Harris’s Next Move, AI Musk Goes Viral, ‘Squid Game’ Returns, Wicked’s Filipino Designer

Good Morning – November 28, 2024

Your daily update on stories impacting the Asian and Asian American community, along with key insights into business, culture, and trends.

TOP STORIES

China warns of mutually destructive tariff war as Trump threatens new trade measures

Chinese state media has cautioned that President-elect Donald Trump’s pledge to impose additional tariffs on Chinese goods risks igniting a devastating tariff war between the world’s two largest economies. The warning follows Trump’s announcement of sweeping tariff hikes on China, Mexico and Canada, aimed at curbing fentanyl trafficking and illegal migration.

• Driving the news: Trump on Monday doubled down on his trade agenda, promising an “additional 10% tariff” on all Chinese imports unless Beijing halts the flow of fentanyl precursors. He also reiterated plans for 25% tariffs on goods from Canada and Mexico to pressure them on drug and migration issues. While Trump’s prior tariffs during his first term ranged from 7.5% to 25%, he has floated much higher rates, potentially exceeding 60%. His trade picks, including Jamieson Greer as U.S. trade representative, signal an aggressive return to protectionist policies. Trump argues these measures will restore U.S. manufacturing dominance but has drawn criticism for risking inflation and violating trade agreements like the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).

• What Chinese state media are saying: Chinese state media outlets, including China Daily and the Global Times, reportedly dismissed Trump’s justification for the tariffs as “farfetched” and warned that weaponizing trade would harm all parties involved. Meanwhile, experts in Beijing described the fentanyl-related rationale as “untenable” and emphasized China’s ongoing anti-drug cooperation with the U.S. Chinese officials also highlighted their economic vulnerabilities, with falling corporate profits and downgraded growth forecasts. President Xi Jinping reaffirmed China’s resilience, stating the nation remains committed to long-term development despite external pressures. Nonetheless, analysts warned of growing risks to China’s $19 trillion economy and its critical export sectors.

The big picture: The escalating rhetoric underscores unresolved tensions between the U.S. and China, as Trump’s proposed tariffs threaten to destabilize global supply chains already reshaped by his first trade war. Since 2018, U.S. firms have shifted production from China to other hubs like Vietnam and Mexico, reducing China’s share of U.S. imports to its lowest level in two decades. However, many goods still contain Chinese components, keeping the two economies intricately linked. Economists warn that broad tariffs could stoke inflation, erode consumer purchasing power and provoke retaliatory measures, echoing the challenges of Trump’s first term.

Chinese women force menstrual pad companies to address deceptive practices

Chinese women united in outrage against menstrual pad brands accused of falsely advertising product sizes, leading to widespread apologies from major manufacturers. The controversy began in early November when viral videos exposed that the absorbent parts of pads from companies like ABC, Sofy and Space 7 were significantly smaller than the dimensions stated on packaging.

• Consumers catch red flag: Viral videos on platforms like Weibo showed influencers measuring the absorbent parts of sanitary pads, revealing discrepancies of 10-20 millimeters compared to packaging claims. Investigations by domestic media confirmed that 88% of tested products failed to match their advertised dimensions. Under Chinese industry standards, size deviations of up to 4% are legal, but consumers deemed the discrepancies unethical, especially given the rising cost of feminine care products in recent years. Many women feel that these essential products are already overpriced, echoing similar concerns about "pink taxes" on female-targeted products in countries like the U.S.

• Companies respond: Several brands attempted to appease consumers by attributing the size variations to production processes but dismissive comments made by a customer service representative from ABC further fueled the controversy, leading to widespread calls for boycotts and demands for greater transparency from manufacturers. ABC’s founder, Deng Jingheng, eventually issued a public apology and pledged to eliminate all product size deviations by March 2025. Other companies, including Shecare and Beishute, also issued statements of apologies.

• Demanding accountability: The incident is part of a growing trend of Chinese women leveraging social media to hold brands accountable and advocate for their consumer rights. This burgeoning feminist movement is increasingly visible in the online sphere, with women collectively challenging companies on issues ranging from product quality and pricing to representation in advertising. 

