Former defense officials from the administrations of George W. Bush and Barack Obama visited Taiwan. The delegation arrived amid fears Russia's Ukraine invasion could spark China's geopolitical ambitions for the island.

Senior Chinese officials asked their Russian counterparts not to invade Ukraine during the Olympics. Western intelligence picked up reports of the communications.

This week, we're focusing on the consequences of Russia's war in Ukraine for Asian powers. The conflict calls into question China and India's close ties to Moscow and could affect other disputed areas like Taiwan and Kashmir. We take a closer look and speak to Professor Steve Tsang from SOAS University of London. We also hear from our New Delhi correspondent Edward Haywood.

While Western leaders hope China will play a more active role in mediating between Russia and Ukraine, experts say it's unlikely that Beijing will jeopardize its warming ties with Moscow.

Volkswagen, key Apple suppliers and other factories shut down their operations as China grapples with record COVID-19 cases. Meanwhile, France lifted restrictions.

How far is China willing to go to support Russia amid its war in Ukraine? Washington has warned there will be consequences if Beijing offers financial assistance or military support to Moscow. Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping may have pledged a no limits relationship, but there is a cost to standing up together to their joint rival: America. Regardless, the war provides China with a case study of Western resolve, and an opportunity to learn from Russia's mistakes.

China is experiencing a surge in COVID infections driven by the omicron variant. Meanwhile, Hong Kong has lifted its ban on international flights from nine countries. Follow DW for the latest.

After first appearing in China more than two years ago, Covid-19 has returned to the Middle Kingdom. The country had largely succeeded in keeping infection and mortality rates in check. But in recent weeks, the Omicron variant has posed a significant challenge to the country's zero-Covid strategy. Once again, harsh lockdowns and restrictions are being enforced. We take a closer look.

State media have published a series of critical articles against Chinese journalists, accusing them of helping foreign media with "anti-China reports."

The omicron variant is driving case numbers in parts of China to levels not seen since coronavirus first emerged. But keeping case numbers at near zero means continued disruptions and lockdowns.

Beijing's top diplomat Wang Yi has met with top Taliban leaders in Kabul for the first time since the fundamentalist group took power in August. Wang also visited India amid a controversy regarding Kashmir.

A leaked document suggests the Chinese military could establish a presence on the Solomon Islands under a new security pact. Australia and New Zealand have reacted to the plan with unease.