China and Germany sought on Monday to downplay suggestions of rising tension between the world's second and third largest economies, after German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul postponed his first trip to Beijing.

The National Meteorological Center also renewed a yellow fog warning at 6 am, indicating that foggy conditions would affect not only Beijing but also many other parts of the country from morning to noon. In some areas, including southern Beijing, visibility could be as low as 200 meters.

The city that has reinvented itself across dynasties has no shortage of new must-see attractions in 2026. Here’s how to see the best of Beijing, from the Forbidden City to its hidden courtyards and alleyways.

National Geographic has released its annual list of destinations to visit in the year ahead. Here are the 25 places that made the cut.

The White House is considering banning exports to China of all items that were made with or contain U.S.-made software in response to China’s announcement of rare earth export controls. According to Reuters,

Sen. Ted Cruz leads Senate resolution condemning Chinese Communist Party's persecution of Christians and demanding release of detained religious leaders.

The Trump Administration ramped up its pressure on Chinese tech firms on Monday by expanding restrictions imposed on certain companies to also cover their subsidiaries, a move that’s drawn the ire of Beijing as the two powers remain locked in a technology race.

As many as four Indian companies, including DE Diamond, Hitachi and Continental India, are learnt to have bagged permits to import Chinese rare earth magnets in what is the first set of clearances since Beijing imposed tight controls on the export of these magnets earlier in April.

Li Hongzhong, vice chairman of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee, chairs and oversees an oath-taking ceremony held by the 14th NPC Standing Committee to pledge allegiance to the Constitution at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 28, 2025. (Xinhua/Gao Jie)

"China has maintained its status as the ROK's largest trade partner for over 20 consecutive years. This role is irreplaceable for the ROK economy, and deepening China-ROK economic and trade cooperation is also a practical need of the ROK in realizing further domestic economic development," he said.