Senator Steve Daines is planning to lead a delegation of his fellow US legislators to China during the first half of next year, according to people familiar with the matter, in what would be a high-profile visit that reflects improving ties between the rival superpowers.

Zhao Leji is the country's third most powerful political figure after President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang.

Beijing suggested it might reimpose a ban on seafood imports from Japan after warning its citizens to avoid travel there and postponing the release of at least two Japanese movies.

German Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil pressed for an “open, rules-based global trading system” as he departed for a high-stakes visit to Asia, as frictions over trade restrictions between the US, China and Europe ramp up.

Thailand’s tourism industry is seeing a surge in confidence following the state visit of King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida to China, which drew “100% positive” feedback from Chinese partners,