Taiwanese Military Readiness vs. Beijing Threat

Taiwan is facing a threat from Beijing, with concerns about the readiness of its military forces. Efforts to improve defenses, including extending mandatory military service and revamping reservist training, are falling short.

EU Meeting Moved from Hungary

Hungary won't host a strategic EU meeting due to Prime Minister Orbán's 'peace mission' trips to Moscow and Beijing, seen as undermining support for Kyiv. EU foreign affairs chief moved the meeting to Brussels instead of Budapest.

Palestinian Unity Agreement in Beijing

Palestinian factions, including Hamas and Fatah, signed an agreement in Beijing to strengthen unity and end division.

Taiwan-China Relations

Taiwan's government raised its travel warning for China due to a threat from Beijing to execute Taiwan independence supporters. China views Taiwan as its own territory and dislikes President Lai Ching-te, staging war games after he took office.

Environmental Improvements in Beijing

Improvements in wastewater treatment facilities in Beijing have led to cleaner rivers and more green spaces, providing residents with a better quality of life and opportunities for recreation and relaxation.

U.S. Lawmakers Meet with Dalai Lama in India

A group of U.S. lawmakers met with the Dalai Lama in India, likely angering China, as President Biden prepares to sign a bill pressuring Beijing to address Tibetan issues. The visit aims to resume negotiations and address Tibetan concerns about culture and autonomy.

Sweden's Defense Minister's Concern Over Beijing's Actions in the South China Sea

Fox News reports on Sweden's Defense Minister expressing concern over Beijing's dangerous maneuvers against Philippine vessels in the South China Sea, emphasizing the need for security and freedom investments.

Hong Kong Police Detain Performance Artist Ahead of Tiananmen Square Anniversary

Performance artist detained by Hong Kong police on the eve of the 35th anniversary of China's Tiananmen Square crackdown, highlighting the territory's shrinking freedom of expression.

Hong Kong Pro-Democracy Activists Convicted

Hong Kong court finds 14 pro-democracy activists guilty of subverting state under national security law imposed by Beijing.

Hong Kong Pro-Democracy Activists Found Guilty

A Hong Kong court found 14 pro-democracy activists guilty of conspiring to subvert the state under the national security law imposed by Beijing. The trial is seen as a crackdown on dissent following mass anti-government protests in 2019.

Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping's Meeting in Beijing

Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping hugged twice during their meeting in Beijing, showing a rare display of warmth between the two leaders. They discussed enhancing economic relationships, signed agreements, and shared tea and snacks. Their close relationship has strengthened since Putin's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Elon Musk's Relationship with China

Elon Musk's Tesla has found great success in China, but his close relationship with Beijing is drawing scrutiny from U.S. policymakers. Musk received special concessions and support from the Chinese government, leading to Tesla's dominance in the Chinese market. Musk's alignment with China on international issues has raised concerns in the U.S. Despite Tesla's success, Musk's ties to China are attracting attention and criticism from policymakers.

Beijing Bird Fetching Tradition

A tradition in Beijing involving playing fetch with birds for treats dates back to the Qing Dynasty, with only a few people still practicing it today.

Business

U.S. business leaders meet with Chinese president in Beijing.

Defense Spending

Fox News discusses concerns over a 1% increase in defense spending, highlighting worries about U.S. military advancement and vulnerability against adversaries like China.

Hong Kong National Security Laws

Hong Kong passed national security laws imposed by Beijing, further limiting the city's autonomy. The new laws grant authorities more power to crack down on opposition, potentially impacting various groups including entrepreneurs, civil servants, and journalists. The legislation has been criticized for stifling freedom of expression and could affect Hong Kong's international status.

Hong Kong National Security Legislation

Hong Kong lawmakers pass new national security legislation, carrying severe punishment, including life imprisonment, for acts deemed insurrection. Legislation is linked to Article 23 of Hong Kong's Basic Law, filling loopholes from Beijing's 2020 law; it has been criticized by human rights groups for being overly broad.

Hong Kong National Security Law

Hong Kong lawmakers unanimously approved a new national security law that grants the government more power to quash dissent, a move widely seen as part of a political crackdown triggered by pro-democracy protests in 2019.

U.S. Foreign Policy in Asia

Secretary of State Antony Blinken expresses U.S. support for the Philippines against Beijing's aggression in the South China Sea.

Gas Explosion at Restaurant in China

A suspected gas leak caused a blast at a restaurant in China’s Hebei province, killing two and injuring 26. The explosion damaged buildings, cars, and caused debris to scatter. The incident occurred near Beijing after key annual parliament sessions.

Gas leak explosion near Beijing

Two people killed and dozens injured in a suspected gas leak explosion near Beijing.

Hong Kong National Security Legislation

Hong Kong is set to pass sweeping national security legislation called Safeguarding National Security, which critics argue is too broad and gives more power to the government and Beijing to control civil society.

National People's Congress in Beijing

NBC News' Janice Mackey Frayer reports on the annual National People's Congress in Beijing, China.

Disappearance of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370

Families of Chinese passengers from the missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 still seek answers 10 years later, visiting officials in Beijing and demanding information. The majority of passengers were Chinese, sparking emotional pleas from elderly parents and others who lost loved ones. The plane disappeared in 2014 with 239 people on board, drawing global attention and generating conspiracy theories. Debris is the only trace found so far.

U.S.-China Relations

Accusations against China by the U.S. have escalated to an unprecedented level according to Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi during a news conference in Beijing.