Headline News
We keep you up to date with the latest news happening in China and around the world.
China says allegations by Philippine defense secretary are unfounded
The Chinese Foreign Ministry has rejected allegations by the Philippines' defense secretary that Chinese workers in the country were engaged in illegal activities.
Israeli airstrikes kill 11 in southern Lebanon
Israel has launched new airstrikes in southern Lebanon, killing at least 11 people and wounding several others. The attacks are among Israel's deadliest since a truce with Hezbollah began in June.
Original innovation in focus at Beijing event as scholars explore "advancing science for humanity"
The International Congress of Basic Science features over 500 academic sessions covering topics ranging from generative AI reasoning and computer vision to quantum information. Speeches by leading academics highlighted curiosity-driven research, AI’s role in scientific discovery, and China's growing support for fundamental research.
Ceuta steps up public health measures after mass migrant influx
The plan includes enhanced tuberculosis surveillance and expanded monitoring of drinking and coastal waters. Authorities have tightened security along the border after calls for another mass crossing circulated on social media following a recent influx of migrants.
Iranian foreign minister: No decision yet on resuming talks with US
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says Tehran has yet to decide on resuming direct talks with the United States. He also confirms that Qatar and Pakistan are relaying messages between the US and Iran.
China railway passenger trips hit record 2.8 billion in first seven months
China's railway network handled a record 2.8 billion passenger trips in the first seven months of 2026, up 4.1 percent from the same period last year.
Indonesia earthquake kills 20 people
More than 100 aftershocks have been recorded after a powerful earthquake struck off the coast of Indonesia. The number of deaths has risen to 20.
Ecological and Environmental Code bolsters legal support for sustainable development
The code provides stronger legal support for sustainable development, as China pursues modernization and the protection of its natural resources.
China deplores visits, offerings made by Japanese officials to Yasukuni Shrine
China says it strongly deplores Japan's moves related to the Yasukuni shrine, and has lodged serious protests. China’s foreign ministry called Japan's moves a challenge to the foundational norms of civilization, and a provocation against the postwar international order.
USS Abraham Lincoln to be replaced amid supply, crew mental health concerns
The announcement from US President Donald Trump came amid growing concerns over conditions aboard the aircraft carrier, including reported shortages of basic supplies, water contamination, and deteriorating mental health among crew members.
Reports cite poor conditions, mental health issues aboard USS Abraham Lincoln
Multiple reports have emerged of deteriorating living conditions and mental health problems aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln.
China sends rescue teams to Henan after levee breach
China has sent more than 200 engineering rescue personnel and heavy equipment to Zhoukou, Henan Province, after torrential rain from the remnants of Typhoon Dolphin caused rivers to swell and breached a levee on Thursday.
China calls for vigilance against Japan's remilitarization
The Chinese Defense Ministry has urged Japan to stop its dangerous acts of remilitarization. The statement comes as August 15 marks the 81st anniversary of Japan's unconditional surrender in World War II.
China's 2026 box office surpasses 25 billion yuan
Data from online platforms shows that China's total box office revenue for 2026 has surpassed 25 billion yuan, or around 3.5 billion U.S. dollars. The summer movie season has been a major driver of growth.
Zhang/Siniakova win WTA Toronto doubles title for third team crown
China's Zhang Shuai and Czech Republic's Katerina Siniakova won the women's doubles title at the WTA 1000 event in Toronto, beating third seeds Sara Errani and Nicole Melichar-Martinez 6-3, 6-4 in the final.
Ecuadorian President to visit China
Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa will pay an eight-day state visit to China starting Sunday. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the China-Ecuador comprehensive strategic partnership. China hopes the visit will help achieve new progress in bilateral relations.
Wildfire prompts evacuations in popular Greek resort of Siviri
A large wildfire, fueled by strong winds, has hit a popular resort in northern Greece, prompting authorities to order evacuations. Firefighters are battling rapidly spreading flames with the support of water-dropping aircraft and helicopters.
Peru declares emergency in 607 districts over water shortages
Peru has declared a 60-day state of emergency in at least 607 districts across 16 regions due to an imminent risk of water shortages that could affect local populations and activities in the coming months.
Chinese motorcycle brand secures EU type approval
Chinese motorcycle brand ZXMOTO has secured its first EU Whole Vehicle Type Approval certificate for its 500RR model, allowing it to enter EU markets and other countries recognizing WVTA certification.
Iran says Strait of Hormuz is under its control
The head of Iran's Basij paramilitary unit says the Strait of Hormuz is under Iran's control and management. The remarks come one day after US President Donald Trump's claim that the US has total control of the waterway.
Putin visits disputed Kuril Islands for first time
Russian media reports say President Vladimir Putin has visited the Far Eastern Kuril Island of Iturup. Russia and Japan are involved in a territorial row over the island, which Japan calls Etorofu, and three other islands off Hokkaido.
