SELF-RELIANCE: China’s ruling Communist Party said today it will focus on speeding up self-reliance in science and technology, a long-running push that has become more pronounced as the US has imposed increasingly tight controls on access to semiconductors and other high-tech items.

The announcement by state media came in a communique after a four-day meeting that approved a draft of the party’s next five-year development plan.

China faces “profound and complex” changes and rising uncertainty, it said. 

RE-ELECTION: Brazilian President Luiz Inacio “Lula” da Silva said today he will run for re-election next year, seeking a fourth non-consecutive term.

“I’m turning 80, but you can be sure I have the same energy I had when I was 30. And I’m going to run for a fourth term in Brazil,” Lula told reporters during an official visit to Indonesia.

Brazil’s presidential election will be held in October 2026.

HUNGARY: Thousands of Hungarians congregated on the streets of Budapest today in a show of force on behalf of their leader, Prime Minister Viktor Orban, six months ahead of parliamentary elections.

The gathering, dubbed a “peace march” by organisers, came on Hungary’s October 23 national holiday.

NIGERIA: Jihadist insurgents launched simultaneous attacks in Borno State and Yobe State in north-east Nigeria before being repelled by troops, a Nigerian army spokesman said today.

Sani Uba, spokesperson for the Nigerian military’s counter-insurgency operation, said: “Some troops were wounded in action but are in stable condition. Vehicles and buildings were gutted by fire from the terrorists’ armed drones and rocket propelled grenades.”