Sameera Casmod | sameerac@radioislam.co.za
27 July 2023 | 10:08am SAST
3 min read

Picture: University of Newcastle

In this week’s Asia-Pacific Report with Sanusha Naidoo, the disappearance of China’s Foreign Minsiter Qin Gang from public view was discussed. The senior diplomat, known for his “wolf warrior diplomacy”, has not been seen since June 25^th, sparking widespread speculations and concern both within China and globally.

Qin Gang, who served as China’s ambassador to the United States before being appointed Foreign Minister last year, plays a pivotal role in shaping China’s foreign policy and international relations, especially amid rising tensions with the US and other countries in the Asia-Pacific region.

The abrupt absence of such a high-profile figure has raised eyebrows, as there seems to be a lack of verifiable information regarding his whereabouts. The Chinese government issued a statement attributing his absence to health reasons, but scepticism remains due to the lack of transparency and the magnitude of Qin Gang’s responsibilities.

Wang Yi, the previous Foreign Minister of China, has stepped in as Qin Gang’s replacement. This swift change in leadership comes amid the backdrop of growing tensions and geopolitical complexities for China. With the UK Foreign Secretary even refusing to visit China due to the uncertainty surrounding the foreign minister’s absence, it has become evident that this situation is being closely monitored worldwide.

Adding to the intrigue is the fact that Qin Gang remains a member of the Politburo despite recent laws that would typically remove someone from such a position after a temporary absence. His continued status within the internal party dynamics has fuelled even more speculation about the reasons behind his absence and its potential implications on the political landscape.

Another focal point during the interview was the advent of multilingual and tireless Artificial Intelligence (AI) newsreaders in India- and its potential implications on human journalism and society as a whole. While the technological advancements in AI offer cost-saving benefits and operational efficiency, concerns are mounting about the potential consequences of replacing human beings with AI in the media industry.

One significant aspect of this issue is the emotional and cognitive elements of news reporting. AI newsreaders, lacking emotional algorithms, may present news in an emotionless manner, potentially affecting audience engagement and understanding of complex issues. The absence of a critical eye and insightful analysis that human journalists provide could impact the credibility and authenticity of news sources.

Furthermore, the wider adoption of AI technology in various industries, including media, may lead to job displacement for human workers, particularly in lower-skilled positions. This comes at a time when unemployment rates are already high, and economic growth remains uncertain, intensifying existing societal challenges.

“AI can actually replace people. And this is not just in the media. It is causing a lot of difficulties in this time when unemployment across the world is high,” Naidoo commented.

Another pressing concern is the verifiability of news sources. While AI newsreaders can deliver accurate multilingual news, their inability to provide a human perspective may raise questions about the reliability and objectivity of the information presented.

In addition to its impact on the media industry, the proliferation of AI replacing human roles also extends to other sectors, exacerbating economic disparities and challenges faced by vulnerable communities in the workforce.

While AI newsreaders may be an appealing option for cost-saving and efficiency-driven purposes, it is vital to approach their implementation with caution and consider the potential ramifications on the media landscape and the overall human experience. Emphasizing the value of human journalists’ insights, empathy, and critical thinking remains crucial in ensuring the delivery of responsible, verifiable, and compassionate news reporting to audiences worldwide.

Another topic of discussion during the interview was the recent incident in which the Justice Minister of New Zealand has resigned after being involved in a car crash while driving over the legal alcohol limit. The minister’s actions have been deemed inexcusable, particularly given her position as a high-ranking government official responsible for upholding the law and ensuring justice in society.

According to reports, the minister was not only over the limit for alcohol but also displayed abrasive and verbally abusive behaviour. The seriousness of the situation was exacerbated by the fact that a car crash occurred, further highlighting the potential risks and dangers posed by intoxicated driving.

In response to the scandal and recognising the impact of her actions on society and public trust, the minister took the responsible and moral course of action by resigning from her position. This decision demonstrates an understanding of the importance of accountability and ethical conduct, especially for those in positions of power and authority.

Listen to the full interview on Sabaahul Muslim with Muallima Annisa Essack here.