China's new maritime air defence zone is unenforceable, Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said yesterday.

China and Japan appeared to be a step closer to a military confrontation that could drag in the United States.

Art Deco delights, juicy dumplings and split bottom pants ... despite the smog there is still plenty to see in Shanghai discovers Kirsty Wynn.

Don't expect a new Chinese baby boom, experts say, despite the first easing of the country's controversial one-child policy in three decades.

One of the totemic policies of China's Communist Party - the ban on families having more than a single child - has been relaxed in a historic shift by Beijing's new ruling regime.

China's leaders have announced the first significant easing of the country's one-child policy in nearly 30 years and moved to abolish an often-abused labour camp system.

The PM is factoring in the possibility of a visit by Barack Obama to NZ as one of the wild cards he has to consider in setting the date for next year's election.

International financial markets are taking a wait and see approach after China's leaders announced a greater role for markets in the country's future economic strategy.

Nuplex Industries has begun construction of its third manufacturing facility in China, which is expected to help the speciality chemicals and resins manufacturer overcome capacity constraints.

Justice Minister Judith Collins says she believes China is serious about clamping down on corruption under its new leadership.

Many in China are unconvinced Bo Xilai will serve jail time - they believe he'll take advantage of ding zui, where a hired substitute does time instead.

Some prominent American astronomers are boycotting a meeting on exoplanets because Nasa has banned Chinese scientists from attending.

China delivered a stern lecture to the United States to live up to its responsibilities as the cornerstone of the world's economy.

As the daughter-in-law rolls open the rusted doors to her garage, light spills onto a small figure on a straw mattress. A curious face peers out.

Prime Minister John Key's first big meeting at Apec in Bali will be with Chinese President Xi Jinping tomorrow night when Fonterra's food safety scare will be top of the agenda.

Five years ago this week, the China-NZ free trade agreement took effect. Half a decade on, has the deal delivered?

Tropical storm Wutip lashed central Vietnam after sinking at least two Chinese fishing boats near the Paracel Islands, leaving 75 fishermen missing, officials said.

If Leonardo DiCaprio, Nicole Kidman and Catherine Zeta-Jones were bemused to find themselves on a red carpet in the Chinese city of Qingdao, surrounded by security guards dressed up as soldiers this week, perhaps they should get used to it.

Ukraine has reportedly agreed a deal with a Chinese company to lease 5 per cent of its land to feed China's burgeoning population.

New Zealand has halted all apple exports to China for the rest of the season after rot was found in several batches at the Chinese border.

Megan Singleton laces up and takes a look at the world's premier marathons worth making the trip for.