| |JULY 20269XI TO HEADLINE CHINA AI SUMMIT AS US TECH RIVALRY INTENSIFIES SHARPLINDIA & NEW ZEALAND ELEVATE TIES AS MODI MAKES HISTORIC AUCKLAND VISITFRANCE TO SUMMON RUSSIAN ENVOY OVER ALLEGED CYBER CAMPAIGN ATTACKSISRAEL SETS OCTOBER 27 VOTE AS NETANYAHU FACES KEY ELECTION TESTChinese President Xi Jinping is set to attend China's flagship artificial intelligence conference for the first time, highlighting Beijing's growing focus on AI as a key driver of future economic growth and technological leadership. His participation comes at a time when competition between China and the United States over AI and advanced technologies continues to intensify.Xi's appearance at the World Artificial Intel-ligence Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai reflects China's determination to strengthen its AI capa-bilities while promoting global cooperation on the technology. The event is expected to bring together government leaders, technology com-panies, researchers and investors from around the world to discuss the future of AI. GLiIndia and New Zealand have upgraded their relationship to a strategic partnership during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Auckland, the first by an Indian prime minister to the country in nearly 40 years. The announcement signals a new phase in bilateral ties, with both countries looking to expand cooperation in trade, defence, maritime security and regional affairs. The visit also builds on the momentum created by the recently signed free trade agreement between the two nations. Modi met with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon to discuss ways to deepen cooperation across key sectors. Following the talks, the two leaders announced the stra-tegic partnership, describing it as a framework for closer collaboration on economic growth, security and shared regional interests. GLiFrance will summon Russia's ambassador to Paris after accusing Moscow of carrying out a cyber campaign that targeted France and several other European countries. The move marks the latest escalation in tensions between the two countries, as European governments step up efforts to counter suspected cyber threats.French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said Paris would also impose sanctions on Russian individuals and organisations believed to be involved in the cyber operations. The announcement comes as the European Union continues to tighten its response to cyberattacks linked to Russia and the ongoing Ukraine war. GLiIsrael will head to the polls on October 27 election in what is expected to be one of its most closely watched elections in recent years. The date was confirmed after the Knesset voted to dissolve itself, paving the way for the country's first Israeli election since the Hamas attack of October 2023 and the regional conflicts that followed.The vote will serve as a major test for Benjamin Netanyahu, whose government has led Israel through war, political unrest and growing public debate over national security. Although recent opinion polls sug-gest his coalition has lost ground, the country's coa-lition-based political system means the final outcome remains difficult to predict. GLi
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