Mbappe loses major Chinese sponsors after Mao meme joke goes viral? Xi’s firebrand breaks silence

China has issued a pointed warning over remarks it says offend the Chinese people, after French football star Kylian Mbappé faced a backlash over a video appearing to joke about former Chinese leader Mao Zedong. Several Chinese brands have reportedly cut ties with the Real Madrid forward, while Beijing says such remarks will face “united opposition.” But that is not the only issue on Beijing’s radar. As the Iran conflict involving the United States and Israel continues to raise regional concerns, China has called for dialogue, a lasting ceasefire and an end to hostilities. Beijing also announced plans to send special envoys to affected countries to promote communication and de-escalation. Watch the briefing for the latest developments in global diplomacy, China’s foreign policy and the shifting geopolitical landscape.