US-China relations
US and Chinese presidents strike conciliatory tone during hourslong meeting
US and Chinese presidents hold virtual meeting to discuss strengthening ties. Also, the head of Ecuador’s prison system and the country’s armed forces chief resign over fresh gang violence that’s left another 68 inmates dead. And, twin blasts in the Ugandan capital kill at least three people and injure dozens of others near parliament and the central police station.
Chinese blockbuster war film salutes China’s military might and heroism
“Battle at Lake Changjin” glorifies the Chinese troops that defeated the Americans — a fact disputed by historians — in a decisive battle during the Korean War. Historic parallels between the Korean War and the 21st century stand-off between the US and China is a big reason for the film’s popularity.
Why China’s air force is provoking Taiwan
China’s military flies a record 149 flights over international airspace, prompting Taiwanese defense forces to scramble in response. Also, Australia announces it will stop sending asylum-seekers for processing to Papua New Guinea by the end of the year. And, Germany agrees to extend compensation to thousands of Holocaust survivors.
Top Pentagon leaders in the hot seat over Afghanistan withdrawal
Top of The World: Top Pentagon officials are expected to face tough questions from Congress on Tuesday in their first public testimony since the US completed its withdrawal from Afghanistan last month. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Gen. Mark Milley, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, are testifying before the Senate Armed Services Committee. Watch the testimony streaming live here.