We look at reactions to the Republican Party's second presidential debate. Also: where is China's defence minister? He has not been seen in weeks, amid rumours of a corruption scandal revealing President Xi Jinping's grip over the military. Meanwhile, a Venezuelan prison raid reveals the life of luxury enjoyed by inmates. Finally, we look at what could be the world's most expensive underwear!

China's second-largest real estate developer is close to bankruptcy, leaving millions of property investors nursing heavy losses. Worst still, Beijing's post-COVID economic rebound will be further derailed.

China's Evergrande has announced that its founder is being investigated for "illegal crimes". It's the latest twist for world's most indebted property developer. We take a look at the rise and fall of Hui Ka Yan, who was once China's richest person. Next, we head to India to explore the impact of underground fires at coal mines in the east of the country. We see how fires have been burning for over a century, posing a threat to locals and the environment.

A visit of Nepalese PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal to China saw the two nations pledge to boost trade amid plans of new transport links through the Himalayas. But Dahal said Nepal would not join any security alliances.

Diplomats from Beijing, Seoul, and Tokyo have met to explore restarting regular three-way summits to foster regional cooperation. The initiative has been on hold for the past few years.

The Cook Islands and Niue have been recognized by the United States as "sovereign and independent states." The move appeared to be aimed at curbing further Chinese inroads into the Pacific region.

Malaysia intends to double the quantity of palm oil it exports to China, in an effort to counterbalance the EU's push to cut down on its own imports.

Starting on Saturday September 23, China is hosting the Asian Games, a major multi-sport event held every four years between the Olympics. The 19th edition, postponed from last year, brings together some 12,000 athletes from across the continent, competing in 40 sports over two weeks in the eastern city of Hangzhou. For the first time, e-sports are featured as an official medal sport event, with seven golds on offer. But a lot of attention is also focused on what's happening outside the tracks and arenas. FRANCE 24's Oliver Farry tell us more about the geopolitical aspect of the event.

The UN chief has called it an epidemic of coups. In Africa, since 2020, military officers have seized power, or attempted to do so, in numerous sub-Saharan countries. Just in the last two and a half months, soldiers in Gabon announced a takeover of power, while in Niger, members of the presidential guard detained President Mohamed Bazoum and announced that they were seizing power.

Syrian President Bashar Assad is due to meet with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping. China has long provided diplomatic support to Assad's regime, and could play a role in reconstructing war-battered Syria.

At least 17 Japanese nationals have been accused of spying under sweeping "espionage" regulations introduced by Beijing in July, leaving companies reluctant to send their staff to China and imperiling local production.

China has sharply rejected statements made by German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock in the United States about Chinese leader Xi Jinping.