Local hospitals report an increase in admissions for respiratory illnesses and eye infections due to the worsening air pollution. The situation has forced local authorities to adjust school schedules to protect children and deploy fog cannons to temporarily reduce particulate matter in the air.

Hurricane Melissa Threatens the Caribbean

Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm, is moving through the Caribbean and is expected to make landfall in Jamaica today. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies warns that Hurricane Melissa could affect 1.5 million people in Jamaica alone. Upon reaching land, Melissa is projected to have wind speeds of approximately 280 km/h, with gusts up to 350 km/h. Coastal communities are expected to be severely impacted, with forecasts of heavy rainfall averaging up to 700 mm, posing a significant risk of landslides and severe flooding. The critical aspects of evacuation and relief efforts are paramount, as delayed responses could lead to widespread lack of clean water and other health risks.

Escalation of Conflict in the Middle East

Tensions in the Middle East have escalated once again as Israel launched intense airstrikes on the Gaza Strip, resulting in at least 20 deaths. Israel accused Hamas of violating a US-brokered ceasefire agreement. The Israel Defense Forces stated that the airstrikes targeted Hamas infrastructure in southern Gaza. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office also announced an expansion of Israel's military control in Gaza. In response, Hamas condemned the airstrikes, denied attacking Israeli soldiers, and reaffirmed its commitment to the current ceasefire.

Dutch Snap Election Amidst Immigration and Housing Crises

Dutch citizens will go to the polls for an early parliamentary election tomorrow, despite the current parliament being only halfway through its term. Just two years after the last election, voters will choose 150 members of parliament, with the hope of forming a new parliament and government swiftly. The current Dutch government collapsed in July after the far-right Freedom Party, led by Geert Wilders, withdrew from the ruling coalition due to sharp disagreements over immigration and asylum policies. Immigration remains a central theme in this election, alongside healthcare and the cost of living. However, the housing crisis is considered the most urgent issue. Frans Timmermans, leader of the Green-Labour alliance and a candidate for Prime Minister, is campaigning on a platform of removing barriers to accelerate housing construction projects. Recent polls indicate many voters are still undecided, but a significant number of major parties have declared they will not form a government with the far-right PVV, even if it leads in the polls.

AI's Growing Impact on Professions

A new study by OpenAI reveals that AI is rapidly catching up to human speed and efficiency in many specialized fields. The report indicates that AI has completed nearly half of 220 assigned tasks with performance equal to or exceeding human capabilities. The three professions most affected are project management, audiovisual content creation, and software development, where AI has achieved an average performance rate of over 50%. Other sectors like finance, intellectual property law, healthcare, journalism, and real estate are also impacted, with AI capable of handling up to 47% of the workload. Experts suggest that AI presents both challenges and opportunities, compelling workers to continuously learn, adapt, and leverage technology for future productivity.

China's Drive for Advanced Technologies

China is actively promoting advanced technologies to drive its industries over the next decade, including quantum computing, which is seen as the next revolutionary technology after AI. These new technologies are supported by a flexible domestic supply chain and a dynamic private sector, which are becoming key drivers of technological innovation in the world's second-largest economy. At the 2025 International Aerospace Conference in Sydney, Australia, Chinese private enterprises like Galaxy Space showcased pioneering solutions in the development of low-Earth orbit (LEO) broadband satellite constellations for global internet connectivity. By 2025, China is expected to see over 500 private companies enter the aerospace sector, as the space economy emerges as a new pillar of the global economy, projected to reach over $1 trillion by 2040. Aerospace is also among the eight future technology priorities that China is investing in and developing over the next decade. Notably, quantum technology is poised to follow AI as a new revolution, with breakthroughs in encryption, quantum computing, and precision sensors. Synthetic biology is another priority, with applications in synthetic biology, personalized medicine, and biomaterials. Furthermore, hydrogen and geothermal energy will be emphasized to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and generate large-scale clean energy. Emerging technologies like brain-computer interfaces for cognitive control and embodied intelligence for robots capable of learning, adapting, and interacting with the real environment are also being pursued. 6G mobile communication, with its ultra-high-speed connectivity infrastructure, will support the entire economy. The digital economy and AI are driving AI applications in smart manufacturing, governance, and consumption. The proposal to develop clusters of strategic emerging industries, including new energy, new materials, aerospace, and the low-altitude economy, is expected to create markets worth trillions of yuan or even more. Industries in quantum technology and synthetic biology are poised for significant growth. Currently, China's technological spearheads, including the low-altitude economy, new energy and materials, and eight future technologies, generate approximately $3.2 trillion annually. If these sectors continue to grow at an average rate of 10-12% per year over the next decade, they could generate an economic value of $7-9 trillion, accounting for nearly half of China's GDP.

