THE GUARDIAN

German election too close to call as SPD lead evaporates

The race to succeed Angela Merkel as German chancellor remains completely open two days before Europe’s largest nation goes to the polls, with the latest predictions showing the leading parties almost neck and neck.

THE GUARDIAN

Experts say China’s low-level cyberwar is becoming severe threat

Chinese state-sponsored hacking is at record levels, western experts say, accusing Beijing of engaging in a form of low-level warfare that is escalating despite US, British and other political efforts to bring it to a halt.

THE GUARDIAN

‘Big line in the sand’: China promises no new coal-fired power projects abroad

Prsident Xi Jinping has announced that China will not build new coal-fired power projects abroad, using his address at the United Nations General Assembly to add to pledges to deal with climate change

Depending on how the policy is implemented, the move could significantly limit the financing of coal plants in the developing world.

THE GUARDIAN

Canada election result: Trudeau wins third term after early vote gamble

Justin Trudeau has won a third term as Canada’s prime minister, with his Liberal party set to capture the most seats in the snap election, a result he called a “clear mandate” to get the country through the pandemic.

THE GUARDIAN

Japan urges Europe to speak out against China’s military expansion

Japan has urged European countries to speak out against China’s aggression, warning that the international community must bolster deterrence efforts against Beijing’s military and territorial expansion amid a growing risk of a hot conflict.

THE GUARDIAN

China vows to resist ‘interference’ as Taiwan welcomes support from Aukus allies

China’s president, Xi Jinping, has vowed to resist “interference from external forces” as Taiwan welcomed support from major allies after a US-Australia ministerial forum pledged stronger ties with the island and the European parliament called for a bilateral trade deal.

AL JAZEERA

Israel, Egypt leaders meet to de-escalate Gaza tensions 

The meeting between Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi likely focused on de-escalating tensions between Israel and Palestinian armed groups in Gaza Strip, and could lead to an easing of restrictions on the occupied enclave, analysts say. 

THE GUARDIAN

North Korea says it has test-fired long-range cruise missile

North Korea has carried out successful tests of a new long-range cruise missile over the weekend, its state media outlet KCNA said, sparking fresh criticism from the US amid a protracted standoff over denuclearisation. 

THE GUARDIAN

Biden tells Xi US and China must not ‘veer into conflict’

Joe Biden and his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, have spoken in their first phone call for seven months, amid continuing tensions between the world’s two largest economies.

THE GUARDIAN

Taliban to allow 200 foreigners to leave on charter flights

Two hundred Americans and other foreigners who remain in Afghanistan were expected to depart the country on charter flights from Kabul on Thursday after the new Taliban government agreed to their evacuation.