China makes it harder for its Muslim citizens to go to Mecca, or anywhere else Chinese Muslims take roundabout trips for their Hajj pilgrimage, trying to circumvent China's tightened surveillance at every turn — and possible arrest on their return, pilgrims and tour leaders say. Emily Feng
China's economic woes keep getting worse. Here's why China has seen a series of disappointing economic data this year. UBS' Tao Wang explains what went wrong with the anticipated recovery after China's tough COVID restrictions, and what could come next. Vincent Ni
Biden orders restrictions on U.S. investments in Chinese technology The executive order covers advanced computer chips, micro electronics, quantum information technologies and artificial intelligence. Officials cited national security, rather than economic interests. The Associated Press
2 U.S. Navy sailors charged with providing sensitive military information to China The two U.S. sailors, both based in California, were charged with similar moves to provide sensitive intelligence to the Chinese. The Associated Press
The U.S. dedicates a new embassy in Tonga in a bid for more influence in the Pacific Tonga is just one stop on a tour of the Pacific by Secretary of State Antony Blinken this week. He is the latest in a parade of US diplomats to visit Oceania in the last year. Ashley Westerman
This is not a joke: Chinese people are eating — and poking fun at — '#whitepeoplefood' The playful term is trending on social media: Urban workers are embracing (even while joking about) easy-to-fix, healthy Western-style lunches — think sandwiches, veggies ... a lonely baked potato. Emily Feng Play AudioListen 4 mins
After Vietnam, the Philippines could be next to ban 'Barbie.' Here's why Film regulators in the Philippines are reviewing Barbie after a senator said a scene depicts a map that China uses to lay claim to nearly all of the South China Sea. Ashley Westerman
Shein invited influencers on an all-expenses-paid trip. Here's why people are livid After a recent trip to some of the company's facilities in Guangzhou, China, young tastemakers fawned over happy employees and sweat-free working conditions. Now the influencers are facing a backlash. Vanessa Romo
China owns 300,000 acres of land in the U.S. Here's where Chinese companies and individuals own farmland across America. But lawmakers in Washington are pushing to block any purchases that could be connected to the Chinese Communist Party. Connie Hanzhang Jin
How Secretary Blinken is tackling the China relationship (and others in the region) Much of the Biden administration's approach to the world focuses on the U.S. competition with China. Vincent Ni Play AudioListen 7 mins
