Welcome to NHK Newsline. I'm Yoko Nishimura in Tokyo.
Trump Signs AI Safety Accord With Tech Leaders
US President Donald Trump has signed an accord with six major leaders of the US tech industry to strengthen AI safety controls.
The leaders included Anthropic CEO Dario Amade and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg.
They visited the White House on Tuesday to sign the agreement.
The accord says every company is responsible for safely developing its technology while building trust with customers and the public.
It adds that each company should implement four layers of controls and audits.
The first is robust internal controls to ensure AI models in development do not hack technical systems in unintended ways.
The second calls for internal teams to monitor systems and correct issues if needed.
The third calls for partnering with an independent external auditor or evaluator to carry out assessment of whether monitoring and detection are working as intended.
The final one calls for an independent committee of the board of directors to receive reports from auditors and evaluators.
00:01:27 話者 2
It's almost like a constitution in a way.
And the biggest people in the world signed that and I signed it as president and it really is a form of protection.
00:01:40 話者 1
Trump told reporters he is considering forming a committee of about 10 members to oversee the AI industry.
Trump Won't Work With China on AI
Trump has stressed that he's focused on competing with China in the AI race.
And he says he didn't talk about it that much with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping at their summit last week in Washington.
Trump made the comments at an event in the capital.
He said the US is leading now over China and everyone else and he wants to keep it that way.
00:02:12 話者 2
A lot of people say let's do it together with China but then they're going to be able to
immediately gain access to things that we know that they don't know.
00:02:22 話者 1
The event was held to mark the launch of an AI-powered government website and he signed an executive order on the new portal.
China Forges Path Toward AI Dominance
Beijing, meanwhile, is trying to increase the odds China will cross the finish line first.
00:02:41 話者 3
When it comes to robots, not many can do it better than China.
They sort.
They fight.
They even dance.
It's an area of tech development called physical AI, where AI systems make decisions on their own and control machines like these without needing human input.
And Beijing is bidding bid on it.
It wants to deploy autonomous intelligent robots in factories, on the streets, and in living rooms across the country.
00:03:22 話者 4
We must devote greater efforts to the development of AI.
We should seize this once in a thousand year opportunity and strongly encourage open source initiatives, cooperation and sharing.
00:03:42 話者 3
Notice how President Xi used the phrase open source.
It's a key driver of AI spread in China.
The strategy involves publicly releasing new developments so that businesses around the world can build on each other's achievements.
This AI company in Beijing says it's got nothing to hide from other companies looking to learn from them.
00:04:09 話者 5
So, we're going to do this.
We're going to do this.
00:04:16 話者 3
The company develops software that allows AI agents to do things like create documents and videos.
The source code, the software's blueprint, is publicly available online.
That's in stark contrast to the US, where AI companies have adopted a closed model of innovation.
All of those developments are private.
with companies competing against each other for primacy.
China doesn't agree with that strategy, and this expert sense it's being quite vocal about it.
China's position is that artificial intelligence should remain open and bring benefits to all humanity.
It believes the United States should not be the sole leader in the field and establish a closed system.
00:05:03 話者 2
I think China places great importance on emphasizing this point to the United States.
00:05:11 話者 3
The US President, meanwhile, is biting back by rebranding the technology entirely and framing the battle as one where the winner takes all.
00:05:20 話者 2
Welcome to the new world of superintelligence-SI.
SI and we're leading now over China whoever wins super intelligent wins.
00:05:33 話者 3
Whatever the strategy to win both countries agree it has to be done safely officials are meeting in November in Shenzhen where they're expected to establish a forum on the technology and the threat it could pose to humanity if the race goes off the rails.
Guterres: Most Dangerous Nuclear Moment
00:05:58 話者 1
The United Nations Secretary General has expressed a strong sense of crisis at the lack of progress in global efforts toward nuclear disarmament.
He is urging the nuclear powers to return to dialogue to prevent any use of a nuclear weapon.
On Tuesday, Antonio Guterres spoke at the plenary meeting of the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons.
He warned that nuclear arsenals are being updated and expanded.
00:06:28 話者 4
We meet at the most dangerous nuclear moment since the end of the Cold War.
81 years after Hiroshima and Nagasaki, nuclear weapons continue to cast a shadow over humanity.
00:06:43 話者 1
Guterres pointed out that the nuclear arms reduction treaty between the United States and Russia expired in February of this year.
He also noted that the review conference for the Treaty on the Nonproliferation of Nuclear Weapons held in May was unable to reach a consensus on a substantive outcome.
