World What we know so far about the suspected Chinese spy balloon and FBI probe FBI and State Department officials gave reporters an update on some of what the U.S. has learned so far about the balloon. John Ruwitch Ryan Lucas Michele Kelemen
Technology Following the U.S., Australia says it will remove Chinese-made surveillance cameras Australia will remove surveillance cameras made by Chinese Communist Party-linked companies from its buildings, the government said Thursday after the U.S. and Britain made similar moves. The Associated Press
Health China's COVID surge prompts CDC to expand a hunt for new variants among air travelers It would make more sense to screen a plane's wastewater to look for new variants than to screen individual passenger volunteers, some researchers say. Others say any information is helpful. Rob Stein
World A 'wolf warrior' is sidelined, as China softens its approach on the world stage Zhao Lijian, a foreign ministry spokesman known for his combative approach, was reassigned. The change is mostly tactical, but analysts see a window of opportunity to improve China-U.S. relations. John Ruwitch
Health China's COVID vaccines: Do the jabs do the job? As case counts surge in China, rumors circulate about the effectiveness and safety of the made-in-China vaccines in use there. Here's what we know about CoronaVac and Sinopharm. Michaeleen Doucleff
World U.S. will require travelers from China to show negative COVID test before flight In announcing the step, the CDC pointed to the surge in COVID-19 cases in China. The measure will go into effect on Jan. 5 for all passengers over the age of 2. Ashley Ahn
Technology Why the proposed TikTok ban is more about politics than privacy, according to experts Digital privacy experts are skeptical of proposed TikTok bans, saying they are more about geopolitical tension than the social media app. Manuela López Restrepo
Health Why vaccine hesitancy persists in China — and what they're doing about it The reluctance of many citizens — especially the elderly — to get vaccinated is a problem for a government facing intense pressure to roll back strict COVID policies. John Ruwitch
Asia China struggles with Covid infections after controls ease A rash of Covid-19 cases were reported by social media users on Friday in areas across China although it wasn't clear how far above the official figure the total cases may be. The Associated Press
Health China lends billions to poor countries. Is that a burden ... or a blessing? China doles out much cash for infrastructure. It must be repaid. Is that frustrating for recipients? A new survey has a surprising answer. But skeptics wonder: How honest were the participants? Andrew Connelly
