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Jon Reinsch

@jonreinsch.bsky.social

159 followers 208 following 1.6K posts

My main focus is Japan, and in particular, US bases in Okinawa—because as John Lewis said, "When you see something that is not right, not fair, not just, you have to speak up." Read some of my old articles here: shingetsunewsagency.com/author/jon

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Jon Reinsch @jonreinsch.bsky.social · 6h

Nobel laureate Navi Pillay urges defense of international law "People are dismayed, she said, that powerful countries like Russia and the [US] are not members of the [ICC] but sit on the [UN] Security Council and can reject any attempt to hold them to account." www.asahi.com/ajw/articles...

Nobel laureate Navi Pillay urges defense of international law | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis

THE HAGUE, Netherlands—Navi Pillay, the South African-born jurist who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize last week, told The Associated Press in an interview Monday that, as a judge, she had to see the...

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Jon Reinsch @jonreinsch.bsky.social · 7h

"Mayor in east Japan gave wrong explanation for banning mosque's group prayers in park" If the Mayor's rationale for his decision to ban group prayers was "wrong," the decent thing to do is to reverse the decision. But he's apparently not going to do that. mainichi.jp/english/arti...

Mayor in east Japan gave wrong explanation for banning mosque's group prayers in park - The Mainichi

ICHIKAWA, Chiba -- The mayor of this city east of Japan's capital gave an incorrect explanation at a news conference concerning the city's decision to

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Jon Reinsch @jonreinsch.bsky.social · 8h

why are public tax monies being used to save his sorry ass?

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Jon Reinsch @jonreinsch.bsky.social · 8h

Farm ministry staff enlisted to help Yana fight his scandals "some within the ministry have questioned the initiative, asking whether officials should be engaged in such activities during work hours at the expense of their primary duties." Indeed, www.asahi.com/ajw/articles...

Farm ministry staff enlisted to help Yana fight his scandals | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis

Agriculture minister Kazuo Yana has a team of ministry officials assisting him with Diet affairs and media relations as he faces growing criticism over scandals that include boasts about slashing budg...

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Jon Reinsch @jonreinsch.bsky.social · 12/10/2026

in attacks that directly targeted civilian gatherings or buildings. 8,983 of these deaths, around 60% of the total, coming from over 7,000 separate incidents, were caused by air strikes by the Saudi-led coalition." caat.org.uk/data/countri...

Jon Reinsch @jonreinsch.bsky.social · 12/10/2026

"Japan denounces Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, urges deescalation" Saudi civilian casualties are minuscule compared to those killed by Saudi attacks on Yemen. When has Japan denounced THAT? "This direct death toll includes nearly 15,000 civilians killed mainichi.jp/english/arti...

Japan denounces Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, urges deescalation - The Mainichi

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said Sunday that Japan denounces attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels on Saudi Arabia, urging them to

Jon Reinsch @jonreinsch.bsky.social · 12/10/2026

Again this indirect "incompatible" language, as if he's afraid to speak clearly. How about "Japan condemns US attempts to undermine the ICC"?

Jon Reinsch @jonreinsch.bsky.social · 12/10/2026

Japan joins ICC states in ripping Trump sanctions against court Great, but as @yujinfuse asks, “Do you really have to follow the herd to speak up?!” Chief Cabinet Secretary Kihara: “Japan’s consistent position is incompatible with the latest US measures.” www.asahi.com/ajw/articles...

Japan joins ICC states in ripping Trump sanctions against court | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis

THE HAGUE—Countries backing the International Criminal Court (ICC), including Japan, blasted and called for the immediate withdrawal of new U.S. sanctions against the court.

Reposted by Jon Reinsch

Jon Reinsch @jonreinsch.bsky.social · 11/10/2026

Research finds at least 39 'industrial comfort stations' across Japan during WWII "For [Korean] men forced to endure harsh labor in a foreign land, a source of solace was women from their own ethnic community." A suggestion that this means forced laborers were mainichi.jp/english/arti...

Research finds at least 39 'industrial comfort stations' across Japan during WWII - The Mainichi

SAPPORO -- Research has found at least 39

Jon Reinsch @jonreinsch.bsky.social · 11/10/2026

well-treated? Repugnant!

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Jon Reinsch @jonreinsch.bsky.social · 11/10/2026

Research finds at least 39 'industrial comfort stations' across Japan during WWII "For [Korean] men forced to endure harsh labor in a foreign land, a source of solace was women from their own ethnic community." A suggestion that this means forced laborers were mainichi.jp/english/arti...