He described those setbacks as not simply diplomatic disappointments, but warning signals.
Japanese Ambassador to the United Nations Yamazaki Kazuyuki spoke about Japan's commitment to the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, or CTBT, and to its early entry into force.
Yamazaki also pledged that Japan will expand efforts to pass on to future generations the lessons it learned from Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
The Chinese representatives' speech justified Beijing's nuclear armament.
He said it is an indispensable force in deterring nuclear warfare and safeguarding world peace and security and global strategic stability.
War in Ukraine
Zelenskyy: N.Korea Readying 10,000 More Troops for Russia
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has indicated that North Korea is preparing to send 10-thousand more troops to Russia.
In a social media post on Monday, Zelenskyy said the forces would add to the more than 8-thousand North Korean troops already in the country.
He has also said North Korea has received technical support from Russia in return for sending troops and has established a production system for Shahed-type attack drones.
He warned that deepening military cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang poses a growing threat...
and urged the international community to respond together.
00:08:30 話者 4
It's a threat.
It's not a problem, it's not a problem, it's a problem, it's a problem.
00:08:43 話者 1
Meanwhile, Russia's defense ministry said in a social media post on Tuesday that its forces had attacked port infrastructure in the Odesa area, two data centers in Kyiv and other targets.
The ministry said these installations were used to support Ukraine's military.
Japan's Ex-Foreign Minister Meets Chinese Vice Premier
A former Japanese foreign minister has sat down with China's vice-premier in Beijing.
The relationship between the two countries soured last year over comments about Taiwan.
A former Japanese foreign minister has sat down...
Iwaya Takeshi now heads the Association for the Promotion of International Trade, Japan.
Ioya met Chinese Vice Premier He Lifang, who oversees economic policies Tuesday.
Ties between the two countries deteriorated last year after Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae spoke about a Taiwan contingency.
During the talks, He said some Japanese politicians are trying to revive militarism and accuse them of trying to cross China's red line on the issue.
The vice premier said that impacted the development of economic and trade relations, but said they could move forward again by overcoming difficulties and contradictions...
arising from what he called erroneous remarks.
For his part, Iwaya said the relationship is in a severe state and pledged to do his utmost to repair ties.
Iwaya also spoke to reporters after the meeting.
Iwaya said he asked the Chinese side to ensure the safety of its Japanese residents.
and also called for faster procedures for approving exports of rare earths and other critical minerals.
00:10:32 話者 2
I got the impression the Chinese side doesn't feel negatively about economic and private sector exchanges with Japan.
They seem rather positive.
00:10:48 話者 1
UIS said he will do his best to keep their governments talking.
On Monday, he also spoke with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
Japan's City Pop Draws Chinese Fans Despite Tensions
A Japanese city pop music event drew Chinese fans in Beijing, despite sour relations between the two countries.
About 150 people attended a talk on the genre that defined 1970s and 80s pop at the Japanese embassy on Tuesday.
Chinese music industry experts introduced attendees to the work and backgrounds of leading artists, including Eiichi Ohtaki and Tatsuro Yamashita.
Embassy officials said that Japanese city pop has gained popularity in China through online platforms, including social media.
They said registrations for the event were filled within just a few hours, reflecting strong interest in the music.
00:11:51 話者 2
I came here because I like city pop.
Culture has something to interact with.
We can enjoy the wonderful culture together.
00:11:59 話者 1
Still, concerts by Japanese artists and other cultural exchanges are being held less often in China recently amid strained relations between the two countries.
3 Asian Universities Make Top 15 in World Rankings
Three Asian universities have made the top 15 for the first time in the latest ranking of universities around the world.
The British journal Times Higher Education released the World University Rankings 2027 on Wednesday.
The list is based on criteria such as educational environment, quality of research, and international outlook.
Britain's University of Oxford took the top spot for the 11th straight year.
It was followed by three US schools.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology ranked second, while Princeton University and Stanford University tied for third.
British and American universities dominated the rest of the top ten as well.
From Japan, the University of Tokyo was ranked 27th and Kyoto University 62nd.
Both were down a notch from last year.
The highest ranked Asian institution was China's Tsinghua University, which took 11th place.
Peking University came in 13th and the National University of Singapore ranked 15th.
Times Higher Education attributes the rise of Asian universities mainly to gains in research scores.
Business
Now to check out what's going on in the world of business, here is Ramin Mellegard from the BizDesk.
00:13:41 話者 6/Ramin Mellegard
Thank you very much indeed.
