Volkswagen says it can make new cars entirely in China

Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced a 4.1% increase in the national minimum wage, raising it from £12.21 to £12.71 per hour for workers over 21, effective from April. This change is expected to benefit approximately 2.4 million low-paid workers, increasing their annual earnings by around £900.

The UK government has faced criticism for conceding to the British Virgin Islands' request to restrict access to a company share ownership register, limiting it to individuals with a legitimate interest. This decision contradicts a 2008 UK law mandating broader access to the register. Discussions on this issue are set to take place between Foreign Office ministers and leaders of British overseas territories in London.

Protests have erupted in Shidong town, Guizhou province, China, following a local government directive mandating cremation instead of burial to conserve land resources. This unrest is part of a broader trend, with rural demonstrations increasing by 70% compared to the previous year.

A robot showcased during Ouagadougou's Digital Week was falsely claimed on social media to have been entirely designed in Burkina Faso, when in fact it was imported from China. This misinformation has raised concerns about the authenticity of local technological advancements.

The UK government has selected a plan for Heathrow Airport to extend its third runway to a length of up to 3.5 kilometers, which will necessitate the construction of a new road tunnel beneath the airport. This decision is part of ongoing efforts to enhance airport capacity and improve travel infrastructure.

President Donald Trump has engaged in discussions with leaders from Japan and China amid rising tensions over Taiwan, a region that both China and Japan have significant interests in. This dialogue reflects the complexities of international relations in East Asia, particularly concerning Taiwan's status.

The UK government has officially selected Heathrow Airport's £33 billion plan for a third runway, which is expected to be operational by 2035. This plan includes a 2.2-mile (3.5 km) runway that will cross the M25 motorway, allowing for an increase of up to 760 flights per day around London.

A recent incident involving an Indian woman at a Chinese airport highlights ongoing tensions related to territorial sovereignty, as Chinese border officials denied her transit rights, sparking a debate over the implications of such actions on diplomatic relations between China and India.