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China's recent military parade showcased advanced stealth drones, including a 'loyal wingman' drone capable of coordinated aerial warfare alongside crewed jets. The drones' appearance has sparked speculation about their capabilities and raised questions about the future of air combat. Experts believe the drones are capable of hypersonic cruising, improved stealth, and elevated air combat power. The GJ-11, a stealth unmanned combat aerial vehicle, was identified among the showcased drones.

ByteDance has transferred its semiconductor team, comprising about 1,000 employees, to an existing Singapore-incorporated subsidiary, Picoheart (SG). The move was reflected in the company's internal directory and involved updating the employees' internal messaging accounts on Feishu. ByteDance stated that the primary entity responsible for its chip business remained unchanged and that there were no lay-offs, spin-offs, or entity changes. The company is accelerating its in-house chip development in response to increasing US export restrictions on advanced semiconductor technology.

The article discusses China's dilemma regarding stablecoins, a type of cryptocurrency pegged to a fiat currency like the US dollar. While China is wary of crypto and restricts it, the rise of stablecoins may force Beijing to act as they risk deepening US power in global finance. The US has established a regulatory regime for stablecoins, and Hong Kong has introduced its own ordinance. Stablecoins are mostly backed by the US dollar, which could further entrench its dominance in the international monetary system.

Chinese tech firms, including Alibaba and ByteDance, are still eager to purchase Nvidia's AI chips despite Beijing's discouragement. The companies are interested in Nvidia's H20 and B30A processors, with the latter expected to be more powerful and potentially priced at double the cost of the H20. The chips are downgraded versions of models sold outside China, developed to comply with US export restrictions.

The Chinese province of Hunan is exploring the use of the digital yuan to tackle 'chain debts', a series of cascading payment defaults that spread financial strain across interdependent sectors of the economy. The digital yuan, backed by the central bank, could enhance transparency and traceability in transactions, potentially helping to clear opaque payment relationships. Analysts believe this move could improve real-time visibility and control over transactions, particularly in industries like automotive where chain debts are common.

The article discusses Wang Xiongfei, a renowned power systems expert, who has returned to China to take on a leading academic role at Tsinghua University. Wang brings extensive knowledge and experience in European power electronics and grid stability, having led over 40 research projects funded by the EU and various corporations. He continues to be involved in six European research projects and has developed software that analyzes the stability of energy grids, which has been widely adopted globally.

The article discusses how Europe's difficult summer has transitioned into autumn, with the continent facing challenges from both the US and China. The EU has been criticized for its handling of international relations, with commentators drawing parallels between Europe's current situation and China's 'century of humiliation' in the 19th century. The article highlights the EU's struggles with the US, particularly under Trump, and China's growing global influence under Xi Jinping. The tone is critical and reflective, with a negative sentiment towards the EU's current state of affairs. The primary intent is to analyze and comment on the EU's diplomatic challenges.

The Hong Kong government plans to curb illegal ride-hailing by restricting permits to registered vehicle owners under its proposed regulatory framework. Transport chief Mable Chan stated that this measure will help address the issue of illegal drivers and prevent speculative trading of licenses. The government aims to regulate ride-hailing services by the end of next year, requiring platforms to obtain a service license and drivers to secure a vehicle permit. Licensed drivers with registered vehicles can choose to register with multiple ride-hailing platforms to encourage healthy competition. By binding drivers to their vehicles, platforms can better monitor and eliminate illegal drivers, making it easier to take enforcement action against unlicensed drivers.

South Korea, Japan, and the US are set to hold a trilateral military drill called 'Freedom Edge' from September 15 to 19 in international waters east and south of Jeju Island. The exercise is seen as a display of allied cohesion led by Washington to counter the perceived show of solidarity by regional rivals, particularly after China's Victory Day parade on Wednesday, which highlighted growing strategic ties between Beijing, Moscow, and Pyongyang. The drills will incorporate Marine and Air Force aviation capabilities, enhanced air defence exercises, medical evacuation training, and maritime interdiction operation training. The US Indo-Pacific Command described Freedom Edge as the 'premier trilateral, multi-domain exercise' between the three nations, demonstrating their shared commitment to maintaining peace in the Asia-Pacific region.

Tech titans, including Mark Zuckerberg and Tim Cook, attended a dinner at the White House hosted by President Donald Trump, where they praised the president. The dinner was attended by major CEOs from companies such as Alphabet, Apple, Microsoft, and OpenAI. Notably, Elon Musk was absent from the gathering, having previously had a falling out with Trump. The event signaled that some tech executives were willing to align with Trump's worldview or avoid his ire.

