This week’s readings / links include how the panda became China’s diplomatic weapon of choice, thoughts on the recent arrest of Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, takeaways from China’s 19th party congress, Bloomberg on the road with the Indonesian President, an interview with Salman Rushdie and a look at the illicit global ape trade.

• How the panda became China’s diplomatic weapon of choice: The black-and-white bears have done wonders for the country’s image – but is panda diplomacy harming the species?
• Saudi Arabia arrests 11 princes: With the arrest of Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, Saudi Arabia has touched one of the richest and most influential investors in the world.
• Takeaways from China’s 19th party congress: Bill Bishop and Jude Blanchette discuss the outcomes of the 19th Party Congress, which wrapped up on October 24 in Beijing.
• Jokowi’s vision: Bloomberg’s Haslinda Amin goes on the road with the Indonesian President.
• Interview with Salman Rushdie: Trump, terrorism and the world’s other strange ‘new normals’ all feature in writer’s new novel The Golden House.
• The illicit global ape trade: The New York Times tracked international ape smugglers from Congolese rain forests to the back streets of Bangkok.