Mika Fukutomi

BREAKING NEWS - China raises retirement age: Today, the National People's Congress, the implementation of a gradual delay in the statutory retirement age was decided. This change had been contemplated for over a decade and the publication of this decision was expected by many to occur before the weeklong Chinese National Day Holidays. Here a summary of some of the key changes: The decision will become effective on 1 January 2025. The start of the delay of the statutory retirement age for male and female workers will be synchronized. From 1 January 2025, the statutory retirement age of employees whose original retirement age was 55 (for women) and 60 years (for men) shall be gradually increased to 58 years for women and 63 years for men. For female employees whose original retirement age was 50 years the retirement age will be gradually increased to 55 years. Starting from 1 January 2030, the minimum contribution period for employees to receive monthly basic pension shall be gradually increased from fifteen to twenty years, with an annual increase of six months. If an employee reaches the legal retirement age but has not reached the minimum contribution period, he/she mat extend his/her contributions or make a lump-sum contribution to reach the minimum contribution period and receive a monthly basic pension. Employees who have reached the minimum number of years of contributions may voluntarily choose to retire early and flexibly for a maximum period of three years, and the retirement age shall not be lower than the original statutory retirement age of 50 years for female employees, 55 years for female employees and 60 years for male employees. If an employee reaches the statutory retirement age, and the employer and employee reach a consensus, the employee may delay his or her retirement flexibly for a period of up to three years. The State shall improve the incentives for pension insurance to encourage employees to pay higher contributions for longer periods, pay higher contributions for higher pension and to retire later for higher pensions. Pensions shall be based on the cumulative number of years of individual contributions, the actual contributions made by the individual, the individual’s retirement age and the amount of individual account reserves. For employees receiving unemployment insurance benefits and who are less than one year away from the statutory retirement age, the number of years of receiving unemployment insurance benefits shall be extended to the statutory retirement age, and during the period of implementation of today’s decision, the unemployment insurance fund shall pay statutory pension insurance premiums for these individuals. For detailed tables see: https://lnkd.in/eHzekkaE)

8

K-pop is once again pushing Intellectual Property legal discussions in Korea. After controversies regarding an alleged copy of NEWJEANS's choreography by ILLIT, TV Chosun exclusively reported that the Korean Government is hurrying to release guidelines for choreography copyright protection (source: https://lnkd.in/dX-hwYZi) Actually, it's worth knowing/clarifying that: ◾  choreographic works are already under the scope of copyright law protection as secured by the Berne Convention, of which Korea is a member. Precedents in Korea of choreography copyright protection even include other K-pop choreographies such as SECRET's "Shy Boy" in a 2011 case (source: https://lnkd.in/dm8UbJjd); ◾ discussions regarding the need for clearer guidelines on copyright protection and choreographers' rights did not really start with the NewJeans x ILLIT story. K-pop choreographer Lia Kim has been super vocal about these topics for years (as seen in interviews like: https://lnkd.in/dSP-Y34M; https://lnkd.in/dDfucRMz), and other choreographers (including Park Sang-hyun, who won the 2011 copyright lawsuit mentioned above) have intended to create the Korean Choreography Copyright Association for at least a decade (source: https://lnkd.in/dw4ekerC). Also, the guidelines that shall be released by the Government soon are the outcome of a study that was already in the works before the whole controversy dropped. Nevertheless, the NewJeans x ILLIT episode (following the much bigger feud that is going on between HYBE and its label ADOR) might be the ultimate trigger for the discussions on copyright protection for choreographic works to move forward in Korea. Wanna learn about more K-pop's influence on Korean IP laws? I studied two cases in this article published in Vol. 1 of The Rhizomatic Revolution Review | The R³ Journal, "Branding as a Tool for Protection of Intellectual Property Rights: BTS and ARMY as a Case Study": https://lnkd.in/dJHJdHy9 https://lnkd.in/dQ9H-jy4

