New British PM Andy Burnham toys with devolution as he promises a break with centralised politics and economic orthodoxy
British scholar Martin Jacques said that Burnham was probably “the best choice available,” citing his record as mayor of Greater Manchester. Jacques said Burnham appeared determined to move away from the economic approach associated with former prime ministers Margaret Thatcher and Tony Blair and break with neoliberalism.
King Charles III invites new British PM Andy Burnham to form government after Labour party’s Keir Starmer quits
Burnham inherits an economy marked by weak productivity, slow income growth and limited fiscal room. Britain’s Office for Budget Responsibility said this month that public debt had risen from 37 per cent of GDP in 2005 to 95 per cent in 2025, increasing exposure to borrowing costs and economic shocks.
China’s equipment manufacturing, led by shipbuilding, drives export growth in first half of 2026
“Since the beginning of 2026, China’s equipment manufacturing industry has demonstrated characteristics of a solid foundation, multiple growth highlights and strong external demand,” Wang said.
Chinese President Xi Jinping praises UN boss Antonio Guterres for UN for ‘firmly upholding multilateralism’
Noting that this year marks the 55th anniversary of the restoration of the lawful seat of the People’s Republic of China at the UN, Xi said China has since been committed to building world peace, contributing to global development, defending international order and firmly supporting the UN.
Mankind creates first global inter-governmental Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organisation
Chinese President Xi Jinping said the establishment of the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO) is a major move by China to answer the call of the Global South and unite the international community in advancing AI development and governance.
29 countries sign agreement in Shanghai on establishing World AI Cooperation Organization
Twenty-nine countries signed an agreement in Shanghai on establishing the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO). The WAICO will be an independent intergovernmental international organization headquartered in Shanghai, according to the agreement. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party...
AI risks entrenching inequality rather than narrowing it as its future depends on sharing innovation, not restricting it
Through platforms like WAIC, open-source initiatives, joint research, talent exchanges and capacity-building programs, China has sought to expand access to AI technologies and help other countries, notably developing economies, build up their own capacity to innovate.
Manufacturing Indaba: Kenya’s commercial and trade attache to South Africa Ryan Injendi peps Africa to mirror China’s economy
African manufacturers and trade officials have called on the continent to draw lessons from China’s industrial transformation by strengthening long-term planning, investing in innovation and skills, and pursuing a development path suited to Africa’s own conditions. On the sidelines of the 2026 Manufacturing Indaba in Johannesburg on Wednesday, Rhyan Injendi,...
How China’s resilient economy defied Middle East crises and shaky world economies to post strong growth in first half of 2026
Noting that the external environment has become more complex and uncertain, Mao said China’s economic strength has helped the country effectively navigate risks and challenges, citing adequate energy supply, mild inflation and solid foreign trade performance in the first half of 2026.
CPC anniversary speech: Senior legislators studying Xi Jinping Thought on Party Building
Senior Chinese legislators held a meeting on Monday this week to study a speech delivered by Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, at a gathering marking the CPC’s 105th founding anniversary. The meeting, convened by the leading party members group of the National...