China Factory Activity Returns to Growth
Now, China's manufacturing activity returned to the plus side in September for the first time in three months.
A government survey shows production was up in both the high-tech and food processing sectors, among others.
The National Bureau of Statistics says its purchasing managers' index stood at 50.1, an improvement of 0.3 points over August.
A figure above 50 indicates growth, while one below 50 means a contraction.
The index covers 3,200 manufacturers.
The index for non-manufacturers also recovered to the 50 mark in September for the first time in three months.
It came in at 50.2 up 1.2 points from the previous month as activity picked up in the construction industry.
OECD: Japan's Teachers Work Longer Hours for Less Pay
Now, teachers in Japan work longer hours and are less satisfied with pay and working conditions than many of their peers elsewhere.
That's according to a survey by the OECD.
The report from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development says teachers in Japan work more than 50 hours a week on average.
That compares with about 44 hours for individuals in other occupations in Japan who hold university or higher degrees.
In terms of purchasing power parity, teachers at Japan's junior high schools earn about $43,000 a year.
On average, the figure among teachers in other OECD countries is $49,000.
The average salary satisfaction rate among teachers in OECD nations is near 39 percent.
Now the same measure in Japan is less than 29 percent.
As for satisfaction
non-salary work conditions.
Japan's teachers came in at around 37%.
That was the lowest among OECD members.
The OECD report says Japan's government spends 2.7% of GDP on education.
That trails the OECD average of 4.2% and is the second lowest in the survey.
Overseas New Car Sales Drop in Aug. at 6 Japan Automakers
Now, new car sales overseas slumped at six of Japan's eight major automakers in August.
The biggest year-on-year falls were seen in China.
Toyota, Honda and Nissan and Daihatsu all reported declines in unit sales, along with Mitsubishi and Mazda.
The figures released on Tuesday show a continued erosion of market share in China.
That's attributed to tough competition with local rivals and sluggish demand for gasoline vehicles.
Nissan and Honda were hit hardest in China, with sales plunging around 50 percent.
Toyota followed with a drop of about 23 percent.
Suzuki and Subaru.
dodged the overseas sales slump, Suzuki remains popular in India and Subaru in Canada.
Markets
Okay let's have a look at the markets.
♪
And that is it for Business News.
Hiroshima Art Prize Aims for Peace Amid Unending War
00:17:55 話者 1
Hiroshima was the first city in the world to suffer an atomic bombing.
Wishing for a world without war, the city presents the Hiroshima Art Prize every three years to artists who have contributed to peace.
Recipients include Yoko Ono and fashion designer Issei Miyake.
This year, American contemporary artist Mel Ching received the prize.
Ching has long confronted the contradictions of a society repeatedly torn by conflict.
His latest work was inspired by Hiroshima's experience.
00:18:36 話者 7/Reporter: Tokunaga Kayo/Narrator: Bill Sullivan
At the ceremony, Mel Chin spoke of the weight of receiving such an honor.
00:18:42 話者 8
To be honored by citizens of a city but experienced the worst that human invention and violence could deliver.
and yet resurrected themselves with a nurturing and creative obligation.
00:18:58 話者 7
For more than half a century, Chin has created conceptual art that goes beyond visual appearance and technique.
His work raises questions, conveys messages, and challenges viewers to think.
One subject he has repeatedly dealt with is war.
This massive bamboo sculpture takes its form from a bomb used during the Vietnam War.
Known as the Daisy Cutter, it was used by the US military to clear dense jungle.
The weapon was later used in other conflicts.
Chin's work challenges viewers to consider the contradictions inherent in US military actions carried out in the name of democracy.
The conflict between Israel and Palestine has also been a recurring theme for him.
This stone refers to the relationship between Israel and Palestine.
It carves the same path, leaving scars on the wall.
The work reflects the reality of a conflict in which the path to peace has remained elusive for decades.
00:20:07 話者 8
I don't go about looking for tragedy to make artwork.
work is created because something has to be said.
00:20:18 話者 7
At the same time, Chin has also struggled with a sense of powerlessness as an American artist.
In February, the United States launched military operations against Iran.
Meanwhile, Washington has continued to back Israel militarily as the Gaza offensive grinds on.
00:20:42 話者 8
In a deeply divided country, the interest of justice, compassion, and empathy was derided as soft and weak.
So under a heavy atmosphere, my purpose became weighed down, and the promotion of my capacities seemed inappropriately spoken.
