The semi-official Chinese newspaper Global Times highlights the key messages sent by the Shanghai Summit to the world regarding global powers, amid ongoing attempts by U.S. President Donald Trump to curb China’s economy. The paper points to reports suggesting Trump may not visit India to attend the Quad summit—which includes the U.S., Japan, India, and Australia—likely as a move to pressure India after Trump doubled tariffs due to New Delhi’s continued import of Russian oil.

The article contrasts the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit held last Monday with the upcoming Quad summit. Long Xingchun from Sichuan International Studies University describes Quad as “a typical example of Washington’s selfishness,” demanding allies adopt strategic goals and bear risks of siding with the U.S. against China, while Washington’s commitment shifts according to its own interests. The article also notes Quad is a formal alliance with a confrontational nature, originally aimed at containing China, and that India’s hesitation to join weakened the alliance.

In contrast, the SCO is portrayed as a fundamentally different alliance based on shared development needs, security interests, and the pursuit of a multipolar world. It explicitly aims to address regional challenges through dialogue and cooperation. Despite member differences, the group derives strong cohesion from cooperation based on common interests and the “Shanghai Spirit” emphasizing mutual trust, shared benefits, equality, consultation, respect for cultural diversity, and joint development.

The article argues that global stability and prosperity require more multilateral platforms like the SCO that promote equal dialogue and mutual benefit, rather than small blocs like Quad that foster confrontation.

The article then shifts to a new European crisis discussed in a Guardian article about France’s political chaos, where the Prime Minister seeks a confidence vote to bolster support for spending cuts amid a public debt of 114% of GDP and a 5.8% deficit. Despite ongoing criticism from the left and far-right accusing Macron of extreme neoliberalism, actual public spending (57.3% of GDP) and tax revenues (51.4%) are among the highest worldwide, including social spending exceeding any other European country.

Despite high spending, important services like healthcare and social care are deteriorating. Some causes may be non-financial, such as previous restrictions on medical student admissions and increased urbanization making rural spending more costly. Public satisfaction remains low, and debt is rising.

The article reviews political views on the budget and finances, including far-right blaming immigration for deficits, centrists advocating spending cuts including canceling two public holidays, and the left calling for wealth taxes that could affect small business owners. Notably absent is frank discussion of the largest estimated spending item: €211 billion to support businesses amid a rigid labor market and high unemployment.

The French model is not deemed wrong but requires guidance, such as directing data centers toward clean energy rather than unsustainable locations. Previously, international rules provided such guidance; today, major powers impose external protections allowing internal innovation.

The author sees France’s problem as its relative small size, suggesting the EU adopt a French approach including European wealth taxes, funding the European Space Agency, and investing in continent-wide renewable energy independence.

Lastly, the Independent features an interview with Andy Harmer, a lookalike of former English football star David Beckham, who leveraged his resemblance for gain but faced personal struggles including alcohol addiction. Harmer’s career began after people noticed his likeness while he worked at a car wash, leading to offers for events. He formed a duo with a Victoria Beckham lookalike, gaining fame as “Posh and Becks.” As offers declined and youth faded, he faced a personal crisis but has since recovered and launched an agency to employ lookalikes, living a more balanced life away from obsession with appearances.