96

2件のコメント

It was a joy to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act which is a United States law enacted on April 10, 1979 to govern the relationship between the US and Taiwan. I want to also take a moment to congratulate Taiwan on a peaceful election with new leadership under President Lai Ching-te. It was an honor to be able to hear policy insights from a security, trade, culture, and education perspective. It is significant to note that the United States purchased more Taiwan exports than China for the first time since 2003. Fortune 500 companies are going to need to be laser focused on their VUCA strategy in this landscape of needing to have solid relationships established before crisis situations arrive. The corporate exodus in 2022 from Russia serves as a playbook for a crisis that caught many corporations off guard. With a large multinational firm presence in Taiwan from the tech, retail, CPG, and various other industries, Taiwan remains a critical global influence. Thank you to the USC Walker Institute of International and Area Studies and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Atlanta for bringing such dynamic speakers together for an impactful Palmetto Trade and Diplomacy Symposium. #taiwan #taiwanrelationsact #security #trade #culture #education #foreignpolicy #vuca

12

The "#KinmenMethod" for conquering the 🇹🇼Strait and the island. #China's military power in the #IndoPacific grows rapidly while the 🇺🇲 appears in great difficulty We warned last May that #China would use the #MethodKinmen to take 🇹🇼 and the Straits. Current events in the IndoPacific are confirming this. DIn May this year, the frequency of #ChineseCoastGuard law enforcement patrols in waters near #Kinmen show a significant upward trend. The 🇨🇳 #lawenforcement inspections fall under the so-called "prohibited and restricted waters" under the jurisdiction of the island of 🇹🇼. A 🇨🇳 military expert also said that "in the future this "Kinmen model of 🇨🇳 law enforcement inspections simultaneously protecting people in mainland 🇨🇳 and 🇹🇼 may also be applied in #Matsu, #Penghu and even the entire TaiwanStrait. Once the illegal forces violate the legitimate rights and interests of 🇨🇳 fishermen, the 🇨🇳 Coast Guard can refer to the "Kinmen Model" and re-establish an orderly situation of 🇨🇳 law enforcement with inspection power." Obviously, the "Kinmen Model" is a method of illegally appropriating 🇹🇼's territorial and maritime sovereignty. The 🇨🇳 Coast Guard has more than 20 warships, type 056 frigates. It recently came under the control of the Central Military Commission, directly chaired by #XiJinping. The Coast Guard and #PLAN are also assisted by the 🇨🇳 civilian maritime militia. If 🇨🇳 military power in the Indo-Pacific is growing rapidly, the 🇺🇲 appears to be in great difficulty. 🇺🇲 military bases in the region severely lack reinforced air protection, making these bases vulnerable to devastating air strikes in a potential conflict with 🇨🇳. Recent war exercises show that the 🇺🇲 would lose 90% of its aircraft on the ground, rather than in air combat, due to insufficient base protection. "Attacks on 🇺🇲 bases could immobilize vital air assets, disrupt logistics chains, and significantly weaken our ability to respond in a conflict." According to recent research, 🇨🇳 has reportedly built more than 400 reinforced aircraft shelters in the past decade and the 🇺🇲 has built only 22 at bases in 🇯🇵 and 🇰🇷 The 🇺🇲 Indo-Pacific Command has provided Congress with a list of $11 billion in priorities that are unfunded under the #WhiteHouse's 2025 defense budget request, including $3.3 billion in military construction. The Pentagon will spend about 2 percent of its current construction budget on projects at bases in the region, less than what was spent in 2023. 🇨🇳 investment in defense has increased in recent years, as has its fleet of military and merchant ships. 🇨🇳's growing dominance at sea prompted four lawmakers this week to release congressional guidelines for a national maritime strategy. The report notes that 🇨🇳 currently has 230 times more shipbuilding capacity than the 🇺🇲 https://lnkd.in/dSNPdsVq

