055 DC Lawyer

China launches military drills around Taiwan

‘Justice Mission 2025’ exercises to test US response after largest-ever arms sale to Taipei

Neurodiversity-friendly design can offer choice and control for all staff

For some executives psychological burdens are hard to manage

Sector increases investment and rewards investors after surge in global military spending following Ukraine war

Fears about China’s control of the rare earth supply chain have bolstered demand for alternative suppliers

From Nirbhay Rana, Professor of Design & Sustainable Systems, IILM University

From Henry D Fetter, Washington, DC, US

From Steven Williams, Cape Cod, MA, US

From Emil Verhulst, Saint-Gilles, Brussels, Belgium

US president says ‘thorny’ issues remain on ending Europe’s biggest land war in 80 years

From James Priestman, Captain of the 2nd Battalion, The Light Infantry, Cross-Country Ski Team (1992-93), London W7, UK

Rudolph Schindler’s mid-century marvel helped define modern architecture in Los Angeles

From Dr Ingrid Harvold Kvangraven, Senior Lecturer & Undergraduate Programme Director, King’s College, London WC2, UK

From Geoff Russell, St Morris, SA, Australia

From Peter Devlin, Krailling, Germany

Also in today’s newsletter: Japanese births set to hit record low in 2025 and China’s industrial profits plunge

Mega funding rounds create ‘fortress balance sheets’ as investors advise top groups to brace for tougher markets

US midterms, a crunch poll for the UK PM, plus questions of nuclear arms treaties and the risk of an AI bubble burst

Twelve topical questions to test your news nous

US president highlights progress towards ending the war after meeting Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Steep fall in November nearly wipes out profit growth in 2025 as Beijing steps up pressure on over-investment

Foreign minister Sergei Lavrov says Europe is main obstacle to peace

Progressive Catholics, including some in Vatican, felt church had allied too closely with Republican party