Technology

Opinions, Technology 26. September 2024

EU’s Provisional Punitive Tariffs for Chinese E-Cars: A Step Away from its Green Deal Goals 

In July this year, the EU Commission suggested the punitive tariffs for imported electric cars from China. The provisional countervailing duties up to 36.3 percent were announced on 20. August. If passed by the majority of the member states in mid-October, the tariffs shall come into force and apply for five years for the time being.  For the Chinese manufacturer BYD, the EU provides for a final tariff of 17 percent, for Geely 19.3 percent and for Saic as high as 36.3 percent. The punitive tariffs also apply to the Western carmakers such as Tesla and VW which produce in…

Opinions, Technology 10. August 2024

United Nations: Member States Finalize a New Cybercrime Convention

After three years of work, the committee established by the UN General Assembly to negotiate a new convention on cybercrime agreed today on a draft convention text. The draft convention is expected to be adopted by the General Assembly later this year, thus becoming the first global legally binding instrument on cybercrime. This achievement represents the culmination of a five-year effort by UN Member States, with the input of civil society, academic institutions and the private sector. UNODC served as the substantive secretariat for the negotiations. “The finalization of this Convention is a landmark step as the first multilateral anti-crime…

Culture & Literature, Opinions, Technology 1. August 2024

Forum Alpbach 2024 Planned to Start on 17 August

The European Forum Alpbach engages key actors of various fields and generations to take part in fruitful discussions. Together, they experience the power of open dialogue and a common purpose. By driving ideas and sparking action for a strong and democratic Europe, the EFA24 is bound to become a transformational event in building strong and sustainable relationships, connecting in field of expertise, expanding professional horizon, gaining visibility for cause and sharing a table with like-minded individuals and people with different opinions. At the intersection of Finance and Economy track with all other EFA tracks (Climate, Security, Democracy and the Rule…

Culture & Literature, Opinions, Technology 21. July 2024

UNPA Issuing Postage Stamps and Souvenir Sheets Featuring Lunar Missions

To commemorate International Moon Day the United Nations Postal Administration, UNPA, is issuing six postage stamps and three souvenir sheets featuring various pictures from lunar missions. The UN General Assembly declared International Moon Day to be observed annually on 20 July in its resolution on “International cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space”. The day was chosen to honor the anniversary of the first landing by humans on the Moon, as part of the Apollo 11 mission, and to raise awareness about the commitment to sustainable lunar exploration on the part of national and international space programmes worldwide. The…

Allgemein, Interviews, Opinions, Technology 17. May 2024

The Strength of the Chinese Economy in 2024 and its Significance for the Future World

The Strength of the Chinese Economy in 2024 “China’s role in the world economy is substantial. It accounts for around 10% of world trade and stock market capitalization, around 18% of GDP (at market exchange rates), around 16% of world oil demand, and over a quarter of world broad money,” according to Oxford Economics. The robust growth in China is based on a cocktail of state-driven investment, supply-side stimulus, and a boost in “green” manufacturing, said its lead economist Sean Metcalfe. The continued government stimulus concentrated in green equipment and high-tech manufacturing is not only part of the economy’s shift…

Linyi Flash, Technology 25. April 2024

Qiu Feng, a “New Yimeng” with 30 Years of Constant Innovative Achievements

AGV, the intelligent transport robot, is a typical high-tech complex that combines computer, internet of the things, information fusion and artificial intelligence technologies. Its reliable operation is crucial to the entire modern logistics system. Since 2012, Mr. Qiu Feng, a national-leveled technician with the background of being educated as a maintenance electrician, has overcome numerous difficulties and successfully developed/manufactured more than ten types of AGV products ranging from 0.5 tons to 7 tons. Not resting on his laurels, Mr. Qiu is continuing improving the AGV performance and expanding new models. “Previous AGVs were slow, and small in loading capacities, not…

Chinese Community in Vienna, Interviews, Opinions, Technology 2. January 2024

PASCO’s In-Depth Discussion on GPT-like Artificial Intelligence

Since the release of the application ChatGPT, which is based on the Generative Pre-trained Transformer (GPT) model, GPT-like generative artificial intelligence tools have become integrated into various aspects of our lives over the past year. This integration has synergized human intelligence with artificial intelligence, providing numerous conveniences. While benefiting from the advantages these AI tools bring, people are also contemplating and researching the future development of this technology, its impact on individuals and the society, as well as the coexistence of humans with artificial intelligence. (Fig.1:  Daily applications of ChatGPT – by courtesy of Dr. Shiyi Wang) Following the presentation and…

Allgemein, Chinese Community in Vienna, Technology 3. December 2023

PASCO’s 2023 Annual Meeting Successfully Held in Vienna

Vienna, November 26 2023 – The Professional Association of Chinese Scientists and Technologists in Austria (PASCO) successfully organized its 2023 annual meeting at the Chinese Culture and Art Center in Vienna (Chinesisches Kultur – Und Kunstzentrum Wien). The event was hosted by Ms. Ying Han and Mr. Meng Guo. Ms. Xiao Ke, a diplomat from the Chinese Embassy in Austria, delivered a speech on behalf of the embassy’s Department of Science, Education, and Culture, expressing appreciation for PASCO’s ongoing efforts in promoting scientific and technological exchange between China and Austria. She acknowledged the contributions made by PASCO, and assured continued support from the…

Allgemein, Interviews, Opinions, Technology 24. November 2023

A Brief Review of the online Forum on EU-US Data Transfer

On 10. July 2023, the European Commission adopted its adequacy decision for the EU-US Data Privacy Framework. Based on this decision, personal data can flow freely from the EU to companies in the United States that participate in the Data Privacy Framework. The adequacy decision followed the adoption of Executive Order on ‘Enhancing Safeguards for United States Signals Intelligence Activities’. These instruments introduced new binding safeguards to address the points raised by Court of Justice of the European Union in its Schrems II decision of July 2020, ensuring that data can be accessed by U.S. intelligence agencies only to the…

Allgemein, Interviews, Opinions, Technology 2. November 2023

Online Forum: Data Transfer Decision between EU and US – Is European Data Sufficiently Protected this Time?

Urban Forum and SINOPRESS proudly announce the upcoming online forum on “Data Transfer Decision between EU and US”. An open, insightful, and rewarding discussion with expertise on the topic is guaranteed. Save the date!  Time: 7pm-8.30pm (CET), 07, November 2023 Venue: ZOOM Conference (Meeting ID: 868 3301 7086, Passcode: 074595) Moderator: Marie Grüner, Communication Advisor Agenda: On 10. July 2023, the European Commission adopted its adequacy decision for the EU-US Data Privacy Framework. Based on this decision, personal data can flow freely from the EU to companies in the United States that participate in the Data Privacy Framework. The adequacy decision followed…