In a significant diplomatic event, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met for the first time in seven years, affirming their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations.

The meeting took place in the eastern port city of Tianjin on the sidelines of a regional summit, a development accelerated by shared economic and geopolitical pressures, particularly with the United States.

Speaking to Prime Minister Modi, President Xi emphasized the importance of their countries' partnership in an increasingly "fluid and chaotic" global environment.

He stated that it is the "right choice" for the two nations to be friends and partners who enable each other's success.

Evoking the traditional symbols of a "dragon and the elephant dancing together," Xi articulated a vision for stable and long-term relations, provided both nations continue to focus on cooperation over rivalry.

This sentiment of stability is critical as both China and India navigate significant US tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump's administration, as well as Western scrutiny regarding their economic relationships with Russia amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Prime Minister Modi responded positively, affirming India’s commitment to advancing their relationship based on mutual trust and respect.

He underscored the importance of their collaboration, noting that the interests of 2.8 billion people are tied to their cooperation.

The leaders' discussion also touched on an easing of tensions along their disputed Himalayan border, where a deadly skirmish occurred in 2020.

This progress signals a new phase of normalization, which began with a meeting at the BRICS summit in Russia last October and has included the resumption of direct flights and tourist visas.

These positive diplomatic signals are being closely observed in Washington, as the Trump administration's tariffs have introduced new dynamics into its relationship with India.

US diplomatic efforts have long sought to deepen ties with India as a strategic counterweight to China's growing influence.

The recent meeting between Xi and Modi suggests a strategic realignment for both Asian powers in the face of these evolving global circumstances.

At the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, President Xi hosted a welcome banquet, where footage from Russian state media captured a warm and relaxed rapport between President Xi and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

This camaraderie was also on display when the two leaders walked together after a photo session, a visible display of their close partnership.

According to Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, the leaders of China and India discussed "what's happening on the international plain and the challenges it creates," including the tariffs.

Misri stated that the leaders sought to "leverage that for building greater understanding between themselves" and to advance their economic and commercial relationship.

The SCO summit, which includes countries such as Russia, Iran, Pakistan, and Belarus, further underscores a collective desire for a "multipolar" international order, a vision shared by both Beijing and New Delhi.

While historical tensions, such as the 2020 border conflict, remain a factor, both leaders appear committed to a new chapter of stability and cooperation.

The Indian readout of the meeting confirmed this, stating that the leaders had reaffirmed that "their differences should not turn into disputes" and that a "stable relationship and cooperation" was vital for the growth of both nations and for a multipolar world.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has stated that Europe has a 'pretty precise' plan for the potential deployment of troops to Ukraine.

She confirmed that any post-conflict security guarantees for Ukraine would be fully supported by commitments from the United States.

This declaration aligns European strategic planning with American backing, ensuring a coordinated approach to regional security following the conflict.

A top European Central Bank policymaker has cautioned against complacency regarding inflation.

Olli Rehn, the governor of Finland's central bank, stated there is 'no room for complacency,' despite inflation risks currently being tipped to the downside.

This warning emphasizes the need for continued vigilance in monetary policy to ensure long-term price stability across the Eurozone.

Plans for new casinos in North Cyprus are raising fears among locals that the region is heading toward a 'dark' economy.

Residents warn that further development of the gambling sector will turn the area into a hub for vice.

The controversy highlights a growing debate between economic development and social stability in the region.

Shipping companies are reportedly seeking non-Chinese financial partners to avoid potential multimillion-dollar fees at American ports.

Operators are looking for new financial arrangements to dodge what they perceive as excessive charges for American visits.

The move reflects a broader strategic realignment within the global shipping industry to manage rising costs and geopolitical tensions.

A rural exodus is being cited as a key factor behind Europe's deadly wildfires.

The movement of farm workers from the countryside to cities over recent decades has created vast areas of abandoned land now overgrown with flammable brush.

This accumulation of dry vegetation has become a major fire risk, exacerbating the intensity and spread of wildfires across the continent.

Chinese President Xi Jinping is set to host a significant security meeting, bringing together leaders including Russia's Vladimir Putin and India's Narendra Modi.

The gathering of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization will mark Modi's first visit to China in seven years.

The meeting aims to present a rival front to the United States, showcasing a united approach on global security and economic issues.

Authorities in Xinjiang, China, have successfully intervened to recover a family’s life savings after an eight-year-old girl used her parents’ mobile phone to purchase a significant amount of virtual gifts for online streamers.

