BBC News Briefing

13 May, 2026

Sofia has long brown hair and brown eyes and is wearing a green top.

Sofia Lotto Persio

Hello. US President Donald Trump heads to China for a high-stakes summit, nearly 10 years since his last visit. China correspondent Laura Bicker explains what has changed. Smart glasses are surging in popularity, but what does the tech mean for our privacy? And finally, marvel at one man's record-breaking tattoos.

TOP OF THE AGENDA

Assertive and ambitious: How China's transformed in a decade

A tourist opens her mouth against the backdrop of a railway line, so it looks like they're 'eating' the train. Another person is shown taking a video of the moment on a smartphone.

Chongqing offers a window into Beijing's bid to rival American power. Credit: Getty Images

President Trump can expect a grand reception upon touching down in Beijing later on Wednesday. But the Chinese capital only tells part of the story of the country's transformation over the past 10 years, Laura Bicker writes. She visits the megacity of Chongqing, once a gritty manufacturing hub that is now a powerhouse symbol of China with new tech, trade and a moniker as the country's "cyberpunk capital". President Xi Jinping has also changed. Well into an unprecedented third term in power, Laura notes, the Chinese leader seeks to portray himself as a beacon of stability in contrast to an unpredictable Trump.

Read Laura's analysis

Trump's entourage: A host of top business and technology industry executives are travelling with the president. Here's the guest list.

Listen: The latest episode of The Global Story discusses the impact of Xi's recent military purges.

Live updates: Air Force One's arrival in Beijing will kick off a two-day visit expected to focus on trade and the Iran war. Follow along.

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