19:43 (11:43)⇢Xi's Diplomatic Dance at Friendship Conference
⌨The newspapers report extensively on Xi Jinping meeting foreign guests at the China International Friendship Conference, marking 70 years of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (Beijing Daily, China Daily, Global Times, Xinhua). Economic news focuses on a draft law to promote private economy (Caixin Chinese) and the potential of virtual power plants (Caixin Global). Taiwan's upcoming National Day speech by Lai Ching-te is causing concern about potential Chinese military exercises (VOA Chinese).