China effectively rejected Iran's invite to tour Tehran's nuclear facilities on Thursday, potentially smoothing a source of friction ahead of President Hu Jintao's state visit to the United States next week.

• January 13, 2011

With the test of a stealth fighter jet Tuesday, just hours before U.S. Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates met with Chinese President Hu Jintao, the Chinese military provided a blunt demonstration of its willingness to challenge both the United States and its own president.

• January 12, 2011

China would welcome assurance about the security of its financial assets in the United States, a senior diplomat said ahead of President Hu Jintao's visit next week, while playing down rifts between the two powers.

• January 12, 2011

Chinese investors are keen on taking part in developing energy projects in Bulgaria, Bulgaria's Government said on January 10 2011.

• January 11, 2011

Organizers of a petition drive in Kazakhstan calling for the president to remain in power for at least another decade say they have gathered signatures from at least half the Central Asian nation's eligible voters.

• January 11, 2011

The U.S. and Chinese defense chiefs took a step Monday toward mending frayed relations between their powerful militaries, though China warned ties could be cut again if Washington does not heed Beijing's wishes.

• January 10, 2011

A giant monument to friendship between historic enemies Turkey and Armenia has become a symbol of controvery rather than healing.

• January 10, 2011

The European Union has turned down an offer from Iran to tour its nuclear facilities, EU foreign affairs chief Catherine Ashton said on Friday, but remains optimistic about talks with Tehran later this month. Iran has sent letters to a number of ambassadors to the International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna, inviting them to visit two sites - the Natanz uranium enrichment plant and the Arak heavy water complex - in the coming weeks.

• January 8, 2011