WASHINGTON—Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) is leading a bipartisan congressional delegation to China that would make him the highest ranking congressional official to visit the country as tensions between the world’s two top powers continue to rise. Speaking to reporters on Sept. 13 following a forum on artificial intelligence, Mr. Schumer declined to share details about his trip, which follows a number of visits by senior Biden administration officials to the country, such as Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and Secretary of State Antony Blinken. “I’m not going to get into my China trip,” he said, adding that Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) has been “one of the leaders” spearheading this trip. It’s unclear when the trip, which includes a stop to Japan and South Korea, will take place....Read more https://www.theepochtimes.com/china/schumer-confirms-he-will-lead-senate-delegation-to-china-5491226
Former defence personnel and Australian public servants face decades behind bars if they share the country’s classified secrets. The Safeguarding Australia’s Military Secrets Bill comes as several cases of Beijing-linked espionage emerge across Western countries. On Sept. 14, federal Labor Defence Minister Richard Marles introduced laws that will make it a requirement for former military personnel to obtain approval before they can work for a foreign military or government service. Failure to receive approval could lead to 20 years imprisonment, while those who receive permission but do not follow the government’s requirements could face five years behind bars. Penalties of up to 20 years could also be slapped on those who provide tactical or weapons training.... 
Following a visit from a delegation of Chinese officials last month, California Gov. Gavin Newsom is headed to China in October to strengthen climate partnership, according to statements he made during an interview with Politico Sept. 12. “We get it in the state of California, but we’re responsible now to not just understand the impacts, but also to address the solutions,” Mr. Newsom said in the interview. “That’s why I’ll be going to China in a few weeks. To build on the work we’ve done in China on climate, and I don’t think there’s anything more essential.”...
A Chinese opera singer has sparked anger by performing a Soviet-era war ballad amidst the ruins of a theatre that was bombed by Russian forces in March 2022, killing hundreds who were sheltering there. Wang Fang, a 38-year-old singer, accompanied a delegation of Chinese social media personalities who visited the region last week. According to Russian news agency RT, the Chinese delegation visited the Russian-occupied Crimean Peninsula on Sept. 7. Russian authorities and the Chinese delegation discussed cooperation on tourism and exchanges of music conservatory students. They also talked about the investment potential of the Crimean Peninsula and reportedly agreed to establish commercial contacts....