Capital of China; a global hub for culture, politics, and finance.
As shoppers seek luxury scents without the price tag, high-street and accessible lines are gaining traction. Independent outlets highlight M&S Apothecary’s Le Labo/Joe Malone-inspired lineup; others report Prime Day and festive-season deals on classic fragrances, plus fresh takes on fall scents from niche houses.
Myanmar’s president Min Aung Hlaing has visited Malaysia for two days while Kuala Lumpur is proceeding with a programme to repatriate up to 5,000 Myanmar nationals. Malaysia says roughly 10,000 people have returned this year and that repatriations are voluntary; the UN and rights groups have warned they cannot verify voluntariness and say returnees, including possible Rohingya, face grave risks in a country at war.
US ambassador to China David Perdue has said President Donald Trump asked Xi Jinping whether China would like to buy US weapons. The State Department has reiterated that US law prohibits arms sales to China and there is no plan to sell. The comments come as Washington has paused a roughly $14bn arms package to Taiwan.
G20 trade ministers in Milwaukee have failed to reach consensus on countering overcapacity and eliminating forced labor from supply chains. A Milwaukee framework on steel excess capacity has emerged, data sharing is expanding, and some ministers are pushing for new trade measures, while China remains a central point of contention.
MI5 has published an Espionage Alert saying the China General Technology Research Institute (CGTRI) has funded projects involving more than 100 UK-based academics and has very strong ties to China’s Ministry of State Security. Security minister Dan Jarvis has written to university leaders telling them to end relationships with CGTRI; continuing ties could expose staff to prosecution under the National Security Act.
Japan hosts a delayed, chaotic Asian Games with logistical issues shadowing standout performances. China leads in diving and tennis through young stars like Yu Zidi and Wang Xiyu; Japan and other nations show flashes of talent while organisers face criticism over accommodation and transport.
Syrian officials and Hezbollah representatives have held talks in Turkey to de-escalate tensions, with both Damascus and Hezbollah denying a final agreement. Reuters cites sources indicating discussions focused on stopping arms transfers and dismantling sleeper cells, while Turkey and other actors deny the meeting. The talks are described as an initial attempt to move from battlefield hostilities toward a pragmatic, if cautious, arrangement.
As Brazil heads to a high-stakes presidential vote, Lula da Silva and Flávio Bolsonaro remain the leading contenders. Voters will decide whether Lula secures a fourth term or Bolsonaro returns his family to power. The race also shapes Brazil’s stance on the Amazon and relations with the United States, with a broad field of other races on Sunday’s ballot.
The director of national intelligence has been named as the administration's AI czar, overseeing a new “Super Intelligence Force” to guide the U.S. leadership in AI while prioritizing the American public. The move follows a wave of industry concerns and political debate about rapid AI development and regulation.
Jannik Sinner has announced a course of treatment for inflammation in his knee, following his Wimbledon title. He will miss the remainder of the 2026 season as he prioritises long-term health, with Beijing and Shanghai’s outcomes shaping the race for world No. 1 as Alex Zverev closes in.
Starbucks has opened two stores in Urumqi, Xinjiang, drawing sustained criticism from US lawmakers and human-rights groups over the region’s governance and alleged abuses. The openings are part of a broader push into Xinjiang’s tourism-driven economy, drawing mixed reactions from international observers.
Incumbent Lula faces far-right rival Bolsonaro in Brazil’s pivotal presidential election. Polls show a tight race with a potential runoff on Oct. 25. Both candidates frame the contest as a choice over democracy, sovereignty and regional influence as Latin America shifts politically.
Brazil's first round has not produced an outright winner, forcing a runoff between Lula da Silva and Flávio Bolsonaro on Oct. 25. Bolsonaro leads by a small margin as polls tighten; analysts warn polling may have missed late shifts. The election centers on crime, cost of living and US relations, with both candidates courting voters ahead of the critical vote.
Two Chinese men have been detained after flying from Mexico to John Wayne Airport on Aug. 26 with U.S. passports that did not match their biometric data, federal prosecutors have said. Authorities say the men bought the passports in Mexico, surrendered their Chinese passports, and planned to return the U.S. documents to an intermediary contacted via WeChat.
The electoral court has ruled neither Lula da Silva nor Flávio Bolsonaro has won outright in the first round. A runoff will take place on Oct. 25, 2026, with the next term beginning Jan. 5, 2027. Both campaigns are targeting moderate voters amid corruption concerns and a shifting regional alignment.
