Aju Press - Asia News Hub

Journalist

Latest by

Government Pushes for Direct Current Power Distribution Network to Boost Industry The South Korean government is advancing the implementation of a direct current (DC) power distribution network in response to the growing use of renewable energy, energy storage systems (ESS), and data centers. A plan outlining policy, technology, and institutional support for the 'DC Industry Activation Plan' is expected to be established in the third quarter.The Ministry of Climate, Energy, and Environment announced that Minister Kim Sung-hwan will host a 'DC Industry Activation Meeting' on the afternoon of July 29 at the Power Infrastructure Center in Yeongdeungpo, Seoul.Participants in the meeting will include representatives from Korea Electric Power Corporation, Korea Electronics Technology Institute, Korea Electric Research Institute, LS Electric, HD Hyundai Electric, Hyosung Heavy Industries, LG Electronics, Hanwha, and academic experts.Solar power generation and ESS produce and store electricity in direct current, and major information technology (IT) equipment in data centers also operates on DC power. Currently, the existing alternating current (AC) power grid requires a conversion process to utilize DC power, but a DC distribution network can reduce this conversion step, enhancing efficiency. The importance of related power conversion devices and distribution network technology has grown with the recent expansion of renewable energy and data centers.During the meeting, Korea Electric Power Corporation will present its plans for the introduction of a DC distribution network. LS Electric and Hyosung Heavy Industries will introduce their private sector initiatives for DC projects and propose policies to stimulate the industry. The Korea Electronics Technology Institute will discuss the necessity of fostering the DC industry and outline technological and institutional challenges.Based on the feedback provided during the meeting, the Ministry of Climate will refine the policy, technology, and institutional tasks related to the introduction of the DC distribution network and aim to finalize the 'DC Industry Activation Plan' by the third quarter.Prior to the meeting, Minister Kim visited the Yangju Converter Station to inspect the domestic 200 MW high-voltage direct current (HVDC) technology, which has been applied for the first time in the Yangju back-to-back (BTB) facility. BTB systems connect different power systems to ensure stable power exchange.Minister Kim requested updates on the localization of HVDC technology from Korea Electric Power Corporation and Hyosung Heavy Industries, as well as policy suggestions for industry activation, urging companies to make proactive investments to enhance the competitiveness of the domestic HVDC industry.He stated, 'As the demand for DC-based power from renewable energy, energy storage systems, and data centers expands, the DC industry will be a crucial area that determines the competitiveness of the future power industry. We will cultivate the technology and experience accumulated in our country into a future export industry that enhances the export competitiveness of our companies.' 2026-07-29 13:33:00
Special Prosecutor Drops Appeal in Park Sung-jae Case Linked to Kim Geon-hee The special prosecutor's team investigating the insurrection case has withdrawn its appeal regarding the dismissal of charges against former Minister of Justice Park Sung-jae, who was accused of accepting a request from Kim Geon-hee to suppress an investigation. This decision was made to prevent delays in the trial, especially if the dismissal is overturned, which could lead to a retrial on the insurrection charges for which he was found guilty.On July 29, the special prosecutor's office announced, "We withdrew the appeal on July 27 concerning the dismissal of charges related to the anti-corruption law against defendant Park Sung-jae."The office explained, "If the appeal against the dismissal is accepted, it could result in a retrial of the insurrection charges, which would delay the proceedings. This decision was made considering the legislative intent of the special prosecutor law, which aims for a swift trial in insurrection cases, and the significance of the dismissed charges within the overall context of the case."However, they clarified, "This does not imply that we agree with the legal judgment regarding the dismissal of charges. We plan to transfer this part of the case to another agency for a prompt re-filing of charges."Previously, on June 22, the Seoul Central District Court's Criminal Division 33, led by Judge Lee Jin-kwan, sentenced Park to 25 years in prison and ordered his immediate detention for charges including important duties in insurrection and abuse of power.However, the court dismissed the charges related to the anti-corruption law, which involved investigating the circumstances surrounding the alleged acceptance of a 'Dior bag' from the prosecution and the formation of a dedicated team.The court determined that the Telegram messages from Park, which were the basis for the charges, did not demonstrate a concrete connection to the state of emergency, insurrection, or foreign exchange crimes, thus falling outside the scope of the special prosecutor law.Following the first trial's verdict, the special prosecutor's office appealed the entire ruling but later decided to withdraw the appeal only for the anti-corruption law charges after further review.The appeal regarding the guilty verdict for important duties in insurrection will proceed as scheduled, while the anti-corruption law charges are expected to be transferred to the police or the Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials for further prosecution.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-29 13:20:00
