Another major expectation for China's naval development in 2026 is the continuous buildup of landing capability, which will include further integration of landing barges and the use of civilian vessels in amphibious exercises, according to Luck and Shugart.

As Taiwan blasts China's "highly provocative and reckless" blockade rehearsal, Trump touts his relationship with Xi Jinping and says an invasion is unlikely.

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

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.

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.

The second day of the large-scale war games, called “Justice Mission 2025,” saw the Chinese military encircle Taiwan on Tuesday.

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.

Welkin Lei has been doing some paper-napkin calculations in his spare time and the numbers for having another child just don’t add up.