The Latest Breaking News from Beijing

Beijing Government Pledges Support for Homegrown Answer to ChatGPT

In a white paper released Monday, authorities highlighted the Chinese capital’s leading role in the country’s AI research, promising support for local tech firms in the sector

Caixin Global · Feb 14, 2023

China's Xi hosting Iranian President Raisi for talks in Beijing this week

China's President Xi Jinping will hold talks with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi during his visit to China over the next three days, state media reported on Tuesday.

Reuters · Feb 14, 2023

US Still in Dark over Mystery Flying Objects, Rejects China Balloon Accusation

The White House responded Monday to growing and at times fevered speculation over the shooting down of unidentified aerial objects by saying the targets could be anything from commercial craft to espionage devices, while denying that US balloons spy on China. After mounting pressure on President Joe Biden's administration to…

Asharq Al-Awsat · Feb 14, 2023

Philippines files protest to China over use of laser

MANILA: The Philippines on Tuesday filed a diplomatic protest calling on Beijing to ensure its vessels cease "aggressive activities" after Manila accused China's coast guard of trying to block one of its ships in the South China Sea using a "military grade laser."

Bangkok Post · Feb 14, 2023

US renews warning it'll defend Philippines after China spat

The United States has renewed a warning that it will defend its treaty ally if Filipino forces come under an armed attack in the disputed South China Sea after a Chinese coast guard ship allegedly hit a Philippine patrol vessel with military-grade laser that temporarily blinded some of its crew

The Independent UK · Feb 14, 2023

Philippines president summons China envoy over laser incident

Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr summoned China's ambassador on Tuesday to express his "serious concern" over China's actions in the South China Sea and the foreign ministry called on Beijing to stop its vessels' "aggressive activities".

Reuters · Feb 14, 2023

Philippines files protest over China’s laser use in sea dispute

Washington said it stands with Manila after a Chinese vessel directed a powerful laser at a Philippine Coast Guard ship.

Al Jazeera · Feb 14, 2023

After balloon saga, can China and US re-engage?

When US Secretary of State Antony Blinken this month called off his trip to Beijing, he chose his words carefully. China's launch of a spy balloon on a high-altitude journey over the United States was unacceptable and irresponsible, he said, but he was postponing -- not cancelling -- his visit.

Bangkok Post · Feb 13, 2023

No indication aliens are connected to the flying objects over the US, White House says

The White House hits back at Beijing's claims about US high-altitude balloons flying over China's airspace without permission more than 10 times, as it dismisses any connection between the mysterious flying objects and alien activity.

ABC News · Feb 13, 2023

U.S. still stumped by latest flying objects as friction with China grows

The United States said on Monday it still did not know the origin or purpose of three aerial objects that its military shot down over the weekend, as Washington and Beijing traded accusations about high-altitude balloons.

Reuters · Feb 13, 2023