Trump broke law by refusing to stop insurrection, panel expected to say | First Thing

January 6 committee will hold eighth public hearing on Thursday. Plus, UK Conservatives brace for last round of leadership contest

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The January 6 committee is expected to argue that Donald Trump potentially broke the law when he refused to act to stop the attack by his supporters, according to two sources who spoke to the Guardian ahead of Thursday's hearing.

Who will testify? Former White House aides who resigned shortly after January 6, Matthew Pottinger and Sarah Matthews, are expected to appear.

What laws may Trump have broken? The panel will show that he was derelict in his duty" to protect Congress and may have also broken the federal law that bans obstructing an official proceeding before Congress.

What does Beijing say? China's ambassador to the United States, Qin Gang, accused the US of backing independence" forces in Taiwan, maintaining that Beijing preferred peaceful reunification".

What is the US position? It is required to provide weapons to Taiwan for its self-defence under a 1979 law.