Research finds at least 39 'industrial comfort stations' across Japan during WWII - The Mainichi

SAPPORO -- Research has found at least 39

Reposted by Jon Reinsch

Jon Reinsch @jonreinsch.bsky.social · 10/10/2026

"Love for village motivated transgender man to run for mayor" Amidst hatred and intolerance from the government and some sectors of society, perhaps there's hope for Japan to slowly become a kinder, more welcoming place. www.asahi.com/ajw/articles...

Love for village motivated transgender man to run for mayor | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis

SHINJO, Okayama Prefecture—Surrounded by 1,000-meter-tall mountains, a man in a white T-shirt basked in the openness—both physical and mental--of this village of about 700 residents.

Jon Reinsch @jonreinsch.bsky.social · 10/10/2026

"Love for village motivated transgender man to run for mayor" Amidst hatred and intolerance from the government and some sectors of society, perhaps there's hope for Japan to slowly become a kinder, more welcoming place. www.asahi.com/ajw/articles...

Love for village motivated transgender man to run for mayor | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis

SHINJO, Okayama Prefecture—Surrounded by 1,000-meter-tall mountains, a man in a white T-shirt basked in the openness—both physical and mental--of this village of about 700 residents.

Jon Reinsch @jonreinsch.bsky.social · 09/10/2026

"The magazine also claimed Yana provided free bus transportation to supporters in campaigning for the 2024 and 2026 House of Representatives elections, in a suspected violation of the public offices act." How long before he has to resign?

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Jon Reinsch @jonreinsch.bsky.social · 09/10/2026

"According to ... Shukan Bunshun, Yana is alleged to have used offensive expressions when he apologized to local representatives for being accompanied by a journalist asking 'garbage questions'" mainichi.jp/english/arti...

Pressure mounts on farm minister amid claims of denigrating media scrutiny - The Mainichi

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Farm minister Kazuo Yana came under renewed pressure Friday amid further reporting on his conduct including claims he used coarse lan

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Jon Reinsch @jonreinsch.bsky.social · 09/10/2026

This is US military discipline? As Okinawa Prefectural assemblyman Odo Ryotaro notes, "We are seeing the limitations of the US military’s training program and ability to maintain discipline, and have to say that it is not functioning as an organization.” www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2026/10...

japantimes.co.jp

Okinawa resolution calls for revision of U.S. forces pact after murder

That 1960 pact is often accused of rendering U.S. military bases virtually extraterritorial and immune to Japan’s domestic laws.

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Jon Reinsch @jonreinsch.bsky.social · 09/10/2026

"US troops in Okinawa... will be permitted to drink alcohol during the US military’s upcoming 30-day 'period of reflection.'” 48 hours without alcohol was intended to encourage "reflection"? As in, "hey everybody, no murders or we can't drink for 2 days"? www.washingtonsun.com/defense/okin...

washingtonsun.com

Days After Woman Found Dead Near a U.S. Base in Japan, Alcohol Will Be Allowed Again

Active-duty personnel were barred from alcohol in the wake of the death, but troops will be allowed to imbibe during a “period of reflection.”

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Jon Reinsch @jonreinsch.bsky.social · 09/10/2026

"Navi Pillay, South African Jurist, Wins Nobel Peace Prize in 'Stinging Rebuke to Donald Trump'” The Nobel Committee has made some awful choices in the past, but Navi Pillay is the perfect choice for the moment we're living in now. www.democracynow.org/2026/10/9/na...

democracynow.org

Navi Pillay, South African Jurist, Wins Nobel Peace Prize in “Stinging Rebuke to Donald Trump”

The 2026 Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded to Navanethem “Navi” Pillay, the South African jurist who led the United Nations commission of inquiry that concluded that Israel had committed genocide in ...

Reposted by Jon Reinsch

Jon Reinsch @jonreinsch.bsky.social · 08/10/2026

"A former LDP Cabinet minister voiced concern that continuing to defend Yana could worsen the situation, saying, 'The more they try to defend him, the more bogged down they may become.'" Please keep on defending him! mainichi.jp/english/arti...

'National treasury is not the LDP's wallet': Opposition slams retention of Japan farm minister - The Mainichi

TOKYO -- Japanese agriculture minister Kazuo Yana was forced on Oct. 5 to apologize for and retract remarks in which he said that the road budgets for

Jon Reinsch @jonreinsch.bsky.social · 08/10/2026

"A former LDP Cabinet minister voiced concern that continuing to defend Yana could worsen the situation, saying, 'The more they try to defend him, the more bogged down they may become.'" Please keep on defending him! mainichi.jp/english/arti...

