Xi Jinping has tightened his control of China’s military, but sweeping changes at the top have raised difficult questions about command, advice and war readiness.

Trump is preparing a high-profile Washington welcome for Xi Jinping. Beyond the state dinner, the real tests involve trade, technology, Taiwan and whether either government announces commitments it can deliver.

Donald Trump and Xi Jinping are preparing to meet in Washington, but one of the biggest forces shaping their relationship cannot be seen in the White House ceremony: artificial intelligence.

The United States remains enormously powerful in frontier AI, advanced computing and infrastructure, while China has closed the model-performance gap far faster than many expected. At the same time, Washington and Beijing are discussing new communication mechanisms for serious AI incidents — effectively exploring how to prevent dangerous misunderstandings while continuing to compete. This episode examines the chips, data centers, robotics, military systems, manufacturing power and global technology ecosystems behind the rivalry.

The central question is no longer simply whether America or China has the better AI model. It is what happens when two superpowers begin treating AI leadership as a strategic advantage they cannot afford to surrender.

Donald Trump has emerged from his latest meeting with Volodymyr Zelenskyy sounding increasingly confident that Russia and Ukraine can reach an agreement. Zelenskyy wants movement before winter, Washington has restarted diplomatic contacts, and the language surrounding the war is beginning to change.

Burnham’s planned first meeting with Trump brings security and technology priorities together. The real test is whether a crowded agenda produces specific next steps, clear responsibilities and outcomes both governments describe consistently.

Hormuz connects Gulf energy exports with global markets. Learn why disruption can affect prices far from the strait, how limited alternatives work and why normal traffic figures need careful dating.

Britain has announced defensive refuelling support for Saudi Arabia. Understand who the Houthis are, how Yemen’s war reached global shipping and what the limited British commitment actually means.

Ground beside a narrow waterway can influence journeys thousands of miles away. This analysis explains the reported Houthi advance, the limits of sea-control claims and the commercial decisions that could spread its consequences.

America has acknowledged weapons in orbit without naming them. Understand what the announcement proves, how counterspace systems differ and why an arms race could put civilian services and the shared orbital environment at risk.

Drone damage at several of Russia’s largest diesel refineries is tightening fuel supply and exposing a vulnerability with consequences for freight, farming and prices worldwide.

The hosting result is settled, but success will depend on delivery. This short analysis looks beyond bid-day reactions to access, operations and what remains useful afterwards.

A very strong El Niño is forecast for 2026–27. Understand how changes in Pacific weather could affect agriculture and transport, why local outcomes vary, and what the outlook does—and does not—predict.

The Cardiff constitutional pact unites the SNP, Plaid Cymru and Sinn Féin in a challenge to Westminster. Understand who signed, what the agreement means and why each campaign still faces different hurdles.

US weapons in space are now publicly acknowledged, but their capabilities remain undisclosed. This explainer separates the announcement from speculation and examines the questions surrounding deterrence, international law and orbital security.

NATO’s response to Russian strikes near Poland centres on stronger support for Ukraine.

Understand what Rutte pledged, why the location matters and how consultation differs from an Article 5 collective-defence decision.

Numbers stations broadcast messages that anyone can hear but few can interpret. Explore coded radio, one-time pads and documented espionage, while separating real evidence from the legends surrounding mysterious transmissions.

Minority governments can take office without an outright parliamentary majority. Sweden’s rules show why abstention matters, while worked examples explain the difference between appointment, outside support and agreement on future legislation.

An oil-price shock reaches households through several routes and at different speeds. Understand cost shares, purchasing contracts and interest-rate responses, with examples showing why lower inflation does not mean earlier prices return.

Syria’s fuel-price protests show how an energy shock can strain a damaged economy. Explore household vulnerability, indirect business costs and the challenge of providing credible support alongside difficult pricing decisions.

Bangsamoro’s first parliamentary election marks an important stage in the Philippines’ peace process. Explore what voters are choosing, why safe participation matters and the governing tests that will follow the count.