Biden rallies NATO against ‘systemic’ China threat

L’Echo reports NATO leaders have agreed to work together against what they called “the systemic challenge” posed by China’s aggressive policies and put Russia on notice about its flouting international law. As US President Joe Biden renewed Washington’s Transatlantic ties at his first summit with Western allies, leaders said in a broad statement of intent that China’s “increasingly assertive actions in building a nuclear arsenal along with space and cyber warfare capabilities threatens the international order”. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said allies would seek to cooperate with China on global issues like climate change. Meanwhile, President Biden said he would set “certain red lines” with President Putin in Geneva tomorrow, making it clear what he believes are harmful activities by Moscow. 

Amanpour reveals she has ovarian cancer

Veteran journalist Christiane Amanpour, CNN’s chief international anchor, told viewers on Monday that she has been diagnosed with ovarian cancer. “I’ve had a successful major surgery to remove it and I’m now undergoing several months of chemotherapy for the very best possible long-term prognosis,” Amanpour said at the top of her TV show. The 63-year-old correspondent who is based in London, said she felt “confident” about her prognosis.”

Head of the world’s largest family dies

A 76-year-old man believed to be the head of the world’s largest family has died in India’s Mizoram state. Ziona Chana, head of a religious sect that practised polygamy, died on Sunday, leaving behind 38 wives, 89 children and 36 grandchildren. Chana reportedly suffered from diabetes and hypertension. According to Reuters news agency, Chana was born in 1945. He met his oldest wife, who is three years older than him, when he was 17.

Roald Dahl’s letter to go under the hammer

According to ITV, a handwritten letter by Roald Dahl, which reveals his secrets to good storytelling is set to go on sale on Tuesday. The letter, dated August 2, 1989, showcases the writer’s opinion of his own work and his determination to get children reading. Librarian Christine Wotton was the note’s recipient. She said she wrote to Mr Dahl “speculatively” as a 20-year-old studying for a degree in literature and linguistics.

No breakthrough for Spain in EURO 2020 opening match

EURO 2020: 90 min reports how Spain dominated possession in their opening match against Sweden but could not find a breakthrough with the game finishing 0-0. In St Petersburgh, Slovakia beat 10-man Poland 2-1, the latter having midfielder Grzegorz Krychowiak sent off for a second yellow card. Earlier, Scotland’s first match ended in anguish after Patrik Schick’s incredible halfway-line goal helped the Czech Republic inflict a 0-2 opening defeat at Hampden. The result leaves the Czech on top of Group B, ahead of England on goal difference. Today sees the opening matches in Group F when Hungary meet Portugal at 6 pm and France confront Germany at 9 pm. Meanwhile, in the second day of the Copa America tournament, Argentina and Chile drew 1-1 and Paraguay beat Bolivia 3-1. Next matches are on Thursday, when Colombia play Venezuela and Peru meet Brazil.