US Strategic Petroleum Reserve hits lowest level since 1983
The US Strategic Petroleum Reserve has fallen to its lowest level in more than four decades. Data from the US Energy Information Administration shows the stockpile stood at 298.7 million barrels as of the week ending August 7.
Former Barcelona boss Xavi appointed Netherlands head coach
The Dutch football federation has appointed Xavi Hernandez as head coach of the Netherlands national team. Xavi has signed a four-year contract, committing him to lead the Netherlands through both Euro 2028 and the 2030 World Cup.
UN humanitarian office reiterates support for Colombia earthquake response
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs says it is working with its partners to support the government-led response to the devastating earthquake in Colombia. Colombian media reported that the earthquake has left over 240 people dead, with 3,770 others injured.
Thailand suspends gun permits after deadly school shooting
The measures include re-examining all permits still pending approval, and suspending new "welfare gun" programs which allow eligible public officials to buy discounted weapons. Government agencies will inspect gun dealers nationwide and verify sales records.
China's major river-to-sea canal begins vessel trials
Pinglu Canal has started vessel trials ahead of its planned opening next month. The 134-kilometer waterway is the backbone of China's New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor, which has evolved into a strategic route linking China's inland regions with ASEAN and other global markets.
China's C919 aircraft makes international debut on Beijing-Ulaanbaatar route
China's C919 passenger aircraft has begun international services as it took off from Beijing heading to Ulaanbaatar. The service has taken the plane beyond the domestic network where it has accumulated most of its commercial experience since entering service in 2023.
Central China's Henan launches highest-level alert for rainstorms
Henan in central China has upgraded its warning for torrential rain to the highest-level, as downpours continue to batter large swathes of the province. Authorities have suspended classes, business operations, and non-essential outdoor activities in the affected areas.
Air China to launch new route to Romania, Croatia
Air China will launch a new route connecting Beijing with Romania's capital Bucharest and Croatia's main city Zagreb, starting Sept. 4. The new service follows the launch of Air China's Beijing-Venice route in July.
China to strengthen ecological protection for more resilient ecosystems by 2030
China will step up efforts to strengthen ecological conservation during the 2026-2030 period as it continues to pursue green modernization. A recently issued development plan says China aims to steadily improve the quality of its ecosystems.
China's NEV penetration hits new high of 65.1 pct in July
Data released by the China Passenger Car Association shows that the NEV retail penetration rate among domestic brands reached nearly 84 percent in July. Production of new energy passenger vehicles was nearly 1.5 million units for the month, up by more than a quarter.
Yen surrenders half of joint US-Japan intervention gains as weakness deepens
The yen hovered around 159 per dollar on Tuesday, well off the post-intervention three-month peak of 155.2. With Japanese markets closed for a holiday, thinner liquidity has raised the risk of another round of official action.
Venezuela, EU offer help after Colombia earthquake kills more than 130
Acting Venezuelan President Delcy Rodriguez says her country is preparing to send personnel and humanitarian aid. The European Union is using the Copernicus satellite service to provide assistance.
Colombia quake death toll rises to 132, over 570 injured
A magnitude 7.4 earthquake has killed at least 132 people and injured more than 570 others in western Colombia. The quake struck near San Jose del Palmar, about 240 kilometers west of Bogota. Emergency crews are racing to rescue survivors trapped under collapsed buildings.
Nearly three-quarters of England in drought as another heatwave approaches
Almost three-quarters of England is now in drought as conditions worsen following a dry start to August. The National Drought Group warned that all regions of England are experiencing pressure on their water resources.
Colombia quake death toll rises to 111
A magnitude 7.4 earthquake in western Colombia has left more than 110 people dead, with over 80 others injured. The Colombian President said the quake damaged more than 1,500 homes and infrastructure at six airports, where commercial flight operations have been suspended.
US students from Iowa begin pickleball tour in China
The 24-member delegation will also take part in other sports popular in China during their trip to Beijing, Qingdao and China's "pickleball city", Hebi.
Chinese court resolves Strait of Hormuz collision dispute between foreign vessels
Both parties selected Chinese law as the governing law for resolving the substantive issues. A representative of one of the ship owners said the company decided to submit the dispute to a Chinese court because of its trust in the impartiality and fairness of the country's legal and judicial systems.
Shenzhen's trade with APEC economies grows as southern city prepares to host APEC meeting
The 100-day countdown to the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in Shenzhen has begun. The southern city posted a record increase of 33 percent in trade with other APEC economies to 292 billion US dollars in the first half of the year.
Global ocean temperatures hit record July high as El Nino develops
The European Union's Copernicus Climate Change Service says global ocean surface temperatures reached a record high for July. It said developing El Nino conditions helped drive exceptionally warm waters across the tropical Pacific.