Thailand's former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra unexpectedly left Thailand for Dubai just before a court ruling that could result in a new prison sentence. Thaksin initially told immigration authorities he was headed to Singapore for a medical check-up but changed course to Dubai after being informed his plane couldn't land at Seletar Airport before its 10pm closing time. The court ruling is expected next week.

The United States government is reducing its climate research efforts, specifically the production of 'National Climate Assessments' mandated by the Global Change Research Act of 1990. These assessments provide critical information on climate change impacts and adaptation strategies for various stakeholders. The reduction in research is seen as a negative development, potentially depriving policymakers and businesses of valuable insights.

The article discusses China's rise as an innovation leader, particularly in high-tech industries such as electric vehicles and clean energy. While Westerners initially dismissed China as a copycat, they are now admiring and even fearing its advancements. However, the article cautions against forgetting the downsides of China's innovation push, which has attracted both fans abroad and critics at home. The article is a commentary on China's industrial policy and its implications.

The article discusses the recent protests and riots in Indonesia, sparked by the death of a young motorbike delivery driver who was crushed by a police vehicle. The protests turned violent, with looters sacking the homes of officials, including the finance minister. The article argues that the president should listen to the protesters rather than suppressing them. The situation is potentially dire, with Indonesia on the brink of something nasty under Prabowo's leadership.

The article argues that schools should ban smartphones from the classroom as they distract students and hinder their learning. The author claims that allowing smartphones in classrooms provides students with a 'bottomless source of apps designed to be as compelling—and distracting—as possible.' The article suggests that banning smartphones will lead to improved grades and happier pupils.

The article discusses the internal divisions within the Republican Party, which are masked by their collective loyalty to Donald Trump. It identifies five Republican factions: anti-establishment populists, old-school conservatives, nationalists, business-minded conservatives, and others. These groups have different views on issues like tax cuts, welfare, and tariffs, which could create challenges for Trump's eventual successor. The article analyzes the implications of these divisions for the party's future.

The article discusses the challenges faced by TSMC, the world's largest chipmaker, in expanding its operations beyond Taiwan due to geopolitical tensions with China. The company recently reported record profits and progress on global expansion, but its reliance on Taiwan poses risks. The article highlights the need for TSMC to diversify its operations to mitigate these risks and ensure its continued success.

A new outbreak of the Ebola virus in the Democratic Republic of Congo has killed at least 15 people, with 28 suspected cases recorded in central Kasai province. The outbreak is the 16th in the country, which has poor health services and is hit by conflict in the east. The World Health Organization (WHO) is working to rapidly halt the spread of the virus and protect communities. The Zaire strain of Ebola has been identified, and officials have urged strict adherence to preventive measures, including frequent handwashing and social distancing.

A grandfather mistakenly took home the wrong child from a daycare centre in Sydney, Australia. The incident occurred when he arrived to collect his grandchild from First Steps Learning Academy in the southern suburb of Bangor. The mistake was only discovered when the mother of the child arrived at the centre to find her one-year-old missing. The daycare centre has apologized and stood down the worker involved. An investigation is underway into the incident, which has raised concerns about safety at Australia's childcare centres. New legislative changes have been announced to improve safety standards in the sector.

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness has won a rare third term in office after his Labour Party secured 34 seats in Wednesday's election, beating the opposition People's National Party (PNP) which won 29 seats. Holness campaigned on a promise to lower the income tax rate from 25% to 15%, while his opponent Mark Golding proposed raising the income tax threshold. The incumbent was credited for reducing homicides in the country, with the murder rate falling to its lowest in 25 years in the first quarter of 2025. The economy was a central issue in the campaign, with the Labour Party highlighting a low unemployment rate of 3.3%, while the PNP accused the government of squandering money and questioned Holness's integrity. Despite a low turnout of 39.5%, an observer mission from the Organization of American States praised the voters for being 'calm and orderly with a sense of civic maturity and pride'.

Former US President Joe Biden recently underwent Mohs surgery to remove skin cancer. The 82-year-old had a wound on the right side of his head, and his spokeswoman confirmed the procedure. This is not Biden's first encounter with cancer; in 2023, he had a cancerous skin lesion removed from his chest, and in May, he was diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer. Biden has been a strong advocate for fighting and curing cancer, having lost his son Beau to brain cancer in 2015. He has largely retreated from public view since leaving the White House in January.