Alpensia Resort Hosts Free Performing Arts Festival in Pyeongchang Pyeongchang's Alpensia Resort is set to host the inaugural Pyeongchang Performing Arts Festival, which aims to highlight the value of human movement and sensation in an era where artificial intelligence and advanced technology are rapidly permeating daily life and creative fields. The festival will expand the tourism experience, traditionally focused on lodging and leisure, into the realm of cultural arts.According to Alpensia Resort, the '1st Pyeongchang Performing Arts Festival Re;Manity' will take place from August 12 to 15 at the Alpensia Concert Hall and Convention Hall auditorium. All programs, including modern dance, traditional Korean dance, ballet, practical dance, and dance films, will be free for audiences of all ages.The festival is organized by the art platform Remotion, with the Lee Jung-yeon Dance Project and Alpensia Resort as co-hosts. Its official slogan is 'Awakening Humanity Through Art.' The festival's name, 'Re;Manity,' combines 'Re-' meaning again and 'Humanity,' reflecting a renewed examination of the relationship between art and humanity amid technological advancements.Main performances will be held on August 14 and 15 at 8 p.m. at the Alpensia Concert Hall, featuring modern dance pieces such as 'Simcha' and '숨; Exhilaration' by the Lee Jung-yeon Dance Project, Kim Jun-hyuk's 'The Sound of Rain Treading on an Umbrella Vol.2,' and Seong Yoon-sun's 'Gyobang Gutgeori Dance' and 'Song Rhythm Janggo Dance.'The Wise Ballet Company will present a key scene from the classical ballet 'The Pirates,' titled 'Grand Pas de Trois.' Additionally, the jazz dance team Mongsikmaek will perform 'Forget Me,' and the hip-hop team Maxcut will showcase 'Unleash,' along with Yu Ga-won's 'Piece of Wrong,' creating a diverse program that spans traditional and contemporary, pure art and popular dance.From August 12 to 15, the Alpensia Convention Hall auditorium will screen dance films multiple times daily, starting at 2 p.m. on the first day, followed by screenings at 11 a.m., 2 p.m., 4 p.m., and 6 p.m. Both the main performances and dance films will require advance reservations and on-site registration on the day of the event.Featured films include 'Space' by Kim Sun-yi Dance Media Production, which documents a local space at risk of disappearing through modern dance and video, the award-winning 'St. Ranger' from the Ground Zero Project, and 'Lucid Dream in Metaverse,' a collaboration between the Lee Jung-yeon Dance Project and GhostLX that combines live stage performance with virtual space.Pyeongchang has established a foundation for classical performances through its annual Pyeongchang Daegwallyeong Music Festival, centered around the Alpensia Concert Hall and Daegwallyeong Outdoor Performance Hall. This year's music festival is ongoing from July 23 to August 2, featuring 19 concerts, an academy, and local outreach performances.The Pyeongchang Performing Arts Festival aims to broaden the summer performance content by adding dance, video, media art, and artistic technology to this music-centered cultural foundation. It is distinguished by its use of the natural environment of Daegwallyeong and the performance and convention facilities at Alpensia, which were utilized during the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics.An Alpensia Resort representative stated, 'We participated in this festival to provide an experience of relaxation and high-quality performing arts in the natural setting of Daegwallyeong.' They added, 'We will continue to present cultural and artistic content that offers new enjoyment to visitors by utilizing the resort's performance and convention infrastructure.'A representative from the Lighting Museum expressed hope that the festival would provide a unique cultural experience that combines various dance arts with the natural beauty of Pyeongchang. They emphasized the expectation that audiences would directly feel the value of human gestures and vitality that cannot be replaced by artificial intelligence technology through the performances.The 1st Pyeongchang Performing Arts Festival will be free of charge, with advance reservations available through Naver and on-site ticketing on the day of the performances. Detailed performance times and reservation and viewing information can be found on the official channels of Alpensia Resort and the festival organizers, with the schedule subject to change based on on-site conditions.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-29 13:18:00
Iran's IRGC Claims Attack on Three Tankers in Hormuz Strait The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of Iran claimed on July 29 that it attacked three tankers passing through the Hormuz Strait, halting their operations. In a statement, the IRGC said, "The tankers ignored prior warnings and were attacked while navigating through an area deemed 'dangerous and illegal' by Iran." It further warned, "We will not tolerate U.S. interference in regional shipping operations and will maintain control over the Hormuz Strait." However, the IRGC did not disclose the names or nationalities of the tankers, the specific methods of attack, or details on any damage incurred. There has been no information on casualties, and Iran's claims have not been independently verified. 2026-07-29 13:10:00
