Capital city of China, global hub for politics, economy, culture
Gymnastics world championships in Rotterdam see Kaylia Nemour (Algeria) win uneven bars gold, Artur Davtyan (Armenia) claims vault, and British gymnasts Jarman and Blakely add to medal tally as the event tightens Olympic qualification stakes.
A synthesis of recent reviews shows high-street fragrance launches are delivering credible, budget-friendly alternatives to luxury perfumes. Independent and Business Insider UK highlight fall scents and Prime Day style deals, while Scotsman coverage spotlights vanilla amber blends and whisky notes. Collectively, the coverage suggests consumers are expanding their fragrance palettes without sacrificing quality or distinctiveness.
The EU and China have reached a pilot agreement to curb Chinese hybrid vehicle exports, with a 16-point framework covering cars, rare earths and market access. The plan includes an initial cap on hybrid imports and a mechanism to block shipments above the quota, while dialogue continues on broader trade issues.
Gen Z-led protests across Indian cities have intensified, calling for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar amid allegations of electoral-roll irregularities. Leaders including Neha Bora and Rahul Gandhi are mobilising, with police detentions and park closures highlighting a widening crackdown as opposition forces seek broader political reform.
A flotilla of Chinese vessels has intensified operations around Taiwan and the Pratas Islands, drawing coastguard responses. Beijing asserts sovereignty over the Pratas and surrounding waters, while Taiwan and its allies reject Beijing’s claims and insist on freedom of navigation. The situation follows a pattern of rising Chinese maritime activity in the region.
The New Yalu River Bridge is set for a ceremony linking Dandong in China with Sinuiju in North Korea. Since 2014 the opening has been delayed amid questions over Pyongyang’s willingness to deepen economic ties with Beijing. Analysts say the project could gradually boost bilateral trade while affecting broader Beijing-Pyongyang-Russia dynamics.
China has reported continued export growth and a quarterly GDP rise, but domestic consumption and real estate weakness keep growth uneven. In the first three quarters of 2026, exports rose sharply while imports outpaced, signaling a persistent trade-surplus pattern as policymakers seek to rebalance growth.
The Conflict Armament Research report shows the Houthis are pursuing an indigenous, longer-range missile program. Chinese-supplied components are enabling partial local assembly of Iran’s Kheibar Shekan system, expanding the group’s capacity to strike across the Gulf and beyond. The development underscores growing independence from Iran and raises regional security concerns.
China has continued its 23-month gold-buying streak, adding about 23 tonnes in September and expanding domestic gold use as a hedge against dollar exposure and sanctions. Private demand is rising as households seek safe assets amid a slowing economy and geopolitical risk.
The UK has threatened a total visa ban on Eritrean nationals unless Eritrea accepts the return of people the UK says have no right to remain, including foreign national offenders. Ministers have already suspended fast-track visas for Eritrean VIPs and restricted diplomats' travel outside London. Eritrea has refused to engage under threat and says it will only discuss returns after proper dialogue.
China has opened the New Yalu River Bridge, linking Dandong and Sinuiju to bolster trade, cross-border mobility, and people-to-people exchanges. The 3km crossing is expected to ease pressure on the aging Sino-Korean Friendship Bridge and expand corridor connectivity. Trade with North Korea has risen in recent years, with 2025 figures at about $2.7 billion.
President Donald Trump has said the US is holding talks with Russia and China aimed at denuclearising their largest arsenals and that China could "catch up" to US nuclear capacity within five years; he has discussed the issue in interviews and, Newsmax reported, in a call with Xi Jinping. Today's date: Wed, 21 Oct 2026 16:20:11 +0100.
The UK has signalled it may align with EU tariff moves on Chinese electric vehicles as part of the Made in Europe package, while Beijing warns such steps would be discriminatory. Downing Street seeks inclusion in the bloc’s framework, aiming to safeguard its automotive sector as EU rules expand amid China’s market surge.
Katie Zacharia has left the White House press secretary post five days after taking it, following a troubled debut briefing and scrutiny over her legal credentials. President Donald Trump told reporters he had advised her to "reconsider" the job; the White House has not named a permanent replacement.
Trump has issued an executive order waiving key sanctions on Russia days before they would take full effect, citing national interests. The move follows a controversial deal to supply Russian diesel to global markets in a bid to lower energy costs. Democrats condemn the step as a surrender to Moscow while allies warn of risks to Ukraine support.