'National treasury is not the LDP's wallet': Opposition slams retention of Japan farm minister - The Mainichi

TOKYO -- Japanese agriculture minister Kazuo Yana was forced on Oct. 5 to apologize for and retract remarks in which he said that the road budgets for

Jon Reinsch @jonreinsch.bsky.social · 07/10/2026

"The Okinawa area coordinator of US Forces Japan has said the US military in Okinawa will impose a curfew from midnight to 5 a.m. for 30 days from Friday." Just 30 days? What military purpose is served by letting troops be off base after midnight?

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Jon Reinsch @jonreinsch.bsky.social · 07/10/2026

Okinawa Gov. Koja: "I cannot help but say that the US military's enforcement of discipline & human rights education are not functioning at all." Don't tell "Secretary of War" Hegseth; he'd scoff that human rights education is "woke" stuff for sissies. mainichi.jp/english/arti...

Okinawa gov. calls for preventive steps after US serviceman murder case - The Mainichi

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Okinawa Gov. Genta Koja urged Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi on Wednesday to take

Jon Reinsch @jonreinsch.bsky.social · 07/10/2026

for those municipalities? Somebody's lying.

Jon Reinsch @jonreinsch.bsky.social · 07/10/2026

Land ministry says no pressure from embattled farm minister over budgets "Ministry officials, however, [said] Yana had contacted [them] to check fiscal 2026 road budgets for the 2 municipalities in Tochigi Prefecture" So it was THEIR idea to cut budgets mainichi.jp/english/arti...

Land ministry says no pressure from embattled farm minister over budgets - The Mainichi

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan's land ministry said Tuesday that officials felt no pressure from the farm minister to cut road budgets for municipalities head

Jon Reinsch @jonreinsch.bsky.social · 07/10/2026

attack those who are vulnerable. This is secondary victimization."

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Jon Reinsch @jonreinsch.bsky.social · 07/10/2026

Keiko Yonaha, co-representative of a peace group: "In Okinawa, every time there has been an incident involving a US service member, the victim's side has been attacked. It is a foolish attitude that people remain silent toward those in positions of power and instead mainichi.jp/english/arti...

Okinawa governor condemns online slander of slain woman - The Mainichi

NAHA -- Okinawa Gov. Genta Koja criticized a wave of social media slander targeting a woman killed in a robbery-murder case involving a suspected U.S.

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Jon Reinsch @jonreinsch.bsky.social · 07/10/2026

Akibayashi Kozue, a professor of gender and peace studies at Doshisha University: “The Japanese government has always chosen the US-Japan alliance over the safety and lives, and voices of the people of Okinawa.” aje.news/0jqg72 via @AJEnglish

Murder in Okinawa: The US military’s history of alleged crime in Japan

The murder of 39-year-old Anna Yagi is the latest in a string of crimes involving US personnel on Okinawa.

Reposted by Jon Reinsch

Jon Reinsch @jonreinsch.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

Farm minister under heavy fire over road budget cut remarks "The two municipalities cited by Yana both saw substantial reductions in funding." Any official who uses his office for personal political gain should be summarily fired. www.asahi.com/ajw/articles...

Farm minister under heavy fire over road budget cut remarks | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis

The agriculture minister is facing mounting criticism after reportedly claiming road budgets were slashed for two municipalities whose mayors did not support him politically.

Jon Reinsch @jonreinsch.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

"A year into tenure of Japan's first female PM, has gender equality improved?" No need to read this; the answer is no, of course not. Her "traditional views of the family" are contrary to gender equality. mainichi.jp/english/arti...

A year into tenure of Japan's first female PM, has gender equality improved? - The Mainichi

Jon Reinsch @jonreinsch.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

Farm minister under heavy fire over road budget cut remarks "The two municipalities cited by Yana both saw substantial reductions in funding." Any official who uses his office for personal political gain should be summarily fired. www.asahi.com/ajw/articles...

Farm minister under heavy fire over road budget cut remarks | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis

The agriculture minister is facing mounting criticism after reportedly claiming road budgets were slashed for two municipalities whose mayors did not support him politically.

Reposted by Jon Reinsch

Jon Reinsch @jonreinsch.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

"Takaichi called it a 'heinous crime' that is 'extremely regrettable.' She urged Washington to prevent similar cases." Takaichi is not so dumb as to believe that what has failed hundreds of times will succeed now. Only kicking the US military out will work. mainichi.jp/english/arti...

