David Chen

England's NHS waiting lists for routine hospital treatment have reached a record high of 7.8 million patients, intensifying fears for patient care as the health service braces for an impending winter crisis. Health leaders warn that ongoing staff shortages and industrial action will exacerbate the seasonal surge in demand, placing unprecedented strain on an already overstretched system.

China is reportedly leveraging its state-owned tobacco monopoly, China National Tobacco Corporation (CNTC), to provide much-needed capital injections to its financial institutions. This move follows smaller-than-expected initial government infusions and aims to bolster the financial sector's stability and ability to mobilize resources in capital markets.