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.

Typhoon Fitow, which is barrelling into China's east coast packing winds of more than 200km/h, has killed at least five people and impacted three million.

US President Barack Obama's decision to scrap his Asia trip is a setback for his much-advertised pledge to shift the focus of foreign policy to the Pacific and a boost for China's attempt to gain influence in the region.

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.

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.

International leaders are failing in their fight against global warming, one of the United Nations' top climate officials has said.

A restaurant that prides itself on organic freshness allows Shandelle Battersby to go to the source of her dinner.

A global survey has found Chinese tourists are more likely to seek luxury for their holidays.

Shandelle Battersby gets a taste of Chinese medicine - with inconclusive results.

Graham Reid takes time to look at what's in his pocket

A young woman is stopped from falling from her apartment in China.

New Zealand's 100 per cent Pure image is suddenly being questioned by its loyal Chinese customers, writes Hua Dong.

An error with carton labels which stopped meat getting into China has led to about 240 workers being temporarily out of their jobs at a South Island freezing works.