Illegal Chinese fishing boat seizures drop to five-year low in first half SEOUL, July 29 (AJP) - The number of Chinese fishing boats seized for illegal fishing in South Korean waters fell sharply in the first half of this year, as the Korea Coast Guard stepped up enforcement with tougher penalties and special crackdowns. The Korea Coast Guard said Wednesday it seized 21 Chinese fishing boats from January to June, down 43.2 percent from 37 vessels a year earlier. The figure marked the lowest first-half level in five years. Annual seizures of illegal Chinese fishing boats reached 115 in 2019 before dropping sharply during the COVID-19 pandemic. The figure stood at 18 in 2020, 66 in 2021, 42 in 2022, 54 in 2023, 46 in 2024 and 57 in 2025. The decline comes as the KCG has significantly toughened its response to illegal Chinese fishing this year. Under a revised law on fishing sovereignty in South Korea’s exclusive economic zone, which took effect in May, fines for illegal Chinese fishing boats were raised from a maximum of 300 million won ($210,000) to 1.5 billion won. The KCG also carried out five special crackdowns over a total of 17 days in the first half and inspected 664 Chinese fishing boats. The agency is also moving ahead with plans to build dedicated 500-ton-class patrol vessels designed to come alongside Chinese fishing boats. Two vessels are expected to be deployed each year for three years starting in 2028. This year, the KCG is also preparing joint special operations with the Navy to strengthen crackdowns on Chinese fishing boats near the Northern Limit Line, following an order from President Lee Jae Myung. But serious violations have not disappeared. The number of boats seized for major offenses, such as fishing in prohibited zones, entering territorial waters or operating without authorization, rose 25 percent to 10 in the first half from eight a year earlier. The KCG has also taken a tougher line on serious violations, directly handing over eight vessels to Chinese authorities for possible further action. A KCG official said stronger enforcement measures, including higher fines and special crackdowns, appear to have had some impact in curbing illegal fishing. “We will continue to share the situation regarding illegal fishing at maritime security and fisheries meetings with China in the second half and urge further improvements in fishing order,” the official said. 2026-07-29 12:50:33
Yangyang County's Wood Culture Experience Center to Reopen as Family-Friendly Space in 2027 The Yangyang County Wood Culture Experience Center, which was completely destroyed by a fire in 2022, is set to reopen with a new look. The facility is transforming from a wood exhibition and experience center into a family-oriented cultural space where parents and children can relax, engage in activities, and play together, aiming to become a new hub for forest culture in the region.In June, Yangyang County completed construction and installation of exhibition facilities for the Wood Culture Experience Center, with plans for trial operations to begin in October and a formal opening scheduled for January 2027.This project aims to rebuild the center that was lost in the fire in January 2022. The county has invested a total of 61.56 billion won to reconstruct the facility and significantly expand its functions.The newly established Wood Culture Experience Center is significant as it goes beyond the previous role of the facility, providing a space for families to experience various cultural and educational activities while enjoying relaxation. The operational framework is designed to enhance visitor satisfaction by incorporating educational and experiential programs centered around wood, as well as recreational and play features.Yangyang County has set the operational direction of the facility as a 'family-oriented cultural space for parents and children.' Rather than being solely for children, the center is designed to allow families to spend time together and enjoy nature, thereby increasing the duration of family visits and contributing to local tourism.The center will be located in Songi Valley Natural Recreation Forest, a popular destination known for its beautiful natural environment and accommodation facilities. However, there has been ongoing feedback regarding the lack of indoor cultural spaces where visitors can freely relax.In response, Yangyang County has decided to develop the Wood Culture Experience Center as a key facility that complements the functions of the recreation forest. It will operate as a family-friendly space accessible to both local residents and tourists, enhancing the competitiveness of forest tourism.The facility's operations will also be differentiated by floor characteristics.The first floor will feature spaces for wood-related experiences and educational programs. Various programs will be available for children, teenagers, and families to learn about the properties of wood and the value of eco-friendly materials through hands-on activities.Experience sessions will be planned to last between two to three hours, allowing for easy participation. This practical approach aims to accommodate tourists visiting the recreation forest