SEOUL/BEIJING, Jan 2 (Reuters) - Chinese President Xi Jinping will host South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on ‌a ​state visit starting on Sunday, signalling Beijing's intent to strengthen ‌ties with Seoul amidst strained relations with Japan over Taiwan.

Welkin Lei has been doing some paper-napkin calculations in his spare time and the numbers for having another child just don’t add up.

China introduces 13% tax on contraceptives while exempting childcare services as global superpower battles sustained population decline and aging demographics.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has hailed his country’s technological progress in areas such as artificial intelligence and semiconductors.

China imposes 13% VAT on condoms and contraceptives from Jan 1, 2026, ending a 30-year exemption as Beijing pushes births with subsidies.

China conducts two-day military exercises around Taiwan with rockets, bombers and assault ships as House Select Committee on China warns of deliberate escalation by Beijing.

China will impose an added 55% tariff on beef imports that exceed quota levels from key suppliers including Brazil, Australia and the U.S. in a move to protect its domestic cattle industry.

From US rivalry and cross-strait tensions to expanding global influence, the coming year will test China’s ability to hold course amid mounting strain, analysts say.