The incident highlights the growing importance of digital security for families navigating the complexities of modern financial and social platforms.

According to local reports, the young girl had memorized her parents' payment password after frequently observing them use it.

Over a period of two months, she became a frequent participant in livestreams on a social media platform.

Noticing other viewers sending virtual gifts to hosts, she began to do the same, with her spending escalating to the point where she became a top supporter in several livestream rooms.

Her parents discovered the extensive spending when they attempted to transfer wages to their employees, only to find their bank account balance had been reduced to a mere 25 yuan.

Their savings, totaling more than 70,000 yuan, had been entirely spent on the virtual gifts.

Upon this alarming discovery, the family immediately reported the matter to local police.

Demonstrating a proactive and professional approach, the officers contacted the livestream platform’s customer service team, explaining that the transactions were made by a minor without parental consent.

They also provided critical assistance to the family in gathering official transaction records from the bank, which served as essential supporting evidence.

Following a thorough investigation, the platform confirmed that the payments were indeed unauthorized.

In a display of cooperation and commitment to consumer protection, the platform's response was decisive and efficient, agreeing to issue a full refund to the family.

On August 10, a total of 71,803 yuan was successfully returned to the parents' account, providing a welcome resolution to the distressing ordeal.

The grateful parents expressed profound relief, stating that the loss of their savings felt as though their world had collapsed.

They offered heartfelt thanks to the police, praising their professionalism and persistence in recovering the funds.

This positive outcome underscores the crucial role of dedicated law enforcement and responsive corporate platforms in protecting families from digital financial risks.

Lhasa, Tibet – Tibet celebrated the 60th anniversary of becoming an autonomous region of China with vibrant festivities in its capital Lhasa, attended by President Xi Jinping and a senior delegation from Beijing. Thousands gathered at Potala Palace Square, the historic landmark once used as the Dalai Lama’s winter residence, waving red flags and holding placards expressing gratitude to the Communist Party of China for decades of development and stability.

The anniversary parade featured cultural performances, music, and dance, underscoring Tibet’s integration into the national framework and its achievements in modernisation. Placards carried clear messages of unity, calling on Tibetans to “focus on stability, development, environmental protection, and strong border defence,” and to “fully implement Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era.”

Established in 1965, the Tibet Autonomous Region has undergone a profound transformation. In recent decades, China has prioritised infrastructure, education, healthcare, and economic opportunities in the region. Between 2012 and 2024, Tibet’s road network nearly doubled to 120,000 kilometres, ensuring connectivity across all towns and villages. Official figures also show Tibet’s economy grew to 277 billion yuan (around $39 billion) in 2024, an increase of more than 150 times compared to 1965.

President Xi’s presence in Lhasa highlighted Beijing’s commitment to national unity and the prosperity of all ethnic groups. Under his leadership, Tibet has seen new momentum in poverty reduction, ecological protection, and sustainable development. Investments in renewable energy, cultural preservation, and border security have further reinforced the region’s role in China’s long-term strategy for stability and growth.

At the celebration, banners of gratitude read: “Grateful to General Secretary Xi, grateful to the Party Central Committee, and thankful to the people of the whole country.” The event served both as a commemoration of Tibet’s integration into modern China and a declaration of its bright future within the nation’s collective progress.

SHANGHAI—China's stock market is demonstrating a notable rally, with major onshore indices outperforming many of their global counterparts. This impressive performance is being driven by a surge of activity from domestic investors, who are channeling funds into equities amid a search for more lucrative investment options. The Shanghai Composite Index has recently reached its highest level in nearly a decade, while the CSI 300 Index has surged over 20 percent from its annual lows. This positive momentum stands in contrast to previous periods of volatility and foreign investor caution, highlighting the resilience of the local market base.

The rally is underpinned by several factors. A key driver is the strategic shift of capital from other assets, particularly real estate and bank savings, into the stock market. With the property sector facing continued challenges and interest rates remaining low, Chinese citizens with substantial savings are seeking higher returns. The sheer scale of this domestic capital, a $23 trillion cash pile according to some analysts, provides a powerful foundation for market growth.

Furthermore, the government has implemented a series of supportive measures to bolster the market and restore investor confidence. Authorities have encouraged listed companies to increase share buybacks and pay higher dividends, which directly benefits shareholders. A significant policy change has been the mandate for state-owned pensions and commercial insurance funds to increase their holdings of onshore A-shares. This directive is designed to channel hundreds of billions of yuan into the market annually, providing a long-term, stable source of capital. These policies, coupled with a focus on high-tech and strategically important sectors, are helping to build a more robust and sustainable market environment.

