As relations with the US have soured, China has quietly been strengthening its ties with central Asia. One of the key reasons for this, writes Lorena Lombardozzi of SOAS, University of London, is China’s effort to reduce its reliance on countries like Russia. Central Asian states boast significant reserves of oil and gas, and Beijing is keen to take advantage.

But China’s increasing footprint there is – even inadvertently – leading to other, more positive outcomes. A drop in Chinese demand for Uzbek gas during the pandemic, for example, exposed the risks of relying too heavily on fossil fuels, triggering a wave of investment in renewable energy. Despite its reputation as the world’s largest emitter, China will clearly play a key role in our pursuit of a greener future.

Chimpanzees might be more empathetic than we think. New research shows the expression of their empathy is, much like humans, shaped by who they are, who they’re with and their broader social culture. It’s time to rethink our stereotypes.

And as many voters go to the polls in English local elections today, we consider what would count as a good result for Nigel Farage’s Reform party.