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This is the world in brief from The Economist.

Our top stories.

China blocked META's $2 billion acquisition of Manus, an artificial intelligence startup,

ordering both firms to cancel the transaction. The social media giant had

tried to buy the Chinese company as part of its strategy to invest heavily in AI. Although initially

welcomed as a victory for China's AI sector, the deal drew scrutiny from the government,

which feared losing its tech to American ownership. Cole Thomas Allen, the gunman arrested at the White House

Correspondents Association dinner on Saturday, was charged with attempting to assassinate Donald

Trump,

as well as two firearm offences.

The 31-year-old reportedly wrote a manifesto in which he promised to target Trump administration officials,

quote, prioritised from highest ranking to lowest.

Mr. Trump, unnamed but the likely target of the foiled attack,

earlier called the suspect anti-Christian. The White House said Mr. Trump had discussed a new

proposal to end the war in Iran with his national security team. Iran's plan would prioritize a ceasefire and reopen the Strait of Hormuz,

but delay talks on its nuclear program.

...