The Rise of the "Cute Economy" in China

The term "cute" is often the first association with characters like Labubu, a monster from the trendy toy retailer Popmart. However, beyond its cuteness, a 1.3-meter tall blue Labubu statue sold for over $150,000 (4 billion VND) at an auction in June, setting a record for toy auctions. This success not only highlights financial achievement but also positions Labubu as a valuable art asset and an unconventional investment tool. These products, though toys, target adults attracted by cuteness, seeking a connection to their childhood and emotional solace. Labubu and other Popmart products have contributed to a phenomenon known as the "cute economy." Labubu's popularity has driven the stock price of its parent company, Popmart, up by over 180% this year, with a market value of $46 billion, making it the third most valuable IP company globally, behind only Walt Disney and Nintendo. Popmart's success is attributed to a clever combination of exclusive IP creation, scarcity, social media utilization, and the element of chance and surprise in blind box purchases. High-end fashion brands are also leveraging cuteness to attract a new generation of customers. The success of Popmart has spurred other Chinese toy companies to enter the market, leading to a more competitive landscape with new product launches and increased media promotion, capitalizing on the booming "cute economy." Independent artist Runu, who created the art toy character Akidu, a shy, angry boy in a makeshift apartment, returned to China from Singapore to be closer to the country's robust art toy supply chain, hoping Akidu will achieve similar success to Labubu. Seworks, another art toy company whose best-selling IP is a character with a perpetually sulky face and cat-ear-like hair, also aims to surpass Popmart in terms of creativity and product quality, despite its smaller scale. In July, Seworks collaborated with food delivery giant Ele.me (owned by Alibaba) and popular milk tea brand Molipi. Experts believe China's dominance in supply chains, rapid market launches, and data-driven platforms give it a strong advantage in creating the next global toy craze. However, not everyone embraces this trend, with some arguing that many so-called "art toys" are merely toy models lacking genuine content, intentional visual style, uniqueness, and meticulous design. The future of art toys, whether from humble studios or luxurious design rooms, remains to be seen, as does which shy dolls or adorable monsters will capture global consumer hearts and wallets. The limited-edition Halloween versions of Labubu toys demonstrate a strategy to retain customers long-term, suggesting the "cute economy" is more than a fleeting trend.

Hello Kitty: A 50-Year Icon of Enduring Appeal

The enduring appeal of Hello Kitty, a character over 50 years old, continues to exert significant economic influence, generating an estimated total revenue of $80 billion for its parent company. Hello Kitty, with her signature red bow and interests in travel, reading, and baking, celebrated her 50th birthday last year. Since the 1970s, she has remained a global phenomenon, beloved by adults, children, and celebrities alike. The character appears on a wide range of products, from clothing to stationery, and is featured in animated series, comics, video games, and books. Hello Kitty ranks as the second highest-grossing media franchise globally, after Pokémon. Sanrio, the Japanese company that owns Hello Kitty, reportedly earns nearly $4 billion annually from the character. An estimated 50,000 Hello Kitty products are produced worldwide each year and sold in 130 countries. Hello Kitty has served as an ambassador for UNICEF, a spokesperson for the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and a representative for themed cafes, restaurants, and amusement parks globally.

US Federal Reserve Policy Meeting and Economic Outlook

The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC), the policy-making body of the US Federal Reserve (Fed), concluded the first day of its October policy meeting. The meeting is highly anticipated as the Fed transitions from a tightening to an easing monetary policy to support the US labor market.