for short periods.The second floor will serve as a permanent relaxation and play area for families. The space will be designed for children to play safely while parents can relax comfortably, creating an environment where generations can spend time together.As cultural facilities evolve to include not only experiences but also relaxation and communication functions, the Wood Culture Experience Center is being recognized for actively reflecting this trend.Yangyang County is currently preparing for the opening by purchasing woodworking machines and various equipment necessary for the operation of the wood experience room, while also checking the operational environment of each facility. They are meticulously ensuring the safety of equipment and operational flow to provide a safe and pleasant environment for participants.The county is also focusing on securing expertise in program operations.To leverage the rich experience and expertise of the private sector, the county is in the process of selecting a specialized organization to operate wood experience and educational programs. This will enable the development of tailored programs for different age groups and audiences, as well as the systematic establishment of a professional instructor management system and safety management measures.Programs will be designed to accommodate various age groups, including preschoolers, elementary school students, teenagers, and adults, expanding content that families can enjoy together. It is expected that a variety of content, including hands-on woodcraft experiences, eco-friendly education, and creativity enhancement programs, will also be offered.Yangyang County plans to begin trial operations in October, assessing and improving any shortcomings that arise during the actual operation process. They will gather diverse feedback from visitors regarding facility accessibility, program composition, safety management, and operational methods to gradually enhance the content.Based on the results of the trial operations, the operational system and programs will be finalized, with full-scale operations commencing in January 2027.The county anticipates that the newly opened Wood Culture Experience Center will establish itself as a representative forest cultural facility linked to Songi Valley Natural Recreation Forest. If it develops into a complex space that increases the duration of family visits while providing both forest education and cultural experiences, it is expected to have a positive ripple effect on the local tourism industry.Additionally, it is expected to provide local residents with a cultural and educational space in their daily lives while showcasing unique forest experience content to tourists, potentially growing into a new cultural tourism landmark in the region.A Yangyang County official stated, “We are creating the Wood Culture Experience Center not just as a place to view exhibits or have one-time experiences, but as a family-centered cultural space where children can freely engage in activities and parents can relax comfortably. We will do our best to prepare a facility that satisfies both local residents and tourists by actively reflecting their diverse opinions during the trial operation period.”Meanwhile, Yangyang County plans to conduct a thorough review of the facilities and programs during the trial operations starting in October, continuously improving the content based on visitor feedback, and developing it into a representative forest culture and experience hub for the region with the official opening in January 2027.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-29 12:48:00
POSCO DX Transitions to AI Native Company with Dual Focus on Physical and Agentic AI POSCO DX has announced its transition to an 'AI Native Company.' The company aims to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) across all layers of operational technology (OT) and information technology (IT) through a dual focus on Physical AI and AI agent platforms.On July 29, POSCO DX held a media briefing at Lotte Hotel Seoul, where it unveiled its strategic plan to become an AI Native Company, emphasizing Physical AI for industrial settings and Agentic AI for office tasks.The company stated that it is focusing on the expansion of Physical AI to create intelligent factories where humans, AI, and equipment collaborate effectively.Initially, POSCO DX will concentrate on implementing robotics to optimally control large equipment by integrating Physical AI technology in industrial environments.The company has already achieved results in the steel manufacturing sector, utilizing Physical AI to enhance worker safety and productivity with large cranes for transporting steel, reclaimers for moving raw materials, and ship unloading equipment, all weighing several tons.Additionally, POSCO DX is promoting the use of industrial robots in high-risk environments. The company offers a full range of robotic automation services, including consulting, design, implementation, and operation, and has secured a platform for operating heterogeneous robots in collaboration with POSCO.Furthermore, POSCO DX has developed its own AI agent platform, 'Agenti,' aimed at implementing Agentic AI in office and management environments. This platform allows AI agents to manage the entire lifecycle of employees, including hiring, evaluation, training, promotion, and retirement, similar to actual staff.Based on this, the company plans to promote the autonomy of office and management tasks through AI employees specialized in specific domains. It will conduct AX consulting to analyze workflow and design processes where humans and AI agents share roles. Agenti will create customized agents or repurpose existing ones based on this analysis.A POSCO DX representative stated, “We aim to become a full-stack company in Korea with integrated capabilities across all layers from operational technology (OT) to management systems (IT), leveraging our complex understanding of both physical and office domains to excel in implementing Physical AI and Agentic AI services.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-29 12:45:00
