China

China has provoked international alarm by massing ships in the South China Sea near a reef claimed by both China and the Philippines. Manila protested, calling for the flotilla's immediate withdrawal.

Rights lawyers became targets in President Xi Jinping's push to put the Communist Party above the law. Now they're losing their licenses.

The Atlanta shooting has led to heated discussion about the blame — and violence — aimed at Asians during the pandemic. It's the latest example in a long history of hatred fueled by disease.

Wuhan Hongxin Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. was supposed to be one of China's most advanced chipmakers. Now it's bankrupt — a big flop at a time when the country seeks technological self-reliance.

"This activity had the hallmarks of a well-resourced and persistent operation, while obfuscating who's behind it," Facebook said, adding that the malware spread to about 500 people in seven countries.

Weibo users face criminal charges after online comments — made in and outside China — casting doubt on the casualty number the Chinese government reported months after a brawl with Indian soldiers.

Manila says 220 fishing vessels believed to be manned by China's maritime militia were observed anchored side by side at the disputed Whitsun Reef earlier this month.

The Pacific Deterrence Initiative aims to beef up the military in the Pacific and work more closely with partners and allies. But some experts are cautious about inflating the Chinese threat.

The first Cabinet-level trip abroad of the Biden administration is squarely focused on the challenge presented by China to U.S. primacy. Blinken will also meet with his Chinese counterpart in Alaska.

Peter Daszak of the investigative team sent to Wuhan says the farms were probably where the coronavirus first jumped from bats to another animal before infecting humans.

Myanmar imposed martial law in parts of the country's largest city after a crackdown on peaceful protests opposing last month's military coup resulted in the deaths of at least 38 on Sunday.

Chinese officials boast their campaign against "evil" has busted over 50,000 supposed criminal organizations, but experts warn it has served another function: consolidating power.