1. President Xi to meet China’s tech entrepreneurs in nod to breakthroughs
Chinese President Xi Jinping will host a meeting next week with some of the nation’s top entrepreneurs – including six Hangzhou-based start-ups known as the “Six Little Dragons” – to recognise progress in critical areas of technological advancement and show support to the private sector, according to sources.
2. China validated on its ‘rational’ Ukraine war position, Wang Yi says in Britain
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said China’s position on the Ukraine war had been “rational” and that Beijing was willing to work with parties, such as Europe, to play a “constructive role” as others, including the US, sought ways to resolve the conflict.
3. US defence chief signals ‘early priorities are domestic’ in China remarks
US defence chief Pete Hegseth’s remarks on China suggest he is doubling down on Donald Trump’s push for allies to take a bigger share of the burden when it comes to security, according to analysts.