The talks took place over Saturday and Sunday, as the diplomats try to seek common ground over thorny issues such as Taiwan. The meeting may pave the way for Presidents Biden and Xi to meet in the near future.

Li Shangfu has not been seen in public since August 29. Insider sources reportedly said he is under investigation after China's military procurement unit ordered an internal "clean-up."

The air and sea drills close to Taiwan are seen as a response to a visit of its Vice President William Lai to the US. China has derided Lai as a "troublemaker" who backs "Taiwanese independence" separatists.

Beijing has alleged that a Chinese man signed a contract with the United States spy agency and received training to conduct espionage activities.

High costs, lower demand, fiercer competition — the German automotive industry is coming under pressure. The lucrative Chinese market, in particular, is proving difficult as Chinese consumers choose national brands.

The US took steps to mitigate any collection efforts of the suspected spy balloon, the Pentagon has said. According to press reports, the device used US technology.

New data shows Chinese economic growth slowing, with property investment in steep decline and youth unemployment at a record high. Also, the US Federal Reserve confirms its "hawkish pause" policy, keeping interest rates steady for now but planning for more hikes. Finally, economists name an unlikely culprit for persistent Swedish inflation: Beyoncé.

The top US diplomat is expected to travel to Beijing after a previously planned trip was abruptly canceled. China's foreign minister said "new difficulties" affected their relations since the beginning of the year.

Taipei reported the passage of Beijing's Shandon aircraft carrier and two other ships, in the latest sign of tensions in the waters separating the self-ruled island from mainland China.

The two Los Angeles residents are accused of scheming to revoke the tax-exempt status of a New York-based Falun Gong, an organization banned in China.

Putin said Russia and China a cooperating closely on strategic issues. Meanwhile, foreign ministers from the G7 have reiterated their support for Ukraine and sanctions against Russia.

Two New York residents are facing charges of conspiring to act as agents of the Chinese government. US prosecutors also charged 34 Chinese security officials over an alleged campaign to monitor and harass dissidents.