POSCO DX Transitions to AI Native Company with Dual Focus on Physical and Agentic AI POSCO DX has announced its transition to an 'AI Native Company.' The company aims to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) across all layers of operational technology (OT) and information technology (IT) through a dual focus on Physical AI and AI agent platforms.On July 29, POSCO DX held a media briefing at Lotte Hotel Seoul, where it unveiled its strategy to become an AI Native Company, emphasizing Physical AI for industrial settings and Agentic AI for office tasks.The company stated that it is focusing on the expansion of Physical AI to create intelligent factories where people, AI, and equipment collaborate effectively.Initially, POSCO DX plans to implement robotics in industrial settings by integrating Physical AI technology to optimally control large equipment. The company has already achieved results in the steel industry with heavy machinery such as cranes for transporting steel materials, reclaimers for moving raw materials, and ship unloaders, all weighing several tons. The application of Physical AI aims to enhance worker safety and productivity.Additionally, POSCO DX is promoting the use of industrial robots in high-risk environments. The company offers a range of robotic automation services, including consulting, design, implementation, and operation, and has secured a platform for operating heterogeneous robots in collaboration with POSCO.Furthermore, POSCO DX has developed its own AI agent platform, 'Agenti,' aimed at implementing Agentic AI in office and management environments. This platform allows AI agents to manage the entire lifecycle of employees, including hiring, evaluation, development, promotion, and retirement, similar to actual staff.Based on this, the company plans to promote the autonomy of office and management tasks through AI employees specialized in specific domains. It will conduct AX consulting to analyze workflow and design processes where humans and AI agents share roles. Agenti will create customized agents or repurpose existing ones based on this analysis.A POSCO DX representative stated, “We aim to become a full-stack company in Korea with integrated capabilities across all layers from operational technology (OT) to management systems (IT), leveraging our complex understanding of both physical and office domains to excel in implementing Physical AI and Agentic AI services.”* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-29 12:45:00
Competition for the Democratic Party's Legacy Intensifies Ahead of Convention The Democratic Party's convention is evolving into a competition over its legacy. Candidate Song Young-gil received an endorsement from the Roh Moo-hyun Spirit Legacy Association, while Jung Cheong-rae, a member of the 'Noh Sa-mo' (People Who Love Roh Moo-hyun) group, has brought in Kim Jeong-ok, the wife of the late former Prime Minister Lee Hae-chan, as the head of his support committee. Kim Min-seok has apologized for his role in the 'candidate unification crisis' during the 16th presidential election.On July 29, the Roh Moo-hyun Spirit Legacy Association held a press conference at the National Assembly to announce their support for Song, stating, "The spirit of Roh Moo-hyun is not a decorative item to be taken out only when needed," and expressed their anger over the deceptive political maneuvers surrounding the party's leadership election.They further questioned, "Who among the candidates opposed former President Roh and left for another party? Who was at the forefront of opposing the Korea-U.S. Free Trade Agreement?" This pointed to Kim Min-seok's involvement in the unification crisis and Jung Cheong-rae's opposition to the trade agreement.The association emphasized, "The true spirit of Roh Moo-hyun is the dedication to principles, common sense, and national interest," asserting that Song is needed to fully support the national agenda of the Lee Jae-myung administration, which was born from the candlelight revolution.In response, Song stated, "I feel sorry for not being able to protect former President Roh. I will work hard for the success of the Lee Jae-myung administration so that Roh's spirit can flourish."There are also differing views among the candidates regarding the legitimacy of their claims to the party's legacy. During a town hall meeting in Busan on July 19, Song claimed, "I have walked the path most accurately from former Presidents Kim Dae-jung and Roh Moo-hyun to Moon Jae-in and Lee Jae-myung. As someone with a clear legacy, I am free to expand and embrace. I can most accurately carry out the external expansion that President Lee mentioned."Jung countered, "The other two candidates have the flaw of having a history of leaving the party. I