Dear Focus Reader,

Global leaders will gather in New York next week for the United Nations General Assembly, where China and Russia are expected to be high on the agenda. This year, while President Biden is expected to attend, leaders from the remaining four countries that hold permanent seats on the U.N. Security Council are expected to skip the annual event. It's unclear whether Beijing's top diplomat Wang Yi will attend, but Washington anticipates that Biden will host him before the year ends.

Ahead of the UNGA, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a "Proposal of the People's Republic of China on the Reform and Development of Global Governance" on Wednesday. The proposal reflects China's stances on top global issues, and signals what its focus areas may be during the UN event. It included calls to enhance global security governance and safeguard world peace and stability, promote civilizational exchange and progress, strengthen the core role of the U.N., and advance the reform of the global governance system.

Lastly, stay up to date on all things international affairs by catching up on our latest Focus content, this week covering topics including America's foreign policy, the global impact of BRICS, and the end of Italy's Belt and Road engagement.

We wish a happy and safe Rosh Hashanah to those who celebrate!

Team Focus