The article discusses a heated Senate hearing featuring Robert F. Kennedy Jr., where he faced questions about Covid-19 deaths, vaccines, and his record as US health secretary. Kennedy Jr. was questioned about his stance on Covid-19, and he responded that he didn't know how many Americans died from the virus. The hearing was contentious, with Kennedy Jr. facing tough questions from senators. The article also mentions the recent dismissal of the CDC director, Susan Monarez, and the resignation of other CDC leaders.

A powerful earthquake hit eastern Afghanistan, killing at least 2,205 people and injuring 3,640 others. The disaster has left thousands homeless and in harsh conditions, with many roads blocked by landslides and aid slow to reach affected areas. The Taliban government has launched an appeal for donations to help survivors, and international aid organizations are scaling up their emergency response. The earthquake has exacerbated Afghanistan's existing humanitarian crisis, and the lack of international recognition of the Taliban government may hinder efforts to secure needed funding.

The arrest of Irish comedy writer Graham Linehan over anti-transgender social media posts has sparked controversy and debate in the UK over free speech. The Metropolitan Police chief has called for clarity on the laws governing online speech, stating that officers are in an 'impossible position' as they try to navigate the balance between free speech and enforcing laws against threats and incitement to violence. Linehan, who co-created 'Father Ted' and 'The IT Crowd', was arrested by five armed officers at Heathrow Airport and is due to appear in court over the posts. The case has drawn reactions from various public figures, including J.K. Rowling, Elon Musk, and Nigel Farage, with some supporting Linehan's right to free speech and others backing the police's action.

Thieves stole three porcelain works worth $11 million from the Adrien Dubouche National Museum in Limoges, France, in the early hours of Thursday. The stolen items, classified as national treasures, include two Chinese porcelain dishes from the 14th and 15th centuries and an 18th-century Chinese vase. The robbers entered the museum by smashing a window and triggered the alarm, but fled before police arrived. The museum holds around 18,000 works, including the largest public collection of Limoges porcelain. The theft has prompted an investigation into aggravated theft of cultural property, and the city's mayor has suggested that collectors may be behind the heist, hiring high-level criminals to carry it out.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed life-prolonging organ transplants and immortality during a meeting in Beijing before a massive military parade. The conversation was captured on state media microphones and later confirmed by Putin during a news conference. The discussion reflects the growing partnership between China and Russia, who are challenging the U.S.-led global order. Both leaders have expressed ambitions to create a multipolar world and have strengthened their alliance in recent years.

Two Colombian soldiers were severely burned during an anti-drug operation in southeastern Colombia when a group of civilians attacked them with fire, allegedly orchestrated by the Comandos de Frontera, a dissident faction that rejected the 2016 peace accord. The incident highlights the escalating security crisis in Colombia, fueled by criminal groups involved in drug trafficking and other illicit activities. Defense Minister Pedro Sanchez condemned the attack, stating that the perpetrators were 'criminals and narcos' rather than legitimate protesters.

The Asia-Pacific markets were mostly higher on Friday after U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order formalizing a lower Japanese auto import tariff of 15%, down from 27.5%. Japan's Nikkei 225 and Topix indices rose after the country's July household spending increased by 1.4% year over year. Other Asian markets, including South Korea and Australia, also saw gains. The move comes ahead of the August jobs report in the U.S., which is expected to influence the Federal Reserve's decision on interest rates. U.S. equity futures were little changed in early Asia hours.

The article discusses the current market situation, where despite weak jobs data, the S&P 500 has reached a new record high. The ADP private payrolls report showed a lower-than-expected increase in jobs, and jobless claims rose above estimates. However, the market has shrugged off this data, with all three major U.S. indexes ending in positive territory. The article warns that the upcoming nonfarm payrolls report could send recessionary signals, potentially derailing the market rally. Other news includes Trump's finalization of a Japan trade deal, imposition of chip tariffs, and attempt to fire an FTC commissioner. The article also highlights the growing demand for AI skills and the preference for global banks and gold miners among investors.

European stock markets opened higher on Friday, September 5, as investors awaited the U.S. August jobs report, which is expected to influence the Federal Reserve's decision on interest rates. The Stoxx 600 index rose 0.25%, led by mining stocks. The jobs report is anticipated to show 75,000 new jobs, and a 'Goldilocks' reading could reinforce expectations of a Fed rate cut in September. Meanwhile, British retail sales and house prices showed positive growth, indicating some momentum in the U.K. economy. Orsted's shares fell 2% after the company adjusted its full-year earnings guidance downward due to lower offshore wind speeds.