Bank employees in Japan pledge to kill themselves if they steal funds

Employees at Shikoku Bank in Japan have signed a pledge vowing to "commit suicide" if they are found guilty of financial wrongdoing. The pledge, which dates back to 1878 when the bank was founded as the 37th National Bank, requires employees to "make restitution using their own money or belongings, and then kill themselves" if they steal funds.

• Blood pact: Signed in blood by 23 employees, including the bank's founding president, the company pledge reflects the strong emphasis on professional pride and honor in Japanese culture. "This artifact conveys the ethics of [our founders] not just as bankers, but as members of society, and it is a treasure of Shikoku Bank," the website states in Japanese. 

• Historical context: The inclusion of suicide as a consequence harkens back to the samurai tradition of seppuku, a ritual suicide performed to preserve honor. While the bank still showcases the pledge as a testament to its commitment to ethical conduct, it is unlikely that the suicide clause is still enforced. Shikoku Bank, now based in Kochi Prefecture, has modernized its operations and messaging regarding financial security. The pledge remains a historical curiosity and a stark example of the lengths to which the bank's founders were willing to go to ensure integrity.

POLITICS & POLICY

Harris speaks publicly for the first time since conceding to Trump

In her first public remarks since conceding the presidential election to Donald Trump, Vice President Kamala Harris on Tuesday addressed supporters in a virtual call, urging them to remain engaged and resilient. “The fight’s not over,” she declared, emphasizing the ongoing struggle for freedom, opportunity and the “promise of America.” Reflecting on her historic campaign, which raised a record $1.4 billion from nearly 8 million grassroots donors, Harris — who remains Democratic voters’ presidential pick for 2028, according to a recent poll — lauded their collective efforts as “unprecedented” and a testament to the power of civic engagement. Her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, echoed her sentiments, praising her leadership and vowing to continue their shared fight. Both addressed the election’s shortcomings, with campaign officials defending their strategic focus on low-propensity voters in swing states and acknowledging Democrats’ challenges in moderating the conservative tilt in key battlegrounds. In an interview with Crooked Media’s “Pod Save America,” Harris campaign senior adviser David Plouffe warned that future success hinges on dominating the moderate vote while retaining the party’s base. “The math just doesn’t f*cking work” otherwise, he said, stressing that Democrats must confront this reality to compete in 2026 and beyond.

CRIME & LEGAL

19-year-old man charged with murder of Filipino American siblings in SoCal

Miguel Diego Sandoval, 19, has been charged with the murder of four people, including Filipino American siblings Christine Aca-ac, 29, and Janvi Maquindang, 24, in a home in Lancaster, California, on Nov. 16. Sandoval, reportedly an ex-boyfriend of one of the housemates, allegedly broke into the residence on North Tabler Avenue at around 1:30 a.m., shot the victims as they slept and set the house on fire in an attempt to conceal the crime. Edwin Garcia, 24, and Matthew Montebello, 23, were also killed. Three victims were pronounced dead at the scene, while Montebello succumbed to his injuries at the hospital. A teenage girl in the house called 911 and was rescued unharmed by deputies. “We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of these four lives, including a brother and sister, who were callously shot as they peacefully slept in their beds,” District Attorney George Gascón said in a news release announcing Sandoval’s charges. Sandoval faces four counts of murder, one count of arson and one count of burglary, with special allegations of lying in wait, multiple murders and firearm use. He was arrested on Nov. 21 and is being held without bail. Sandoval returns for his arraignment on Jan. 27 and faces life in prison without parole if convicted.

