Production halted at Chinese factory making 'childlike' sex dolls

The European Union has introduced a €3 billion strategy aimed at reducing its reliance on China for critical raw materials, particularly rare earth metals. This initiative, known as the ReSourceEU program, is designed to diversify and de-risk supply chains amid increasing geopolitical tensions and supply vulnerabilities exacerbated by China's control over these essential resources.

French President Emmanuel Macron is on his fourth visit to China, where he is set to engage in discussions with President Xi Jinping. The visit commenced with a tour of the Forbidden City’s gardens and will include a bilateral meeting focused on enhancing business and economic ties, addressing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine as peace talks progress.

The iconic Russian nesting dolls, known for their intricate designs and cultural significance, are predominantly manufactured in China, revealing a complex relationship between Russian tradition and Chinese craftsmanship. This phenomenon highlights how cultural symbols can transcend their origins, intertwining with global production practices.

China's services sector activity growth has slowed, with the RatingDog general services purchasing managers index dropping to 52.1, the lowest level in five months, as reported on Wednesday.

French President Emmanuel Macron has arrived in China for a three-day visit aimed at discussing the ongoing Ukraine conflict and trade relations with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Macron is expected to urge Xi to influence Russia towards agreeing to a ceasefire in Ukraine, highlighting the urgency of diplomatic efforts in the region.

China is asserting its influence on the global stage, capitalizing on the perceived retreat of the United States under former President Trump. This shift follows a recent trade clash, which has emboldened Beijing to seek greater clout in international affairs.

A recent report has revealed significant flaws in the handling of a high-profile China espionage trial, with MPs warning that such failures could recur in future cases. The report described the system as 'shambolic,' highlighting systemic issues that contributed to the trial's collapse.

The UK Parliament's security committee has criticized the handling of a high-profile China spying case, labeling it as 'shambolic' due to systemic failures that led to the trial's collapse. The report highlighted confusion and inadequate communication between the government and the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), which ultimately resulted in the withdrawal of charges against two men accused of espionage for Beijing.