The Latest Breaking News from China

US Destroyer Patrol Inflames South China Sea Dispute

The US Navy on Wednesday sailed a destroyer close to China-controlled islands in the South China Sea in what Washington said was a patrol aimed at asserting freedom of navigation through the strategic seaway. The guided-missile destroyer USS Benfold sailed past the Paracel Islands and continued thereafter with operations in…

Asharq Al-Awsat · Jul 13, 2022

The Loop: Stage set for State of Origin decider, TikTok admits Australian data is accessible in China, and an 'unusual' hailstorm hits Byron Bay

Get up to speed on today's headlines with The Loop.

ABC News · Jul 13, 2022

China trade surplus surges to record as exports accelerate

China’s monthly trade surplus soared to a record $97.9 billion in June as export growth accelerated following the easing of anti-virus controls that shut down Shanghai and disrupted trade

The Independent UK · Jul 13, 2022

US VP Harris Launches Pacific Push with New Embassies, Envoy

The United States launched a major push into the Pacific Wednesday as it seeks to hold off China's advances in the region, with Vice President Kamala Harris announcing the opening of new embassies in Tonga and Kiribati at a key regional summit. Washington will also appoint its first-ever envoy to…

Asharq Al-Awsat · Jul 13, 2022

‘We are family’: Anthony Albanese meets Solomon Islands PM amid tension over China deal

Manasseh Sogavare says relationship with Australia is ‘strong’ despite his recent security pact with Beijing

The Guardian - AU · Jul 13, 2022

China says it 'drove' away U.S. destroyer that sailed near disputed isles

A U.S. destroyer sailed near the disputed Paracel Islands in the South China Sea on Wednesday, drawing an angry reaction from Beijing, which said its military had "driven away" the ship after it illegally entered territorial waters.

Reuters · Jul 13, 2022

Shanghai sweats over small, but stubborn COVID outbreak already hampering economy

Anxiety levels rose along with temperatures in Shanghai on Wednesday, as medical workers sweated beneath their hazmat suits while administering compulsory mass testing for COVID-19 in a city that recently emerged from a painful two-month lockdown.

Reuters · Jul 13, 2022

Anthony Albanese hugs Solomon Islands PM and preaches positivity at Pacific Islands Forum in Fiji

The first meeting between the Prime Minister and his Solomon Islands counterpart shows positive signs despite tensions over the China security pact, as Anthony Albanese kicks off his "positive energy" visit to Suva for the Pacific Islands Forum.

ABC News · Jul 13, 2022

Elected Leaders Daydream About Being Dictators. They Shouldn't.

"If government is big enough to give you anything, it's big enough to take everything away from you."

Reason · Jul 13, 2022

China issues heat warnings as temperatures top 40C

More than 70 cities warn residents of rising temperatures as China is hit by latest round of adverse weather.

Al Jazeera · Jul 13, 2022