00:21:05 話者 7
As Chin questioned his own purpose as an artist, he received news that he had been awarded the Hiroshima Art Prize.
During his visit to the city, he had an encounter that gave him renewed inspiration.
What caught his attention was a manga set in Hiroshima, Barefoot Gen.
It tells the story of a young boy who loses his family in the atomic bombing and struggles to rebuild his life amid the harsh realities that follow.
The manga was created by Nakazawa Keiji, who died in 2012.
He drew on his own experiences of the bombing to create the work.
Nakazawa was six years old when his father, sister and younger brother were killed.
Through his work, he continued to challenge readers to confront the folly of militarism and war.
00:22:04 話者 8
I don't know if I'm truly a pacifist as Nagazawa.
And you realize that it's saying that you should try.
You should always try.
You can't give up because you find someone like Nagazawa who did not give up.
I think someone like his story, should inspire people, to invite people to be and follow the idea of what he was trying to accomplish.
00:22:37 話者 7
For his solo exhibition in Hiroshima, which opened in July, Chin created a new work.
00:22:44 話者 8
It's a figure, a child, about six years old, made of clay.
And he is standing on this drum
that would call samurai or troops in China or whatever into action.
It's a call to war.
But he's standing on the drum.
You're not able to play it.
00:23:07 話者 7
The figure stands on the drum with his arms outstretched.
It was modeled after Nakazawa as a six-year-old boy at the time of the attack on Hiroshima.
Chin used a technique known as Hidaski
Traditionally associated with bees and pottery, to depict Nakazawa is a child exposed to the radioactive black rain that fell after the bombing.
The drum is painted the same color as Little Boy, the bomb dropped on Hiroshima, while the hide around its rim depicts a map of the city destroyed by the bombing.
The work is called The Invitation.
Chin explains the meaning behind the title.
00:23:54 話者 8
The little boy is not this shaped by this idea of the massive idea of a horrible weapon.
But the little boy stands against it.
And he's asking me, you, to join him.
Because it takes a collective of people to unite, to stop the increase of weapons
and the use of atomic and nuclear weapons.
00:24:24 話者 7
Melchin has been entrusted through this award with Hiroshima's hopes for a world without war.
And through his art, he will continue to ask people what they can do to help bring about peace.
00:24:41 話者 1
The exhibition marking Melchin's Hiroshima Art Prize runs at Hiroshima City Museum of Contemporary Art through October 12.
World Weather
After 35 consecutive days of rain in Tokyo, it looks like changes are coming up as we go through the second-half of this week.
Our meteorologist Jonathan Oh has a look at the forecast.
00:25:04 話者 9/Jonathan Oh
Hello if you're getting a little bit tired of the workout from constantly carrying an umbrella it looks like you could probably take a break coming up as we head toward Thursday and Friday we've had this seasonal front that's been really hovering around Japan for quite some time and it looks like that's going to start pushing away a little bit toward the east as high pressure tries to continue to dry things out one note though is that Suryi continues to stay around south of the main island of Honshu but the southern part of
Izu Islands will be seeing effects of this overnight and throughout the day on Thursday, so you need to get ready for that.
Once that clears, things are going to calm down for just a bit.
Now we have a separate system moving into northern portions of Japan.
That's going to bring a chance for some rain to places like Sapporo for the next couple of days, but check this out.
Partly cloudy skies in Tokyo with a high of 26 on Thursday.
in Oaxaca 27 in Fukuoka and the dry weather likely to head toward the weekend and evens hopper picking up on the sunnier weather as we head toward Saturday meanwhile we're talking a very different story down toward the southern portion of the United States down toward Mexico as we have some serious rain taking place here's a look at some video that's coming out from New Mexico where people in Garfield were ordered to evacuate Tuesday after flash flooding prompted serious concerns over the imminent failure of a dam tropical moisture particularly
from Polo made its way from Mexico into the southwestern United States.
One resident told the Associated Press that floodwaters reached one side of the road near his home with about 30 centimeters of standing water.
Officials posted on their Facebook page that while the evacuation orders have been lifted in the county, residents are urged to drive with caution when attempting to return home.
Now all that moisture will be moving its way toward the north, but the region looking at the possibility of heavy rainfall possibilities and strong thunderstorms as we
on Wednesday just be aware that that's going to be of concern as the system moves toward the north hope you have a good day wherever you are.
♫～ 3-Day Forecast ～♫
00:27:46 話者 1
And that's it for now on NHK Newsline. I'm Ioko Nishimura in Tokyo. Thanks for joining us.
NHK World
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