China Says It Will Resume Human Rights Talks

The move to resume talks with the U.S. appeared to be aimed at countering criticism ahead of the Olympic Games in Beijing.

Police Said to Have Assaulted Rights Lawyer in China

One of China’s best-known human rights lawyers has been repeatedly beaten by police officers in recent days, according to his wife and associates.

Chinese Submarine Fleet Is Growing, Analysts Say

Western military analysts estimated that China has more than 30 advanced submarines, and may have more submarines than the U.S. by the end of the decade.

China, in New Role, Presses Sudan on Darfur

Under pressure over the crisis in Darfur, China has begun to do something it swears it never does — meddle in the internal affairs of one of its trading partners.

On Clothing Racks, Inflation Is the Hot Trend

The great clothing price deflation — brought on in part by China’s entry into the world economy — may be over.

China Criticizes U.S. Missile Strike

The Chinese government warned that the strike against a American spy satellite could threaten security in outer space.

An Errant Satellite Is Gone, but Questions Linger

After the destruction of the satellite, some foreign powers have suggested the episode was actually a test of space weaponry.

Challenge to Ban on the Three-Maotai Lunch

A group of alcohol producers in Henan Province is seeking to overturn a year-old ban on government officials’ drinking at lunch, citing a fall in restaurant trade.

U.S. Security Concerns Block China’s 3Com Deal

A $2.2 billion offer for the network equipment maker 3Com stalled amid fears that equipment made for the U.S. military might be sabotaged.

China Expresses Concern Over U.S. Plan to Shoot Down a Faulty Spy Satellite

China warned against threats to security in outer space, without mentioning its own successful anti-satellite missile test last year.

China’s Inflation Rose to 7.1% in January

It was the largest increase in consumer prices in more than a decade. Officials said the country would likely continue austerity policies to combat inflation.

Smugglers Return iPhones to China

The world’s hottest consumer product is defying Apple’s attempt to slowly introduce it in new markets.

The Pyrotechnic Imagination

The Chinese artist Cai Guo-Qiang paints with gunpowder when he’s not staging open-air “explosion events.” At this summer’s Beijing Olympic ceremonies, he’ll be playing with fire.

China Didn’t Check Drug Supplier, Files Show

An ingredient in a blood thinner linked to four deaths was made at an uncertified plant in China that was not inspected.

China Denies Justice Department’s Accusations of Espionage

The U.S. Justice Department had accused four people of passing military secrets to the Chinese government.

China Rejects Darfur Criticism

China said sports and politics should be kept separate, after filmmaker Steven Spielberg criticized Beijing for not using its influence to end the humanitarian crisis in Darfur.

Panama Releases Report on ’06 Poisoning

Panamanian investigators have concluded that at least 174 people were poisoned, 115 of them fatally, by counterfeit cold medicine linked to an unlicensed Chinese chemical plant.

Chinese Factory Linked to Drug Under Inquiry in U.S.

Production of the blood-thinning drug heparin was suspended this week after 350 patients reported ill effects from it.

U.N. Weighs a Ban on Weapons in Space, but U.S. Still Objects

At the United Nations Conference on Disarmament on Tuesday, the United States rejected a Russian-Chinese draft treaty banning weapons in space.

Spielberg Drops Out as Adviser to Beijing Olympics in Dispute Over Darfur Conflict

After trying unsuccessfully to prod China to do more to try to end Sudan’s attacks in the Darfur region, Steven Spielberg said he was withdrawing as an artistic adviser to the 2008 Summer Olympics.

Battle Against Counterfeit Drugs Has New Weapon: Pollen

A new investigation offers a model for attacking what has become a flood of fake drugs, which threaten to undermine the global fight against malaria.

Justice Dept. Announces Arrests in 2 Chinese Espionage Cases

A Defense Department analyst and a former engineer for Boeing were charged in separate spy cases for allegedly selling military secrets to the Chinese government.

Chinese Hockey Players Make Islanders’ Ice Theirs, for a Period

The search for the next Yao Ming -- of hockey.

Allies protest UN treatment of Taiwan

Twelve allies signed a petition questioning the international body's rejection of Taiwan's application and interpretation of Taiwan as being part of China.

Hu spends holiday in disaster-hit region

President Hu Jintao spent the Spring Festival, a traditional family reunion holiday for the Chinese, in southern Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, which was heavily hit by the worst winter storm in five decades.