FT News Briefing

The French presidential election is heating up as Emmanuel Macron faces off against Marine Le Pen in a rematch. Public dissatisfaction with Macron's handling of the Ukraine war bolsters Le Pen's campaign. Meanwhile, the 1MDB scandal exposes serious flaws in financial oversight, prompting calls for stronger regulations on Wall Street. On another front, China is adapting to new U.S. compliance laws, reshaping its audit secrecy to prevent the delisting of companies. The podcast dives deep into these critical political and financial tensions.

Nick Shenkin, an FBI special agent and head of the Strategic Technology Task Force in San Francisco, shares insights into the critical issue of Chinese intellectual property theft. He discusses how this espionage fuels China's rise as a tech superpower, examining tactics like insider threats and talent acquisition programs. The conversation highlights the growing distrust affecting US-China scientific collaboration and the implications for both national security and innovation. Shenkin's expertise sheds light on the complex dynamics of this high-stakes tech rivalry.

Tom Faber, gaming critic for the Financial Times, discusses the evolution of celebrity through the Cameo app, reflecting on how it reshapes fan interactions and blurs the lines of fame in the digital age. He critiques the ethical implications of this trend, questioning what it means to pay for personal engagement with celebrities. Additionally, interior designer Luke Edward Hall shares tips for personalized home design, emphasizing individuality and imperfection in creating living spaces that truly resonate with one's personality.

Tensions rise in France as right-wing candidate Marine Le Pen gains momentum, shaking bank shares and bond markets. Meanwhile, the Russian company Rusal demands an investigation into war crimes in Bucha. A lively discussion unfolds on how U.S. sanctions against Russia could impact the dollar's global dominance, with central banks considering alternatives like the renminbi. The resilience of the dollar is also underscored against these geopolitical shifts, alongside the historic confirmation of Ketanji Brown Jackson to the U.S. Supreme Court.

The U.S. has intensified sanctions against Russian banks, sending shockwaves through the global economy. Meanwhile, Brazil's Petrobras faces political turmoil as a new CEO is nominated amidst rising inflation. In a shocking revelation, employees from AutoX allege that the company compromised safety features during test drives to impress investors. This raises serious ethical questions about prioritizing investor appeal over public safety in the autonomous vehicle industry.

Traders react to the potential for stronger sanctions against Russia, causing a sell-off in government debt. Meanwhile, President Biden announces a partnership with the UK and Australia for hypersonic weapons development. In Shanghai, public frustration grows over strict zero-COVID lockdowns, leading to profound impacts on daily life and the economy. Delivery challenges and emotional distress during the lockdown reveal the severe toll on residents, with essential workers navigating overwhelming difficulties amidst a strained healthcare system.

Sequoia Capital is shaking things up with new leadership. Meanwhile, Elon Musk is making waves by acquiring a nearly 10% stake in Twitter, stirring discussions in the market. French President Emmanuel Macron is pushing for a ban on Russian oil and coal, raising questions about Europe's energy reliance. The podcast also delves into how billionaire investments can dramatically shift company dynamics and market trends, alongside significant updates on Huawei and exciting breakthroughs in fusion energy.

The European Union is gearing up for new sanctions against Russia following shocking reports of atrocities in Ukraine. Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron cautions supporters not to take his re-election for granted amidst a rising challenge from Marine Le Pen. The podcast also highlights growing tensions within NATO linked to a shift towards Euroscepticism. Additionally, the crisis in China’s property sector is spotlighted, marked by significant auditor resignations and delays in financial disclosures.

In the first episode of this season’s six-part series, the FT’s Global China Editor James Kynge tracks China’s dramatic transformation from the manufacturing workshop of the world to the next global superpower. The driver of that change is technology, sparking a battle between China and the US over who will dominate. Numerous ethnic Chinese scientists working in the US have found themselves ensnared in this bitter rivalry, including US-based physics professor Xiaoxing Xi, wrongly accused of industrial espionage, amid accusations that China’s tech prowess has been built on the theft of US innovation. How deep is the rift between the two countries over tech and what does that mean for the world?Check out stories and up-to-the-minute news from the Technology team at  ft.com/technologyGet 50% off an FT subscription at ft.com/briefingsaleAnd check out FT Edit, the new iPhone app that shares the best of FT journalism, hand-picked by senior editors to inform, explain and surprise. It’s free for the first month and 99p a month for the next six months.Presented by James Kynge. Edwin Lane is senior producer. Josh Gabert-Doyon is producer. Manuela Saragosa is executive producer. Sound design is by Breen Turner, with original music from Metaphor Music. The FT's head of audio is Cheryl Brumley.News clips credits: CNBC, CGTN America, NBC Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Roula Khalaf, Editor of the Financial Times, shares insights on the challenges and quick decision-making in covering the Ukraine war. Russian poet Maria Stepanova reflects on how the conflict has affected Russian intellectuals and her own experiences as a dissenter. The conversation highlights the emotional toll of war reporting and the complexities of cultural identity amidst the chaos. Stepanova also discusses the uncertainty of Russia’s future and the cultural conversations sparked by this turmoil.