China has warned it will respond firmly to EU measures that restrict Chinese firms, saying such actions would undermine mutual trust and disrupt trade talks. The EU is weighing a fast-acting tool to curb Chinese access, with talks aimed at tangible results by October.
Djokovic leads Medvedev in the Beijing semifinal final stages after Medvedev is disqualified for hitting a ball into the stands, injuring a spectator. Djokovic will face Alex de Minaur in the final; Hurkacz retires in the other semi. Djokovic’s perfect China Open record remains intact.
Gauff has halted a Beijing match to challenge flickering LED boards, went on to win, and has addressed racist abuse she received online. She defended following the rules and praised Sun Xinran, who advanced in the tournament.
The International Olympic Committee has confirmed seven nations have expressed interest in hosting the 2036 Summer Olympics: Qatar, India (Ahmedabad), South Africa, Germany (Munich), Hungary, Turkiye (Istanbul) and South Korea. The IOC has set an Oct. 31 deadline for other entries, will assess feasibility by March 2027 and expects a final host vote in 2029.
Manus-related funding has surged, led by Boyu Capital and IDG Capital, with strategic follow-ons from Tencent, HSG and ZhenFund. Manus has resumed independent operations after its split from Meta, pursuing global growth and a potential Hong Kong listing, while market appetite for AI agents remains strong amid regulatory concerns in China.
PepsiCo has announced price hikes for certain snacks and beverages in the single-digit range to offset rising costs in fuel, aluminum, and agricultural inputs. Despite earlier price cuts ahead of the Super Bowl, third-quarter results show weaker North American soda sales and a shift toward international growth, with the company guiding modest earnings growth for the year.
The EU’s top trade official has been in Beijing for high-stakes talks with China amid a widening EU-China trade surplus. EU officials are pressing China to curb hybrid car exports and to reach proactive measures to rebalance trade, while China signals a restrained response. Negotiations continue with a plan to deliver tangible results by October.
The European Union has struck a preliminary deal with China to sharply limit Chinese hybrid and plug-in hybrid car exports to Europe, with an initial cap of 350,000 units annually. The agreement aims to curb a surge in Chinese auto shipments, while China maintains scope to raise shipments beyond the cap. The move comes as Brussels considers stronger tools to defend its industries amid a broader push to rebalance trade with Beijing.
Taiwan has announced a record defense budget for 2027 aimed at deterring war, with officials stressing that increased military spending is for deterrence, not provocation. The move comes amid heightened tensions following National Day statements and ongoing China-Taiwan tensions, with the United States remaining a key security partner.
The U.N. human rights office has labeled racist and sexist abuse directed at Gauff as appalling. High Commissioner Türk has issued a post condemning the online vitriol, noting that Black female athletes face targeted abuse after a China Open controversy.
A review of recent articles shows the Malacca Strait crisis is intensifying, with maritime blockades constraining energy flows and testing international law. Analysts say diversifying routes and boosting military presence will shape global trade and security dynamics.
The EU is debating an Industrial Accelerator Act to ensure subsidies and public procurement favour European-made vehicles. The discussion, at the Paris motor show, includes calls to treat the UK as part of the EU for eligibility. VW and Renault executives warn Europe faces fierce competition from China as the bloc imposes a hybrid car import quota.
Xinhua reports a ceremony will mark the New Yalu River Bridge opening, linking Dandong and Sinuiju. The project aims to ease trade strain, but initial delays and North Korea’s slower side raise questions about economic ties and regional dynamics with Russia and China.
Consumer prices have continued to rise, with CPI up 0.6% in September and the year-over-year rate at 3.7%. Core inflation has accelerated to 2.6%, driven by gasoline and energy costs amid ongoing global tensions. The data increase the likelihood of further Federal Reserve rate hikes.
The Conflict Armament Research report shows the Houthis are developing longer-range missiles using Chinese parts. The effort suggests growing independence from Iran and the potential to threaten Saudi Arabia, Israel and other Gulf states. China’s role and responses are under scrutiny as the war expands.
Public scrutiny intensifies as Katie Zacharia’s claims of being a lawyer are questioned by watchdogs and media outlets. Reports show a Pepperdine law degree but no clear licensing record in U.S. states where she resided. A state-bar complaint has been filed in California.