China has disputed Germany's claim that it targeted a military plane with a laser fired from a warship, as a diplomatic spat between the two countries deepens.

Germany summoned the Chinese ambassador to the foreign ministry on Tuesday after saying China's military had laser-targeted a German aircraft taking part in an EU operation in the Red Sea, an account Beijing denied.

More than 200 children at a kindergarten in northwestern China have fallen ill with suspected lead poisoning from contaminated date cakes and corn rolls, leading to the arrest of the school’s principal,

Taiwan is preparing to kick off its most expansive annual military drills ever — underscoring President Lai Ching-te’s drive to protect the self-run democracy from China’s assertiveness.

Taiwan began its annual military drills on Wednesday with troops joined by the largest-ever mobilisation of reservists for 10 days of training aimed at defending against a Chinese invasion.This year's drills have been extended to 10 days and nine nights,