Assad’s fall ends decades-long dynasty in Syria The Syrian government collapsed early on Sunday, marking an end to the Assad family's 50-year rule, after a surprise rebel offensive quickly swept through government-held areas and reached the capital...

The Syrian government collapsed early on Sunday, marking an end to the Assad family's 50-year rule, after a surprise rebel offensive quickly swept through government-held areas and reached the capital in just 10 days.

How can Britain make its foreign policy more impactful? The Big Ask | No. 22.2024

How can Britain make its foreign policy more impactful?🌍

We asked 8 experts in today’s #BigAsk

✍️ Dr Hillary Briffa, @samagoodman.bsky.social, Dr Rob Johnson, @paulmason.bsky.social, The Rt. Hon. Baroness Neville-Jones DCMG, Charles Parton, @james-rogers.bsky.social, @mannvirdee.bsky.social

'We need dialogue with China' Sunak says at G20 as UK waters down rhetoric The Prime Minister also signalled he would water down a Liz Truss policy of designating China as a 'systemic threat' ahead of his first encounter with Xi Jinping

Please feel free to add any meetings between 🇬🇧 🇨🇳 officials in the Sunak Gov I missed.

inews.co.uk/news/china-p....

However, we need to avoid overplaying what the UK has to offer or ignoring the fact that the PRC neither sees us as a trusted nor an equal partner.

At a time where it is particularly unclear what information from the outside world senior #PRC officials are receiving constructive engagement with 🇨🇳 is 💯 necessary.

24 April 2024- Asia-Pacific Minister goes to Hong Kong, Beijing & Shanghai (Anne Marie Trevelyan)

Not to mention @RishiSunak failed attempt to meet #XiJinping at the G20 summit in Indonesia that was cancelled by 🇨🇳 side.

9 May 2023- Investment Minister visits Hong Kong (Lord Johnson)

29 August 2023- Foreign Sec goes to Beijing (Cleverly)

1 November 2023- Chinese Officials attend UK AI Summit

17 Feb 2024- Foreign Sec meets Wang Yi (David Cameron)

🧵 Deepening 🇬🇧 🇨🇳 engagement is not a new policy.

Anyone paying attention will recall the list of ministers in the Sunak Gov that met with 🇨🇳 counterparts.

But for those who haven’t here is a list:

Ford calls for incentives to buy electric cars as backlash grows The government faces pressure from the industry to make changes to electric vehicle sales quotas.

Subsidies if implemented poorly will only increase supply and kill off demand.

Thailand should serve as a cautionary tale where Chinese EV imports have killed off local demand & hastened the decline of its domestic automotive sector.

www.bbc.co.uk/news/article....

China’s defence minister placed under investigation for corruption US officials say probe is part of wider operation to uncover graft in People’s Liberation Army

on.ft.com/3CJkPvz.

Vauxhall owner Stellantis to close Luton plant putting 1,100 jobs at risk Motor giant Stellantis says it is closing the van making plant in the "context" of the UK's rules on electric vehicle sales.

First Ford, now Stellantis, we’re watching the hollowing of the remnants of the UK automotive sector. While #Chinese EVs look set to rapidly gain market share in the UK & Europe. www.bbc.com/news/article....

EU capitals try to gut investment screening rules aimed at keeping China out Compromise text deletes list of critical technologies where foreign investment deals would have to be notified to the EU executive and other member countries.

www.politico.eu/article/eu-c....

MPs brand UK financial regulator 'incompetent' A report by a group of MPs and peers called for the Financial Conduct Authority to be overhauled.

If MPs believe @TheFCA is “incompetent”then what faith do they have that it will do proper due diligence before allowing @SHEIN_Official to list on @LSEplc? www.bbc.co.uk/news/article....

MPs brand UK financial regulator 'incompetent' A report by a group of MPs and peers called for the Financial Conduct Authority to be overhauled.

www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

Police object to plans for Chinese super-embassy in London Counterterrorism officers warn that location near the Tower of London would be a prime target for protests after Keir Starmer agrees to consider China’s application

www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/....

🇬🇧 is underpricing the economic risk of 🇨🇳 #EV exports & today 800 automotive workers are paying the price in #Dagenham #Halewood.

Appreciate the opportunity to speak to #BBCWorld #BBCBusiness on the impact of #NationalSecurity sentences of 45 #HK activists on foreign businesses & the economy.

#HK is facing a perfect storm with an exodus of 500k #HKers , exposed to 🇨🇳 property downturn, & will be hit by 🇺🇸 🇨🇳 trade war.

There is no justification for the appalling sentences in #HK today. Years in jail for standing in primary elections 🗳️ which 600k #HongKongers voted in.

Govs should offer swift & strong condemnation of the dismantling of #democracy in #HK & largest sentence under #NSL.