Asia

China's automotive vision and influence are on display at the Beijing auto show

5:16am April 29, 2024

by Steve Inskeep

The latest electric vehicles are on display at the Beijing auto show. The huge event spotlights the newest front of competition between the U.S. and China.

World News

China has big plans for its space program

5:26pm April 28, 2024

by John Ruwitch

China launched three astronauts into space last week while Secretary of State Antony Blinken was visiting the country. Likely a coincidence, it still stood as a reminder of China's lofty space goals.

A photo of Ajmal Khan on his way to Western Europe to find work, taken by a travel companion and sent by Khan to his family in Afghanistan via WhatsApp. The 17-year-old drowned when crossing the Drina River in Tuzla, the third largest city in Bosnia-Herzegovina — part of a common route for migrants as they headed toward wealthier European countries.

Health & Safety

An Afghan migrant, age 17, drowned in a Bosnian river. Here's how citizens responded

7:57pm April 27, 2024

On the risky journey from the Global South to Europe, migrants often perish. In a town in Bosnia-Herzegovina, near a river where dozens have drowned, citizens seek to provide closure to the families.

Secretary Blinken talked economy, security and AI during trip to China

5:19pm April 26, 2024

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with China's leader Xi Jinping. Washington and Beijing are engaging in talks over issues of economic development, global security, AI and more.

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U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken speaks at a press conference at the U.S. Embassy in Beijing on Friday.

Blinken tells China it's in their interest to stop helping Russia

1:53pm April 26, 2024

NPR's Steve Inskeep speaks with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken following his talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping and top Chinese officials in Beijing.

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A newly signed law requires that the Chinese-owned TikTok app be sold to satisfy national security concerns.

China's influence operations against the U.S. are bigger than TikTok

5:10am April 26, 2024

by Shannon Bond

Intelligence officials and lawmakers describe the Chinese-owned social media app as a national security threat. But they haven't shared that evidence with the public.

A Long March rocket carrying a crew of Chinese astronauts in a Shenzhou-18 spaceship lifts off at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwestern China on Thursday.

World News

China launches a new crew to its space station, advancing toward lunar mission

10:50am April 25, 2024

by John Ruwitch

Three astronauts will spend six months on China's space station. Some experts worry China's ambitious space program could pose a threat to U.S. space superiority and military effectiveness.

Economy

Examining the growing gap in the U.S.-China relationship

7:21am April 25, 2024

by Steve Inskeep

China, the world's No. 2 economy, is still adjusting to life after the pandemic. It is less focused on promoting consumer spending because of the growing competition with the U.S. and its allies.

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Politics & Government

Morning news brief

5:18am April 25, 2024

Grand jury in Arizona indicts 18 allies of ex-President Trump. Supreme Court to hear Trump's claim he's immune from criminal prosecution. Secretary of State Blinken meets with top Chinese officials.

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President Biden on Wednesday announces the signing of a $95 billion military assistance package for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan. Ukraine says the aid is critical as it seeks to regain momentum on the battlefield from Russia.

Biden signs $95 billion military aid package for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan

4:55pm April 24, 2024

by Greg Myre

Ukraine will get most of the weapons as it struggles to combat Russia's overwhelming firepower. The bill also includes more arms for Israel, and humanitarian help for Gaza.