Key Observations and Data:

• Government Shutdown Impact: The ongoing government shutdown has disrupted the flow of crucial economic data, a concern for policymakers and investors worried about the labor market, inflation, consumer spending, and business investment. However, much data from private sources continues to be released, though some rely on government agency reports.
• Consumer Confidence Decline: According to the Conference Board, US consumer confidence fell to 94.6 points in October, a significant drop from 109.5 a year ago. Short-term expectations for income, business conditions, and the job market also declined to 71.5, below the 80 mark that can signal a recession.
• Interest Rate Expectations: Most analysts expect the Fed to cut interest rates by 0.25 percentage points at this meeting. However, more significant focus will be on the plan to shrink the Fed's balance sheet and the committee members' views on future rate cuts.
• Balance Sheet Reduction: The shrinking of the Fed's balance sheet is considered important for investors, as the Fed's securities holdings affect the economy's available liquidity. The balance sheet has decreased from a peak of nearly $9 trillion in January 2022 to $6.6 trillion last week.
• Future Rate Cuts: Bloomberg forecasts a second consecutive rate cut in October. However, any attempts to extend the easing cycle beyond October may face opposition from officials concerned about inflation. Many Fed leaders emphasize that inflation has exceeded the 2% target for over four years, and they do not expect to reach this target again until 2028.

US National Debt Concerns

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) projects that US public debt could surpass that of Italy and Greece by the end of the decade. The IMF forecasts the US debt-to-GDP ratio to rise from 125% currently to 143% by 2030, exceeding Italy's projected 137% and Greece's approximately 130%. This increase is primarily attributed to the Trump administration's tax cuts and increased defense spending, including a nearly $1 trillion plan for the "Gilded Shield" defense system. The Financial Times predicts the US will have a budget deficit exceeding 7% of GDP annually for the next five years. In contrast, Italy and Greece are controlling spending and aiming for primary budget surpluses, which helps maintain fiscal discipline within the EU. Experts warn that prolonged high borrowing, even for a strong economy like the US, poses significant risks to global financial stability.

Aerospace Supply Chain Challenges

Supply chain issues continue to challenge the aerospace industry. Most recently, aircraft manufacturer Airbus has delayed its production plans for the A220 aircraft due to supply chain disruptions. According to Reuters, the European aircraft maker can only achieve its target of producing 14 A220s per month by late 2026, six months later than initially planned. Currently, Airbus can only produce 7 to 8 aircraft per month. In the first nine months of the year, the company delivered 62 A220s, but this result is not yet sufficient for the aircraft model to become profitable. Airbus believes increasing production volume is the only way to reduce costs, as the A220 shares few parts with other models.

European Economic Slowdown and Job Cuts

Several European companies have halted hiring or reduced their workforce this year, citing worsening economic conditions exacerbated by US tariffs. In the automotive sector, French car manufacturer Renault has confirmed plans to cut costs. Reports suggest Renault will eliminate 3,000 jobs by the end of the year in its support services division at its headquarters near Paris and other global locations. In the banking sector, the British bank Lloyds is considering laying off approximately half of its 3,000 employees to reduce costs. This trend is also observed in other sectors such as energy, industry, engineering, and consumer goods, amidst ongoing tariff uncertainties. Other contributing factors include slowing economic growth, declining consumer demand, rising operating costs, and competitive pressures.

Apple's Market Capitalization Milestone

Apple's market capitalization has reached $4 trillion, driven by strong sales of the iPhone 17, placing Apple in the same league as tech giants like Nvidia and Microsoft. iPhone sales increased by 14% year-on-year, with consumers showing particular interest in the standard iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro models. The iPhone remains Apple's most significant business segment, generating over $200 billion of the company's total $391 billion revenue last year. The services segment followed, with $96.2 billion in revenue. This achievement positions Apple in the $4 trillion market cap club differently from Nvidia and Microsoft, whose stock prices have surged due to the strength of AI technology and the surrounding investment wave.