China

US accusations on South China Sea 'unjustified': China

US says Chinese claims to offshore resources across most of the contentious sea are "completely unlawful". Beijing says Washington trying to sabotage regional peace.

China sanctions US lawmakers in retaliatory action over Xinjiang

Some of the most outspoken critics of China –– US Senators Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz along with Congressman Chris Smith –– are among those targeted by Beijing, as well as the US ambassador-at-large for international religious freedom, Sam Brownback.

Hong Kong voters come out in large numbers for primary elections

More than 200,000 voters took part in the election to select candidates who stand the best chance of success in Legislative Council elections in September.

UN restarts cross-border aid to Syria but restricts access to one point

Four earlier attempts to reach consensus on the issue had failed as the council had been deadlocked, with most members pitted against Syrian allies Russia and China, which abstained in the council's fifth vote this week on the issue.

UN fails to find consensus after Russia, China veto on Syrian aid

After Moscow and Beijing wielded vetoes for a second time this week, only three countries joined Russia in backing its proposal to cut the number of aid transit points from two to one.

Seven arrested in Hong Kong for allegedly assisting stabbing suspect

Police said the seven arrested – five men and two women – could face up to 10 years in prison for "assisting" a man suspected of stabbing a police officer during a protest against a new national security law on July 1.

Russia's bid to reduce cross-border aid to Syria fails at UN

Moscow's attempt to halve access for humanitarian aid deliveries to Syria from Turkey to just one border crossing voted down at Security Council.

Is Emirati G42’s deal with Israeli defence about Covid-19 or surveillance?

Group 42, linked to Emirati intelligence, announced a deal with two Israeli aerospace and defence companies, but there’s might be more than meets the eye.

China challenges US to reduce its nuclear arsenal to same level

The United States has repeatedly called for China to participate in negotiations to extend a flagship nuclear arms treaty between the US and Russia that is due to expire in February next year.

China leads Covid-19 vaccine race

China, where the new coronavirus is thought to have originated, brings state, military and private sectors together in a quest to combat a disease that has killed over 500,000 people worldwide.

China opens Hong Kong headquarters for its secret police

Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam hailed the opening as "a historic moment" and said China's intelligence apparatus would be an "important partner" in helping to safeguard national security.

Facebook, WhatsApp suspend user info requests from Hong Kong government

Twitter said it had suspended all information requests from Hong Kong authorities immediately after the law went into effect last week.