was part of DJ's 'Yeoncheong' (Democratic Youth Alliance) and 'Noh Sa-mo.'" He has been consistently advocating for the need to achieve internal unity within the party.On July 17, Kim visited the grave of former President Kim Dae-jung, writing in the guestbook, "The reason I was able to overcome difficulties was thanks to the teachings and encouragement of the President." Kim has previously served as the secretary to the chairman of the New Millennium Democratic Party and as a member of the National Assembly during Kim Dae-jung's presidency.On the same day, after visiting the grave of former President Roh in Bongha Village, Kim posted on X (formerly Twitter), "I deeply apologize to former President Roh and all those involved in 'Noh Sa-mo' for the emotional scars caused during the candidate unification process in 2002. My misjudgment and shortcomings led to 18 years of being out of office. Former President Roh expressed in his autobiography that 'official reconciliation was achieved by the mandate of the delegates' in 2008, and I am grateful for that profound and great person."Meanwhile, the Democratic Party's convention will kick off on August 1 in the Chungcheong region, followed by a series of preliminary elections, culminating in the election of a new party leader in Daejeon on August 17.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-29 12:42:00
China Defends Against Western Criticism of Overproduction, Calls It an Opportunity The Chinese government has directly countered criticisms from the United States and European countries regarding overproduction, asserting that protectionism poses a greater risk to the global economy.On July 28, the Ministry of Commerce published a lengthy document on its website titled 'China's Position on So-Called Overproduction,' dismissing the controversy surrounding overproduction.The ministry claimed, "Certain countries and economic blocs are politicizing trade and economic issues under the pretext of concerns about their own industries' competitiveness and market positions, thereby intensifying sanctions and protectionism against China due to its production capacity impacting the global market."The document emphasized that there is no international consensus on the concept of 'overproduction,' stating, "The assessment of overproduction situations should be based on the development stage and level of each industry."It also refuted claims linking overproduction to domestic demand shortfalls, state subsidies, and trade surpluses. The document highlighted that "there is no inherent correlation between industrial subsidies and overproduction," asserting that "reasonable industrial subsidies can address market failures and promote technological innovation and environmental protection."Furthermore, the document argued that China's production capacity offers new opportunities for the global economy. While some have labeled the recent surge in Chinese solar panels and new energy vehicles in international markets as 'China Shock 2.0,' the ministry contended it should be viewed as 'China Opportunity 2.0.'It claimed that China's production capacity can foster global innovation cooperation and technological advancement, accelerate the green and low-carbon transition worldwide, and support the industrialization of developing countries.The document also pointed out that "protectionism only disrupts the global economy and trade order, and does not contribute to the security and stability of global supply chains or the healthy and orderly development of industrial cooperation."During a regular briefing on the same day, Yan Dong, Deputy Minister of Commerce, stated, "Certain economic blocs have exaggerated China's so-called overproduction issue," adding that the document aims to correct the facts.This statement from China comes as the U.S. and the European Union have intensified their pressure on China over concerns regarding overproduction and trade imbalances.The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) initiated an investigation in March into what it termed 'structural overproduction' involving 16 economies, including China. China and the EU are also engaged in negotiations to address trade imbalances, with both sides reportedly setting October as a key deadline for finding solutions.China's document appears to be a proactive response to increasing regulations on its competitive products, such as electric vehicles and solar panels, in the European market.Chui Pan, a professor at the University of International Business and Economics, told Global Times on July 28 that the timing of this statement is crucial for correcting misunderstandings, emphasizing that the decline in industrial competitiveness in some countries is not due to China's 'overproduction' or industrial subsidies.However, some analysts argue that the document may not sufficiently address the concerns of the U.S. and EU regarding overproduction. Alicia Garcia-Herrero, Chief Economist for Asia-Pacific at Natixis, stated in the Nihon Keizai Shimbun that while the document provides an official rebuttal and data from Beijing, the USTR is likely to treat it as a defense rather than new evidence that could change legal or political dynamics.She added that while the document could serve as a reference in future negotiations between China and the EU, the fundamental concerns of the EU remain, making it difficult for a single document to alter the direction of negotiations. 2026-07-29 12:35:00