China

China's crackdown on #MeToo movement extends far beyond tennis star Peng Shuai

By Huizhong Wu, Associated Press

In China, tennis star Peng Shuai is just one of several people who have been hustled out of view, charged with crimes or trolled and silenced online for speaking out about the harassment, violence and discrimination women face every day.

In Africa, Blinken sees limits of US influence abroad

By Matthew Lee, Associated Press

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken saw first-hand the limits of America's influence abroad as he traveled across Africa.

IOC call with Chinese tennis star Peng raises more questions

By Stephen Wade, Associated Press

A video call between Olympic officials and Chinese tennis player Peng Shuai was meant to reassure the world that she was safe — but instead has raised more questions.

Tennis players take on Communist Party: Where is Peng Shuai?

By Stephen Wade, Associated Press

Some of the world’s most famous tennis players, distraught by the disappearance of colleague Peng Shuai, are challenging China’s Communist Party to get answers.

What drives high-profile disappearances in China

By Associated Press

Control over the press and social media allows Chinese authorities to keep word of disappearances quiet and to stonewall critics, although such news often gradually surfaces through underground and foreign sources.

China tennis star's email raises doubt over safety concerns

By Huizhong Wu, Associated Press

A Chinese professional tennis player not seen in public since she accused a former top government official of sexual assault purportedly sent an email claiming she was safe and that the allegation was false.

Tennis star Osaka expresses concern in post: Where is Peng Shuai?

By Associated Press

Peng wrote in a lengthy social media post earlier this month that a former vice premier had forced her to have sex despite repeated refusals.

Blinken travels to Africa to boost U.S. response to region

By Matthew Lee, Associated Press

The Biden administration's competition with China for influence hasn't gotten off to a great start in Africa. In August, the top U.S. diplomat planned a visit, only to postpone it because of the turmoil in Afghanistan that preoccupied Washington.

Talks between Biden and China's Xi raise hope for better ties but strains remain

By Ken Moritsugu, Aamer Madhani, Associated Press

China has welcomed a virtual meeting between President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Joe Biden as raising hopes for better relations, while the U.S. was more muted on the talks.

Pacific leaders agree on vaccines but not on U.S. hosting regional summit

By Nick Perry, Jim Gomez, Associated Press

Pacific Rim leaders have agreed to do all they can to improve access to coronavirus vaccines and reduce carbon emissions, but failed to reach agreement on whether the U.S. should host talks in two years' time.