CULTURE & SOCIETY

Swatch wins lawsuit against Malaysia’s seizure of Pride watches

Swiss watchmaker Swatch won a lawsuit against Malaysia’s Home Ministry over the latter’s seizure of 172 Pride-themed watches. The Kuala Lumpur High Court ordered the ministry on Monday to return the watches within 14 days after its ruling, which states that the seizure — which occurred in May 2023 — was illegal as it was conducted without a warrant. Judge Amarjeet Singh Serjit Singh noted that the ministry implemented its ban on the Swatch Pride-themed watches in August 2023, implying that the watchmaker had not violated any laws at the time of the raid. While Swatch won the lawsuit, the court did not grant the Swiss company the 64,795 Malaysian ringgit ($14,600) compensation it had sought in a June 2023 filing for aggravated and exemplary damages. However, Swatch could still ask for it at a later date if it finds that the seized items were in fact damaged during the raid. Under Malaysia’s ban, anyone caught in possession of the LGBTQ-themed Swatch timepieces could face up to three years in jail and a fine of 20,000 Malaysian ringgit ($4,500).

HEALTH & SCIENCE

Suffering from too much nasal congestion? Maybe look for dice stuck up your nose

A 23-year-old man in Xian, China, recently found relief from chronic sneezing and nasal congestion after doctors discovered a dice lodged in his nose since childhood. The man, identified as Xiaoma, had suffered from persistent symptoms for a month and tried traditional Chinese medicine without success. He finally sought help at Xian Gaoxin Hospital, where a nasal endoscopy performed by otolaryngologist Yang Rong revealed a two-centimeter, partially corroded dice lodged in his lower nasal passage. Doctors believe the dice became stuck when Xiaoma was around 3 years old, although he has no recollection of the incident. Over time, the dice had adhered to the surrounding tissues, making its removal a delicate procedure due to the risk of suffocation if dislodged incorrectly. While surgeons successfully removed the dice, it remains unclear if Xiaoma suffered any long-term health consequences from having his nasal passage obstructed for 20 years.

SOCIAL MEDIA & INTERNET

Elon Musk as a Ming Dynasty official explaining DOGE in ancient China is peak AI

An AI-created video of “Elon Musk” explaining what the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) is while dressed as a secret agent during the Ming Dynasty is going viral.

• Who’s behind it: Created by Bilibili user known as “Dark Tone,” the video was reportedly removed from the Chinese video-sharing platform due to copyright issues. However, it was subsequently shared on Western social media, including YouTube, where one repost garnered over 400,000 views in five days.

• What it shows: The video shows an AI likeness of Musk confronting a Ming Dynasty official annoyed by the SpaceX founder’s supposed interference in federal matters. Their interaction intensifies as both parties flex their kung fu skills, resulting in tea cups being thrown and small shattered rocks being flung like bullets. Later in the video, the official asks “Musk” about DOGE, to which the latter explains in part, “Let me show you what DOGE is: we’ll cut the budgets the federal government can’t and fire those it’s too afraid to fire. Trump has given us the authority to act first and report later.”

• IRL: The video parodies the 2011 film “Flying Swords of Dragon Gate,” China’s first 3D martial arts film starring Jet Li. AI Musk appears to represent the leader of the film’s Western Depot, one of two intelligence agencies tasked to suppress the people and obliterate political rivals. In the real world, Donald Trump appointed Musk along with Vivek Ramaswamy to lead DOGE shortly after his election win. Whether the department sees the light of day remains to be seen, as creating a new government agency requires the approval of Congress.

ENTERTAINMENT

“Squid Game” Season 2 trailer offers glimpse into deadly new challenges

Netflix has released the highly anticipated main trailer for “Squid Game” Season 2, offering fans a glimpse into the deadly new challenges awaiting participants in the dystopian survival competition. Premiering on Dec. 26, the new “Squid Game” season picks up three years after the events of the first, with protagonist Seong Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) re-entering the game to destroy it from within. The new trailer teases terrifying games, including a sinister version of tic-tac-toe and a horse carousel, alongside a chaotic revolt against the red-suited guards. As bullets fly during a brutal round of “Red Light, Green Light,” Gi-hun’s pleas for cooperation are ignored, foreshadowing more bloodshed. Created by Hwang Dong-hyuk, who returns as writer, director and executive producer, the season also features Lee Byung-hun as the enigmatic Front Man, Wi Ha-jun as detective Hwang Jun-ho and Gong Yoo as the Recruiter, with a host of new players vying for the 45.6 billion won ($3.3 million) prize. Season 1, the most-watched Netflix series in history with over 2.2 billion hours viewed, won six Emmys and spawned a cultural phenomenon, including a reality competition and a video game. Season 2 promises to deepen the intrigue ahead of the show’s third and final season, set to release sometime next year.

