China’s Pacific Power Play Is Being Thwarted by Australia

Beijing is vying for influence in the South Pacific, Vietnam is still caught between superpowers and the New World Screwworm is staging a comeback.

Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele of the Solomon Islands in Beijing in July 2024.

Photographer: Liu Bin/Getty Images/Xinhua News Agency

Welcome to the weekend!

On Tuesday the White House press secretary responded to a report about a forthcoming Amazon policy by calling it “a hostile and political act.” Which rumor was she reacting to? Check your answer with the Pointed quiz.