Italy's flat-tax regime has attracted a new wave of ultra-wealthy individuals, particularly in Milan, leading to a surge in real estate prices and a boom in luxury businesses. While critics warn of worsening wealth inequality, businesses are hopeful that the increased activity will create new job opportunities and benefit the wider economy. The country's investor-friendly environment and thriving real estate market have made it a top relocation destination for the wealthy in Europe.

Google CEO Sundar Pichai thanked President Donald Trump for a constructive dialogue and resolution in Alphabet's antitrust case, which resulted in a favorable ruling and a $230 billion increase in Alphabet's market cap. Pichai attended a White House dinner with tech executives where Trump congratulated him on the ruling. The article also mentions an ongoing lawsuit filed by Trump against YouTube and Google's involvement in the administration's AI action plan.

The article discusses Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth's comments that allude to the renaming of the Department of Defense to the Department of War. Hegseth thanked reporters for "traveling with the War Department" upon arriving at Joint Base Andrews. According to a White House official, President Donald Trump is expected to sign an executive order renaming the Department of Defense to the Department of War. The article also includes a list of other news stories and videos related to the Trump administration and various political issues.

The article discusses the popularity of Labubu dolls, a collectible toy brand from Pop Mart, and the proliferation of counterfeit versions known as 'Lafufu' in China and abroad. Despite warnings from authorities about safety concerns and intellectual property infringement, Lafufu sales have surged, driven by their lower prices and additional features not found in the authentic Labubu. Chinese authorities are cracking down on the production and sale of Lafufu, seizing millions of counterfeit dolls and prosecuting manufacturers. However, the demand for Lafufu remains strong, with some buyers viewing them as a more affordable and equally appealing alternative to the authentic Labubu.

Category 4 Hurricane Kiko is heading towards Hawaii with winds reaching 145 mph. Although it is a powerful storm, cooler waters and trade winds are expected to weaken it significantly before it nears the islands. The article discusses the storm's trajectory and expected impact on Hawaii.

A Palestinian family in the West Bank describes their daily harassment by young Israeli settlers, who frequently visit their makeshift camp, threaten them, and damage their property. The family, who had their home demolished by the Israeli military and had their car stolen, is determined to stay on their land despite the constant threats and intimidation. The situation in the West Bank is deteriorating, with the Israeli government supporting the expansion of settlements and the far-right finance minister calling for the annexation of more than 82% of the territory.

The article discusses China's growing military and diplomatic influence under the leadership of Xi Jinping, who is portrayed as having imperial ambitions and a vision for a new world order dominated by China. The author argues that Xi's authoritarian style and growing alliances with other autocratic regimes are bad news for the West and democratic values. The article highlights China's repression of dissent at home, its support for Russia's war in Ukraine, and its claims over Taiwan as major fault lines between China and the West.

A powerful earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan, killing over 2,205 people and injuring 3,640, with thousands more left homeless. The Taliban government reported a sharp rise in the death toll as rescue efforts continue, hindered by harsh weather and rugged terrain. Aid agencies warned of dwindling resources and 'vast and growing' humanitarian needs, with up to 84,000 people affected. The UK has pledged £1m in emergency funding to humanitarian agencies.

A luxury yacht named Dolce Vento sank off the coast of Turkey just minutes after its launch, forcing passengers to jump overboard. The $1 million vessel was launched in the Ereğli district of Zonguldak, a port city on Turkey's Black Sea. The cause of the sinking is under investigation, with possible factors including construction flaws, balance issues, or human error. The Turkish Coast Guard and port teams responded to the scene, setting up a security perimeter around the capsized craft.

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark's 2025 WNBA season has been cut short due to multiple injuries, including a left quad, left groin, right groin, and a bone bruise on her left ankle. Clark, a 23-year-old two-time All-Star, played in only 13 games this season, averaging 16.5 points and 8.8 assists per game. The Fever's COO and GM, Amber Cox, stated that while the team will continue to work with Clark, her long-term health is their top priority, and she won't return this season. Clark expressed her disappointment but gratitude for the support she received from fans and her team.

US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faced intense questioning from Democrats and Republicans during a Senate hearing on his vaccine policies, which starkly contrast with those of former President Donald Trump. Kennedy's decisions to cancel $500 million in funding for mRNA technology research and fire CDC Director Susan Monarez sparked heated debates. Trump expressed support for Kennedy, despite their differing views on vaccine policies. The hearing highlighted the controversy surrounding Kennedy's vaccine policies and led to calls for his resignation.