1

It is always better to jaw jaw than war war. But this SCMP 'editorial' is full of fluff. But talking in itself does not really resolve anything if the distance between the parties are too great; leading to a lack of intersection of common interests valuable enough to overcome suspicion, and competitive interests. In short, it is not the China/Japan/Korea wants better ties with the other twop countries. It is whether they are willing to pay the price demanded for better ties by the other two countries. The price demanded is inflated by distrust, inconsistencies and legacy baggage. In short it is easier for Japan to agree with Suriname because the price of agreeing is so low - even if the benefits of such an agreement is also low. The truth? If China being the bigger party is willing to step back, invest more goodwill into the trilateral relationship - it has every chance of working. I remain hopeful that this can happen but I am not holding my breath. This meeting is a step in the right direction - because the act of dialogue is important. But it was a nothing meeting. Nothing specific was agreed. But it achieved the right outcome, that they agreed to talk again.

5

1件のコメント

Six months ago, truculent China recalled its loaned Pandas to US. US/China thaw had come with Chinese Ping-Pong diplomacy resulting in Nixon's visit to China in 1972. That begat US a couple of Pandas that got the ball rolling on many fronts. I guess, China realized that pulling Pandas back was a big mistake in public diplomacy; real bad publicity with with no potential upside. So here we are. Pandas are coming back. I think things have gotten real bad between US and China for this to make any difference. Cold war is full on with almost daily announcements of tariffs and bans. China's take over of Hong-Kong, its friendship with Russia with no limits and daily incidents in South China Sea can't be overcome by a couple pandas any more. I am not sure what it would take to turn around the relationship between too superpowers but this ain't it!

19

2件のコメント

If #China wants to send influence bots after our elections, we will move forward successfully regardless. But...if we want to repay the favor for this and other malign activities, we should do everything we can to facilitate capital flight out of China. The Wall Street Journal It is in the US strategic interest to do so and we benefit on multiple levels. This type of capital outflow is most likely NOT not a CCP influence tool. Rather, it is driven by folks who want their wealth as far from the CCP's clutches as possible. #economicsecurity #capital #investment Shannon Brandao https://lnkd.in/e-b_6D_A

4

Its a slippery slope! Excerpt "According to the authority, the maps shown in the textbook did not accurately draw the borders near the Aksai Chin area, those near the South Tibet area, and did not include the Diaoyu Islands, including Chiwei Yu, islands in the South China Sea, and a U-shaped boundary line which consist of 10 dashes showing waters claimed by Beijing in the South China Sea. Both Aksai Chin and South Tibet lie on China’s border with India, and are also claimed by New Delhi, while the disputed Diaoyu Islands are claimed by Taiwan and controlled by Japan, where they are known as the Senkaku Islands. Additionally, Beijing’s claims to much of the economically important South China Sea are also subject to competing claims from neighbouring countries and have been rued to have no legal basis by an international court. China Customs said the books “are suspected of endangering China’s national unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.”" #hongkong #china #cartography China Customs seizes Hong Kong geography textbook said to wrongly depict Chinese borders https://lnkd.in/g_uZ76m3 https://lnkd.in/g_uZ76m3

