Trump, Xi to meet at virtual Asia Pacific forum as trade spat endures

14 Sept 01:48 Key points summarised by AI

U.S. President Donald Trump and China's Xi Jinping will virtually attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit to discuss global economic recovery and the coronavirus pandemic.
The meeting is overshadowed by persistent trade differences between the two economic powers, with other APEC leaders advocating for open, multilateral trade and warning against protectionist policies.
Past APEC summits have struggled to reach joint communiques due to U.S.-China trade disagreements, highlighting the deep divide on economic globalization and regional engagement.

Macron condemns those who 'sought to bring down the Republic' after rioting mars nationwide protests

19 Oct 12:56 Key points summarised by AI

President Macron condemned widespread rioting and looting during nationwide protests, blaming far-left activists and criminals for the "unrestrained violence" and vowing accountability for those who "sought to bring down the Republic."
Over 2,400 arrests were made as protests against rising living costs and poor school conditions escalated, causing extensive damage to public buildings and businesses in cities like Paris, Limoges (where City Hall burned), Marseille, and Lyon.
The unrest, which organizers hoped would revive the "yellow vest" movement, saw political leaders trade blame, with Macron instructing prefects to protect public buildings and potentially ban future protests to prevent further disorder.