Israel has established a dedicated Space Division under its Planning Directorate to oversee space-based military operations, sensors, and space warfare development. The move follows concerns about space as a combat domain and aims to enhance monitoring, defense, and potential attacks from space, with implications for Palestinians and regional security.
Egypt has offered "all necessary and possible" support to Saudi Arabia after repeated Houthi drone and missile strikes on airports, oil facilities and cities. President Abdel Fattah el‑Sisi has asked parliament for emergency authorisation to deploy forces if Riyadh requests help and Cairo says any intervention will be defensive and paired with diplomatic de‑escalation.
China has reported a 4.5% year-on-year GDP growth for Q3, with exports lifting the economy while domestic demand remains fragile. Analysts say the tech sector and AI-related demand underpin the uptick, even as investment and property drag on overall momentum. The government’s target of 4.5%–5% for 2026 appears achievable, aided by export strength and ongoing policy support.
Elina Svitolina has announced in a joint Instagram post that she and Gaël Monfils are ending their five-year marriage, citing the mental toll of Russia's war in Ukraine and the need to rediscover herself. The couple share a daughter, Skaï, and say they will remain a family for their child.
The Department of Homeland Security has ordered federal civilian agencies to remove DeepSeek products and any tools built with its models from government IT systems and to stop new purchases. The order, issued in late July and made public Monday, cites risks that sensitive U.S. data on systems used by government employees could be accessed from servers in China.
Markets have begun to stabilise as Treasuries attract inflows and AI-related debt issuance cools, amid a broader shift toward safe-haven assets. Traders are watching Fed policy as yields retreat from recent highs and tech stocks show tentative signs of recovery.
Two students have been arrested in two separate sexual assault cases on Wichita State University campus. Both incidents are under investigation; the university has suspended activities and pledged support services while authorities pursue charges. The broader campus safety and Greek-life oversight are intensifying as investigations continue.
The world’s second-largest equities market has lost $3.5 trillion since May, with CSI 300 in bear territory and Hong Kong tech gauges erasing gains from Beijing’s growth package two years ago. A prolonged consumption slump and a race-to-the-bottom mindset are weighing on earnings across banks, EVs, and AI developers. Beijing is not racing to restart growth, keeping the outlook dark.
A strong earthquake has struck northern Tibet on Thursday night, with its epicentre in Baqên (Baqen) county east-northeast of Nagqu. Officials have reported more than 300 homes collapsed, dozens injured and major transport and communications disruptions. Rescue teams and supplies have been deployed and intermittent snow is expected over the next three days.
Washington has long accused Confucius Institutes of being Chinese propaganda tools and has stepped up action against them. The Pentagon says 80 new propaganda cells across 30 universities had popped up under different guises, with a mission to steal IP and influence students. The latest move adds these centres to the national security threat list as part of a broader, multi-agency effort.
Kim has arrived in Dandong for a meeting with Chinese leaders as North Korea strengthens its ties with Beijing amid broader regional alignment against the United States. The New Yalu River Bridge has opened, symbolising closer economic links, with Pyongyang seeking support as Moscow remains a partner in Beijing’s orbit.
World number one Elena Rybakina has reached the Ningbo Open final after defeating Leylah Fernandez in a straight-sets win. The Chinese event features top players returning from recent injuries and a bruising Beijing campaign, with Rybakina aiming to defend her title before next week’s Pan Pacific Open and the WTA Finals in November.
China's fifth plenum has convened roughly 300 Central Committee members this week to adopt tougher party governance measures. The meeting has emphasised stricter discipline, expanded anti‑corruption oversight and possible changes to military control as Xi prepares for next year's party congress and a likely fourth term.
Kylian Mbappé has apologised after an online clip showed him joking about a meme that referenced a Chinese dictator. Chinese state media and major brands have cut ties: Dongpeng, Mengniu and Milkground have ended partnerships and China Media Group has suspended La Liga broadcasts. Real Madrid and La Liga have also issued apologies.
Renowned manga artist Chiba has died at 87. His work, especially Ashita no Joe, inspired generations, blending sports drama with anti-war themes. Born in Tokyo in 1939, his early life in China during occupation shaped his storytelling. Kodansha confirms the death, with no cause disclosed.