Putin, Xi hail 'great power' ties at talks defying West

20 Sept 01:19 Key points summarised by AI

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese leader Xi Jinping held their first face-to-face talks since the Ukraine conflict, reaffirming their 'great power' strategic ties and openly defying Western efforts to isolate Russia.
Xi emphasized China's willingness to collaborate with Russia to inject stability into a world 'rocked by social turmoil' and support 'each other’s core interests'.
Putin condemned US attempts to create a 'unipolar world' and praised China's 'balanced position' on Ukraine, while reiterating Moscow’s strong backing for Beijing on Taiwan and denouncing US provocations.
The meeting at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit underscored their deepening 'no-limits' relationship, presenting a united front against Western dominance and highlighting an alternative to Western-led international institutions.

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

Today 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.