2

1件のコメント

https://lnkd.in/gtyTEdWP Firstly, let's discuss the topic of Taiwan's representative to Japan. The current representative, Frank Hsieh, may soon be stepping down and returning to Taiwan, prompting speculation about his successor. The new representative must possess significant seniority, fluency in Japanese, and deep connections with Japan. When President Tsai Ing-wen appointed Hsieh as the representative, it underscored the importance of Taiwan-Japan relations. President Lai Ching-teh's delayed announcement of the new appointee indicates careful consideration. The future of Taiwan-Japan relations looks promising, making the selection of the new representative crucial. Whether Hsieh will continue in his role remains to be seen. Next, let's look at China's surveillance technology. China not only monitors social media but also installs surveillance systems in airports, schools, taxis, and even the latest electric vehicles. A Chinese expatriate, Mr. T, shared his experience of using WeChat to communicate with friends in China, only to find his posts censored domestically. Additionally, a commuter in China who purchased Huawei's new electric vehicle, the Aito M9, discovered that the car's system can monitor and collect personal statements. China's authoritarian regime is gradually realizing a surveillance society reminiscent of George Orwell's novel "1984." Now, let's discuss the latest developments in Japan's Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) leadership election. Taro Kono from the Aso faction has expressed interest in running, while current Secretary-General Toshimitsu Motegi also indicated his intention to run. In a recent program, Motegi mentioned that more legislators should participate in the election and engage in active policy debates, adding that he will consider running over the next two months. Motegi emphasized the need to enhance party unity and advance social security system reforms. Current Prime Minister Fumio Kishida faces internal pressure to step down, and the dynamics of the LDP leadership election will continue to evolve. Lastly, let's talk about the labor exploitation scandal involving Italian luxury brands. Recently, two Chinese-owned downstream companies in the suburbs of Milan were accused of exploiting workers, leading the Milan court to place the LVMH-owned brand Christian Dior under judicial supervision for a year. These Chinese companies employed cheap labor to supply goods to Dior at low costs, which Dior then sold at high prices. Such incidents harm the overall reputation of the luxury fashion industry, potentially reducing consumer trust in high-end brands. Italian police investigations reveal that these unethical production practices are organized nationwide, with many luxury brands' supply chains under scrutiny.

2

I was trolled the last time that I pointed out a blood red cord connects the Russo-Ukraine War with the security of the Indo-Pacific region. But it remains the case. .:. North Korea staged GPS jamming attacks on Friday and Saturday, Seoul's military said, an operation that was affecting several ships and dozens of civilian aircraft in South Korea. The jamming allegations come about a week after the North test-fired what it said was its most advanced and powerful solid-fuel ICBM missile, its first such launch since being accused of sending soldiers to help Russia fight Ukraine. The South fired its own ballistic missile into the sea on Friday in a show of force aimed at showing its resolve to respond to "any North Korean provocations". Tensions on the peninsula have been at their highest pitch in years, with the North launching a flurry of ballistic missiles in violation of UN sanctions. It has also been bombarding the South with trash-carrying balloons since May, in what it says is retaliation for anti-Pyongyang propaganda missives sent North by activists. Disruption caused by the balloon campaign is being exacerbated by increased signs of interference to the GPS. Between May 29 and June 2 about 500 planes and hundreds of ships experienced GPS problems, South Korea's government said. It complained to the UN aviation body ICAO, which warned North Korea to stop. North Korea has become one of the most vocal and important backers of Russia's offensive in Ukraine. Seoul and the West have long accused Pyongyang of supplying artillery shells and missiles to Moscow for use in Ukraine. The latest accusations, based on intelligence reports, indicate the North has deployed around 10,000 troops to Russia, suggesting even deeper involvement in the conflict and triggering outcry in Seoul, Kyiv and Western capitals. South Korea, a major arms exporter, has a long-standing policy of not providing weapons to countries in conflict. But President Yoon Suk Yeol said this week that Seoul is now not ruling out the possibility of providing weapons directly to Ukraine, given Pyongyang's military support of Moscow. On Friday, Seoul's presidential office said cyber attacks by pro-Russian hacking groups against South Korea have increased following North Korea's troop dispatch for Russia's war in Ukraine. https://lnkd.in/gQxYec5z .:.

36

6件のコメント

SM Lee: I am not familiar with the ins and outs of the review of the stock exchange. I know it is in progress. I know that we would like to inject more vibrance and dynamism in our stock exchange and we welcome reputable, good companies to come to Singapore to list in Singapore. We have had some from China, mostly smaller ones. The results have been mixed. Some good, some harder to assess, because it is not easy to have a stock listed overseas from where the company's business is, when that overseas market and the investors there may not know exactly what is happening with a company's actual operations. So that has been a practical difficulty, but we would still like to have good companies come and list here, and it is being studied now. But there is no impediment to companies wanting to come to Singapore to list, if they fulfil the requirements. If you know of any, please put them in touch with the stock exchange, or if you know of any impediments to companies you think should come, but for some reason do not fit our rules, please let us know and we will look at our rules.

3