Behind “Wicked’s” majestic hats is a Filipino milliner

Harvy Santos, a Filipino milliner based in the U.K., designed the stunning hats worn by Glinda Upland (Ariana Grande), Elphaba Thropp (Cynthia Erivo) and other characters in Jon M. Chu’s two-part film adaptation of “Wicked.” In a Universal Studios featurette, Santos shared that his passion for costume design began when he was 6. “I used to be a ballet dancer. All of the money that I got from dancing, every payday I would buy myself books on garment construction and costume design,” he said. A former dancer with the Hong Kong Ballet, Santos performed in major productions for six seasons, touring Europe, the U.S. and Australia. He later studied millinery at Kensington and Chelsea College, with his award-winning hats featured in Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar and other magazines. In 2013, he was named The HAT Magazine's hat designer of the year. “Every day, I’m part of what I have accomplished, and knowing the fact that you are contributing on an epic film, that’s very exhilarating,” he said. “Wicked” premiered on Nov. 22.

Eiichiro Oda says “One Piece” Season 2 will “surpass” predecessor after set visit

“One Piece” manga creator Eiichiro Oda believes that the second season of his work’s live-action adaptation may surpass the previous one as he was blown away while visiting its set in Cape Town, South Africa. In an Instagram post on Monday, Oda noted that “One Piece” Season 2’s set was huge and that its attention to detail was “insane.” He also praised the crew’s love for the project, saying it was “off the charts.” He added, “Now I feel an even greater sense of responsibility given my role,” referencing his position as the series’ executive producer. The second season of the Netflix show will cover five arcs of the manga: Loguetown, Reverse Mountain, Whiskey Peak, Little Garden and Drum Island. Drum Island is where the Straw Hats finally meet their crew’s doctor, Tony Tony Chopper. Aside from admiring the set, Oda met with the show’s cast members, including newcomers Charithra Chandran, who plays Miss Wednesday, and Lera Abova, who plays Miss All Sunday/Nico Robin, the future archaeologist of the Straw Hat crew. “One Piece” Season 2 is expected to premiere sometime in 2025.

Jackie Chan reunites with “Supercop” director Stanley Tong for “A Legend”

 A new trailer for the historical fantasy action film "A Legend" showcases Jackie Chan as an archaeologist who becomes mystically linked to a Han dynasty general battling the Hun army. The film, directed by Stanley Tong, reunites the duo behind the "Supercop" movies after decades. Featuring a blend of historical action and fantasy elements, "A Legend" also serves as a sequel to both "The Myth" and "Kung Fu Yoga." Alongside the 70-year-old action superstar, the film stars Lay Zhang, Gülnezer Bextiyar and Li Chen. "A Legend" premiered in China in July and will debut in select U.S. theaters on Jan. 21, 2025.

Donnie Yen fights for justice in trailer for true story-inspired "The Prosecutor"

Donnie Yen takes on the role of a veteran policeman-turned-prosecutor in the upcoming film "The Prosecutor," inspired by a real Hong Kong legal case. The trailer showcases Yen's character risking his career and life to uncover the truth behind a man wrongly accused of drug trafficking. The trailer hints at the 61-year-old action star’s signature blend of sharp choreography and intense action sequences. The film, also directed by Yen, also features Julian Cheung, Francis Ng and Kent Cheng. "The Prosecutor" hits theaters in Hong Kong on Dec. 21 and in the U.S. on Jan. 10, 2025.

Stay informed, stay inspired. We’ll be back tomorrow with more stories that matter to the Asian and Asian American community.