Only deaths resulting directly from respiratory failure due to a coronavirus infection will be counted as COVID-19 deaths under new Chinese rules. With the new guidelines in place, cases have risen but deaths declined.

China is scrambling to deal with a surge in coronavirus cases after Beijing's retreat from a zero-COVID policy. With much of the population unvaccinated, there are fears of mutations, high fatalities, and economic upset.

Beijing is freezing the assets of two Americans involved in Washington's policies regarding Tibet. The move follows US sanctions on Chinese officials earlier this month.

The Philippines' Defense Ministry said it would boost its military presence following reports China embarked on fresh land reclamation projects in the South China Sea.

China has reported zero COVID-19 deaths for the last four days. A British based health data firm estimated that there are nearly 5,000 deaths a day in China from COVID-19.

Beijing dispatched the aircraft into Taiwan's air defense identification zone in what it called a response to "provocations" and "collusion" between the US and Taiwan.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has asked authorities to launch an health campaign in a more "targeted" way. US experts estimate another million people could die of COVID in China during 2023.

The measure is expected to revive the tourism sector globally, with China being a major source of outbound travelers. However, the return to normal will not happen overnight.

COVID situation in China 'quite worrying': Molecular biologist

The systems, worth $180 million, "serve US national, economic and security interests," the Pentagon said. The sale comes after China conducted one of its largest incursions into Taiwan-controlled airspace to date.

With China scrapping its strict COVID restrictions, several countries have introduced mandatory testing on travelers from China. Italy is calling for EU-wide measures.

It has been a turbulent year for Germany's government — and 2023 promises to be just as nerve-wracking. DW examines the biggest challenges facing German politicians in the new year.