China's President Xi Jinping will host South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on a state visit starting on Sunday, as Beijing looks to strengthen ties with Seoul amidst rising tensions with Japan over Taiwan.

China introduced a 13% tax on contraceptives while exempting childcare services as the global superpower battles sustained population decline and aging demographics.

During his New Year’s Eve address, Chinese President Xi Jinping praised the country’s advancements in key sectors including military tech and space exploration.

HONG KONG, Jan 2 (Reuters) - China removed a three-decade-old tax exemption on contraceptive drugs and devices from January 1 in new steps to spur a flagging birth rate. Condoms and contraceptive pills now incur value-added tax of 13%, the standard rate for most consumer goods.

China is using a ban on the humble mollusk, mostly harvested in Hokkaido, to punish Japan over its apparent willingness to defend Taiwan.

People in China will pay a 13% sales tax on contraceptives from 1 January, while childcare services will be exempt, as the world's second-largest economy tries to boost birth rates.

Hangzhou’s AI ecosystem now spans everything from cutting-edge robotics to experimental apps built by solo founders.

China launches biggest military encirclement of Taiwan in 8 months with live-fire drills, rockets and warships in massive 'Justice Mission 2025' exercise.