FRANCE 24's Beijing correspondent Yena Lee reports that while the US wants China to increase its participation in international climate funds, Beijing is contending with US tariffs on Chinese solar panels and taxes on steel and aluminium. These trade issues are expected to remain unchanged during John Kerry's visit.

Australian journalist Cheng Lei has been detained for 1,000 days by China's state security police on espionage charges, with her family maintaining her innocence. Initially held under the RSDL system, she could face a life sentence if convicted. The case has implications for China-Australia relations.

China's Foreign Ministry has publicly distanced itself from controversial statements made by Lu Shaye, the Chinese ambassador to France, on a French political talk show. Lu suggested that former Soviet republics lack effective status under international law, as there is no international accord confirming their sovereignty.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio da Silva is visiting Shanghai, China, for a four-day visit aimed at strengthening ties and proposing the creation of a 'Peace Club' with Xi Jinping to help end the war in Ukraine. Accompanying Lula is a large delegation, including over 200 business leaders and nearly 50 members of Congress.

Chinese hospitals, including one of the best in Shanghai, are overwhelmed by a surge in COVID-19 cases following the abrupt end of the 'zero Covid' policy. With a low vaccination rate, the healthcare system is under severe strain, with shortages of staff and fever medication. Patients and their families express frustration and blame the government for the lack of preparedness.

The 'Great Resignation' or 'Big Quit' phenomenon, characterized by a significant number of employees leaving their jobs since the Covid-19 pandemic, has impacted France, particularly in sectors with difficult hours and low pay such as hospitality. With a quarter of a million jobs available in bars, cafes, and restaurants, the labor shortage is a major concern for business owners in the world's top tourist destination, especially before the summer season. The situation has altered the power dynamic between employers and employees, leading to creative recruitment strategies by businesses and the state. Insights on the workforce in France are provided by Professor Christine Erhel, Chair of Labour Economics at the French National Conservatory of Arts and Crafts.

Sudan's Darfur region experienced ethnic clashes resulting in at least 17 deaths, with Arab militias blamed for the violence over land and livestock disputes. In Ghana, the cost of living has reached a six-year high, with rising prices for essentials like water and oil impacting families and businesses. The Democratic Republic of the Congo is facing issues with shoddy construction, leading to a tragic accident in Kinshasa, with corruption and poor urban planning identified as contributing factors.

France 24 reviews the TV series 'Inventing Anna', describing it as a lackluster adaptation of a fascinating story. The article also touches on Son Ye-jin's new project 'Thirty-Nine', which is characterized as a cringeworthy yet delightful show about women approaching forty. Additionally, the piece discusses the reboot of 'The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air', now titled 'Bel-Air', which has transitioned from comedy to drama, a move considered thoughtful by the reviewer.

Cairo's Christmas market is a festive destination for families of all religions, featuring traditional holiday attractions. In southern Benin, the 'Kaleta' tradition, rooted in Afro-Brazilian slave history, involves children wearing masks and dancing for neighbors. Additionally, Congolese rumba and Morocco's Tbourida have been added to UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list.

Libya's presidential elections have been postponed from the original date, with the electoral commission citing the impossibility of holding the vote on the scheduled Friday. A new proposed date for the elections is January 24th.

The UN's Human Rights Office has urged for an immediate and independent investigation into allegations of rape and sexual harassment at the anti-coup protests in Sudan. In a separate event, the French army has killed a leading jihadist in Niger, who was suspected in the murder of eight people, including six French nationals. Additionally, Egyptian authorities have implemented a ban on shishas in cafes to combat Covid-19.

Senegal's book industry is celebrating as Mohamed Mbougar Sarr wins the Goncourt prize, marking a significant achievement for the author and the nation's literary scene.

The death toll in Sudan has risen as security forces crack down on anti-coup protesters. In the DR Congo, Islamist attacks persist in Beni, causing both casualties and stigmatization of the local Muslim community. In Senegal, the pandemic slowdown has positively impacted the conservation of baby turtles, with nests flourishing due to reduced tourism, fishing, and construction.

Namibian lawmakers are currently deliberating on whether to accept a compensation deal from Germany for a genocide that started in 1904, with Germany offering €1.1 billion for projects as atonement. Meanwhile, Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni aims for a 10 percent Covid-19 vaccination rate by year's end. In Somalia, the National Theatre in Mogadishu celebrates its first public film screening in 30 years.

Jessica Chastain stars in a TV series about a marriage falling apart. The Spanish series 'Casa de Papel' or 'Money Heist' is releasing its fifth and final season on September 3, promising more action and violence. The Series Mania Festival, France's largest event for TV series, is free and available both in person and online until September 2 in Lille, France.

The recent killing of a white farmer has intensified racial tensions in South Africa. In Nigeria, protests against police brutality have entered their ninth day. Kenya has seen a positive trend in wildlife conservation, with the elephant population doubling over the past 30 years.

A Kenyan court convicted two men for aiding al Shabaab in the 2013 Westgate mall attack that resulted in 67 deaths. Tunisia, once a leading phosphate exporter, now imports the mineral due to COVID-19 and social movements affecting its phosphate industry. Madagascar's tourism is hit hard by the pandemic, providing lemurs a respite from tourists.