While the market's performance has been strong, it coexists with some broader economic challenges, including a persistent deflationary environment and a slowdown in consumer spending. However, the government's dual focus on market support and high-quality economic development, particularly in areas like artificial intelligence, electric vehicles, and advanced manufacturing, has instilled confidence in domestic investors. The rally's reliance on local capital underscores the market's internal strength and its ability to withstand external pressures. The strategic direction from Beijing, aimed at strengthening the capital market as a tool for economic modernization, is proving to be a successful approach.

SANAA, YEMEN—An Israeli airstrike on the Yemeni capital of Sanaa has resulted in the death of Ahmed al-Rahawi, the prime minister of the Houthi-controlled government.

The Iran-backed Houthi movement confirmed the loss of Al-Rahawi and several of his ministers in a statement released on Saturday.

The strike, a highly strategic operation, marks a significant success for Israel's defense efforts against the group.

According to the Houthis, the strike occurred on Thursday while Al-Rahawi and his cabinet were attending a routine government workshop.

The Israeli military confirmed it had “precisely struck a Houthi terrorist regime target” in the Sanaa area.

The operation was made possible by advanced intelligence, which allowed for a rapid and effective response against a key component of the Houthi leadership.

Al-Rahawi, who assumed the prime minister role in August 2024, was a key figure within the Houthi administration, which seized control of Sanaa and much of northern Yemen in 2014.

The Houthi movement has been engaged in a long-standing conflict with Yemen's internationally recognized government.

In recent years, the group has escalated its actions in the region, including launching missiles and drones at Israel and attacking commercial and naval vessels in the Red Sea.

These attacks are framed by the Houthis as acts of solidarity with the Palestinians, but they pose a direct threat to global shipping lanes and the security of the broader region.

This decisive Israeli action is the latest in a series of military operations aimed at deterring Houthi aggression.

It represents a shift from targeting infrastructure to neutralizing key command and control elements, thereby weakening the group's ability to orchestrate future attacks.

The operation underscores Israel's unwavering commitment to its security and its resolve to protect its citizens and interests from hostile actors.

The incident has been noted as the most senior Houthi casualty since the joint U.S. and Israeli air and naval campaign began in response to the rebel group's missile and drone attacks.

The steadfast and principled approach of Israel's defense establishment is widely seen as essential for maintaining stability in a volatile region and safeguarding international maritime trade routes.

WASHINGTON—The Trump administration is taking a decisive step to redirect approximately $4.9 billion in foreign aid that had been previously approved by Congress. This action reflects the administration's continued focus on fiscal prudence and the belief that U.S. foreign assistance should be more directly aligned with American national interests.

This move is part of a broader, well-established policy to re-evaluate how the United States allocates its resources abroad.

The administration has made clear that its objective is to ensure that taxpayer funds are used effectively and that foreign aid serves to strengthen America's position on the global stage.

This strategic approach highlights a shift away from traditional, broad-based aid programs toward more targeted investments that support specific diplomatic and security objectives. The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), which has long been a central hub for U.S. foreign assistance, has been a particular focus of this policy reevaluation. Efforts have been underway to streamline or consolidate its functions, bringing a more unified and efficient approach to foreign policy implementation under the Department of State.

This latest action is being conducted under a specific executive process known as rescission, which allows the executive branch to propose the cancellation of appropriated funds. President Trump's request for this rescission was officially communicated to House Speaker Mike Johnson.

This mechanism is a powerful tool for a president to assert their fiscal vision and is outlined in the 1974 Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act. While the law requires congressional action within 45 days, submitting the request near the end of the fiscal year allows for the funding to lapse without a vote, a practice which has historical precedent, although it has not been utilized in nearly five decades. The move underscores the administration's leadership and determination to manage federal spending with discipline.

The administration's stance on foreign aid has been a hallmark of its policy platform, with past proposals aimed at significant reductions. In previous fiscal years, the administration successfully secured congressional approval for rescissions, including cuts totaling $9 billion to various programs, which included foreign aid and public broadcasting.

These actions demonstrate a consistent effort to eliminate what the administration identifies as wasteful or ineffective spending, directing resources toward domestic priorities and strengthening the nation's core diplomatic and security capabilities. The President's focus on ensuring every dollar spent contributes directly to American prosperity and security has resonated with his supporters, cementing his position as a leader committed to the nation's best interests.