UK Prime Minister Starmer said he will raise defence spending to 2.7% of GDP, aiming to move to a 3% trajectory within the next parliamentary term.

On June 30 at the China Automotive Power Battery Industry Innovation Alliance 2026 forum, Ma Chunsheng, director of the Automobile Development Division in MIIT’s Department of Equipment Industry, said the global NEV industry has entered an accelerated phase, raising requirements for battery safety, environmental performance and durability. He said MIIT will strengthen innovation and increase R&D focus on lithium‑rich manganese‑based cathodes, silicon‑based anodes and solid electrolytes, and will boost coordination and support policies to promote high‑quality development of the power‑battery industry.

Semafor reports a person familiar says the Trump administration has discussed with SpaceX the possibility of donating stock to a 'Trump account' — a children's savings account due to launch next week. The report says any donation would reinforce an ongoing reconciliation between Elon Musk and Trump. It is unclear whether Musk has agreed to donate SpaceX shares or what form any donation would take.