Takaichi decries alleged Okinawa murder by US Marine, urges cooperation - The Mainichi

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Monday voiced Japan's strong protest over the suspected robbery and murder of a local woman in Okina

Reposted by Jon Reinsch

Jon Reinsch @jonreinsch.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

Japan farm minister retracts controversial budget remarks, makes apology "He has also denied having put pressure on the Ministry ... in charge of construction & maintenance of national roads, to reduce the related budgets." Yeah? What do THEY say—under oath? mainichi.jp/english/arti...

Japan farm minister retracts controversial budget remarks, makes apology - The Mainichi

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japanese Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Kazuo Yana on Monday retracted recently revealed past remarks he made on local

Jon Reinsch @jonreinsch.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

CIA Report Warns Israel Could Head Toward Civil War, Total Collapse "The August report pointed to Israel increasingly becoming a pariah state as a factor that could lead to state breakdown." open.substack.com/pub/dropsite...

open.substack.com

CIA Report Warns Israel Could Head Toward Civil War, Total Collapse

U.S. intelligence raises fears of civil unrest and state breakdown in Israel ahead of October 27 elections.

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Jon Reinsch @jonreinsch.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

"Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi summoned Glass to the Foreign Ministry in Tokyo ... and lodged a strong protest." For Tokyo, it's a matter of priorities, a cost-benefit analysis. Keeping the Marines in Okinawa is very important to them; saving women's lives is not. www.asahi.com/ajw/articles....

U.S. Marine held in strangulation death of woman in Okinawa hotel | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis

Okinawa police arrested a U.S. Marine on suspicion of murdering a local woman at a hotel, a crime that has drawn outrage from exasperated residents, the central government and the new prefectural gove...

Jon Reinsch @jonreinsch.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

Japan farm minister retracts controversial budget remarks, makes apology "He has also denied having put pressure on the Ministry ... in charge of construction & maintenance of national roads, to reduce the related budgets." Yeah? What do THEY say—under oath? mainichi.jp/english/arti...

Japan farm minister retracts controversial budget remarks, makes apology - The Mainichi

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japanese Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Kazuo Yana on Monday retracted recently revealed past remarks he made on local

Jon Reinsch @jonreinsch.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

This is all for show, and the US knows it.

Jon Reinsch @jonreinsch.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

"Takaichi called it a 'heinous crime' that is 'extremely regrettable.' She urged Washington to prevent similar cases." Takaichi is not so dumb as to believe that what has failed hundreds of times will succeed now. Only kicking the US military out will work. mainichi.jp/english/arti...

Takaichi decries alleged Okinawa murder by US Marine, urges cooperation - The Mainichi

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Monday voiced Japan's strong protest over the suspected robbery and murder of a local woman in Okina

Jon Reinsch @jonreinsch.bsky.social · 04/10/2026

US Iraq war veteran in Japan confronts family history tied to WWII Kobe air raids "The horror of war, which numbs the human conscience, has not changed then and now. I want to pass on my experiences and what I have learned to the next generation." mainichi.jp/english/arti...

US Iraq war veteran in Japan confronts family history tied to WWII Kobe air raids - The Mainichi

KOBE -- Former U.S. serviceman and Iraq War veteran Ryohei Yoshimoto-Manglona was among attendees at a memorial service held here in June for the vict

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Jon Reinsch @jonreinsch.bsky.social · 04/10/2026

Changing wildlife in central Tokyo's Imperial Palace sends quiet warning "Researchers believe climate change was highly likely a factor in the arrival of the new dragonfly species." And perhaps, the disappearance of other species. mainichi.jp/english/arti...

Changing wildlife in central Tokyo's Imperial Palace sends quiet warning - The Mainichi

TOKYO -- The Imperial Palace forest in the heart of Tokyo has long served as a refuge for wildlife. A 30-year project studying the forest has now reac

Jon Reinsch @jonreinsch.bsky.social · 04/10/2026

Sources: www.asahi.com/ajw/articles... x.com/mrjeffu/stat...

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Jon Reinsch @jonreinsch.bsky.social · 04/10/2026

"Japan opposition leaders ramp up criticism of farm minister over remarks" What did you expect from a guy implicated in the slush-fund scandal who is also an anti-LGBT bigot? Takaichi sure knows how to pick 'em. mainichi.jp/english/arti...

