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Xi to Trump: careful with Taiwan

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Dear readers,

Donald Trump is in Beijing for a much-anticipated visit in which Chinese President Xi Jinping has already warned the U.S. leader that bilateral ties hinge on the red-line issue of Taiwan. But there are other key points that will be discussed, from AI to rare earths.

Trump reportedly also asked the Chinese leader for help getting Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The war in Iran may be driving up gas prices, but it is also giving the U.S. hegemony in global oil and gas exports.

Elsewhere this week, we explored how Spanish law enforcement, working with U.S. intelligence, seized the largest cocaine shipment on record, as well as the growing power of the world’s new plutocrats.

And finally, we answered a pressing question: why do luxury hotels smell so good?

We hope you enjoy this selection of stories from EL PAÍS USA Edition.

The summit between Xi Jinping and Donald Trump, in five key points: From Taiwan to AI and rare earths

The leaders of the United States and China are meeting in Beijing to try to extend the fragile trade truce sealed in October

Keir Starmer, stripped bare: neither charisma nor political acumen

British voters already knew that the Labour leader couldn’t command the stage; now they’ve realized he can’t run the party machinery either

The war against Iran reinforces US hegemony in oil and gas

Crude oil sales, at record highs, are making the country a net exporter for the first time since World War II

‘Hondurasgate,’ the alleged US and Israeli interference plot to destabilize Mexico and other progressive governments

A leaked audio recording points to former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández, Javier Milei, and Donald Trump as attempting to create a platform to spread fake news about the administrations of Claudia Sheinbaum, Lula, and Gustavo Petro

Andes hantavirus: Deadly 2018 outbreak shows it is not only transmitted through close contact

The analysis of 34 infections after a party in Argentina confirms community transmission and the role of superspreaders — a pattern that may echo the situation aboard the ‘MV Hondius’

How the raid of the ‘Arconian’ led to the largest cocaine haul in history

EL PAÍS reconstructs how a special unit of Spain’s Civil Guard, tipped off by the DEA and Dutch police, boarded a vessel carrying a record 30 tons of drugs, and arrested its armed guards

The immensepower of the new plutocracy

Wealth is becoming increasingly concentrated in fewer and fewer hands. The world’s wealthiest individuals are transforming their money into political influence to shape society and the democratic system to their liking.

The organ is back: How a fiendishly complex Baroque instrument has become fashionable again

It is the most modern of early instruments. Mastering it requires effort and a great deal of passion. Five organists —ranging in age from 26 to 100 — reveal the secrets of a machine capable of producing both Bach and a film soundtrack

Down the pipes with Super Mario: an interactive journey

We review the origins, milestones and keys to the triumph of the most famous video game icon, who is celebrating 45 years since his debut, 40 years since his first solo adventure and the box office success of his new movie

Why do luxury hotels smell so good?

Fragrances are not decoration, but rather an integral part of a hotel’s infrastructure, as a well-designed scent has a significant impact on a guest’s memory

Thanks, readers