Can COP26 succeed if Xi Jinping stays at home? The Chinese president may be conspicuous by his absence but behind the scenes, his regime takes climate change seriously.
The Times
In major shift, NIH admits funding risky virus research in Wuhan: A spokesman for Dr. Fauci says he has been “entirely truthful,” but a new letter belatedly acknowledging the National Institutes of Health’s support for virus-enhancing research adds more heat to the ongoing debate over whether a lab leak could have sparked the pandemic.
Vanity Fair
Bloomberg: China expects new COVID outbreak to worsen in coming days
+ Wave of infections has spread to 11 provinces, official says
+ Most of the infected have cross-region travel histories: official
Is China in big trouble?
Paul Krugman
China's journey into the unknown: With a wave of regulatory and other actions against leading private-sector firms, Chinese President Xi Jinping clearly intends to re-establish the Communist Party’s ultimate control over all aspects of Chinese life. Yet that effort may well kill the goose that lays the golden eggs.
George Magnus
Luxury brands look to ride the storm of China’s policy shifts: Corporate strategists may draw comfort from Xi’s recent remarks on citizens’ wealth.
Leo Lewis
China’s rise is a threat the US has faced for a century: The nations of the maritime “rimlands” have been very successful at keeping Eurasian superpowers in check.
Hal Brands
Japan defense minister warns of Crimea-style invasion of Taiwan: Nikkei reports in a veiled reference to China, Kishi says wars can begin without troops.
Joe Biden's Taiwan gaffes create concern in China and Asia: The US president has again said he has a commitment to defend Taiwan should China attack, contradicting the US' decades-old policy toward the island. It has prompted official clarification about the US role in Asia.
DW
Ask a scientist: Calling out the hype over hypersonic weapons
UCS
US envoy urges North Korea to stop tests, engage in talks: DW reports a US envoy said North Korea's recent weapon tests were "concerning and counterproductive." Last week, the isolated nation carried out tests of a new type of ballistic missile launched from submarines.
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