Topic: Chengdu

Chinese President Xi Jinping met with the leaders of Mauritania and Burundi in Chengdu to solidify cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative. The meetings resulted in new agreements for economic, educational, and medical support in exchange for adherence to the "One China" principle regarding Taiwan. China continues to aggressively pursue infrastructure and trade partnerships across the African continent.

A magnitude 6.6 earthquake struck China's Sichuan province, killing dozens and destroying buildings while 21 million residents in Chengdu remained under strict COVID-19 lockdown. Social media videos showed residents frustrated by the conflicting orders to stay indoors for COVID while needing to flee outdoors for earthquake safety. The region has also been suffering from record heatwaves and drought.