Japan opposition leaders ramp up criticism of farm minister over remarks - The Mainichi

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japanese opposition party leaders on Saturday piled pressure on the farm minister over controversial remarks alluding to the past use

Jon Reinsch @jonreinsch.bsky.social · 04/10/2026

never come back!

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Jon Reinsch @jonreinsch.bsky.social · 04/10/2026

US Marine arrested for suspected murder-robbery in Okinawa "[US Ambassador] Glass told Funakoshi that the US side will ... take all measures it can to prevent a recurrence" The same woefully inadequate measures you've taken countless times before. Leave Okinawa and mainichi.jp/english/arti...

US Marine arrested for suspected murder-robbery in Okinawa - The Mainichi

NAHA (Kyodo) -- A 20-year-old U.S. Marine was arrested Sunday in Okinawa Prefecture on suspicion of robbing and murdering a local woman, police said.

Jon Reinsch @jonreinsch.bsky.social · 04/10/2026

It never ends: "US Marine Lance Corporal stationed at MCAS Futenma arrested on suspicion of robbery-murder following discovery of woman's body at Naha [Okinawa] hotel." www.okinawatimes.co.jp/articles/-/1...

okinawatimes.co.jp

米兵を強盗殺人容疑で緊急逮捕　那覇市のホテルでの女性遺体発見で　普天間飛行場所属の海兵隊上等兵 | 沖縄タイムス＋プラス

沖縄県那覇市若狭のホテルで３日に女性の遺体が発見された事件で、県警は４日、米軍普天間飛行場所属の海兵隊上等兵の男（２０）を強盗殺人容疑で緊急逮捕した。

Jon Reinsch @jonreinsch.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

More poisonous fungi springing up as a result of increased rain “false parasol mushrooms are found mainly in tropical and subtropical regions, but have become increasingly common in many parts of Japan DUE TO GLOBAL WARMING.” www.asahi.com/ajw/articles...

More poisonous fungi springing up as a result of increased rain | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis

Local governments are urging people not to eat white poisonous mushrooms popping up in locations such as parks from the Tohoku to Kinki region.

Jon Reinsch @jonreinsch.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

“Tennessee halts executions after lethal injection fails” The death penalty is intentionally cruel; the motive is the ugliest human impulse—vengeance. We need to halt ALL executions. www.asahi.com/ajw/articles...

Tennessee halts executions after lethal injection fails | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis

NASHVILLE, Tenn.—Christa Pike was in critical condition Thursday and receiving “lifesaving care” at a hospital, her lawyers said, a day after a failed attempt to execute her pushed Tennessee’s governo...

Jon Reinsch @jonreinsch.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Residents mixed over east Japan city's decision to accept nuclear waste disposal survey Mayor Suzuki: "Residents probably feel that I made the decision on my own, but providing an explanation would take a considerable amount of time." A pathetic excuse. mainichi.jp/english/arti...

Residents mixed over east Japan city's decision to accept nuclear waste disposal survey - The Mainichi

HITACHIOMIYA, Ibaraki -- Residents expressed mixed views over a decision by the mayor of this eastern Japan city on Sept. 30 to accept a document-base

Jon Reinsch @jonreinsch.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

"VOX POPULI: To lead Okinawa means balancing desires of locals with Tokyo’s" The Okinawa governor's job is not to achieve a "balance;" it's to fight for the Okinawan people. That requires bargaining with Tokyo, but give them nothing for free. www.asahi.com/ajw/articles...

VOX POPULI: To lead Okinawa means balancing desires of locals with Tokyo’s | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis

During the post-World War II occupation of Okinawa by the United States, the chief executive of the government of the Ryukyu Islands was the Japanese head of the semi-autonomous government of native O...

Jon Reinsch @jonreinsch.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

"Rare role model: Volleyball player Rui Takahashi comes out as gay" There's no denying his courage. www.asahi.com/ajw/articles...

Rare role model: Volleyball player Rui Takahashi comes out as gay | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis

Visibility and internal acceptance guided volleyball player Rui Takahashi’s decision to publicly come out as gay, a move considered uncommon in Japan’s professional sports world.

Jon Reinsch @jonreinsch.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

"Trump says top tech firms have signed accord to ‘self-police’ AI development" He wants corporations with no higher priority than colossal profits—or winning a race with China or each other—to police themselves? Preposterous! www.asahi.com/ajw/articles...

Trump says top tech firms have signed accord to ‘self-police’ AI development | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis

WASHINGTON--President Donald Trump on Tuesday said that he and a large group of leaders of artificial intelligence companies had signed a voluntary accord that will include internal and external revie...