The church’s pastor, Ezra Jin Mingri, turned Zion Church into one of China’s largest unofficial congregations, even as government pressure on Christianity increased.

The Philippines accused Chinese maritime forces of using water cannon and ramming a Filipino vessel near the Philippine-occupied Thitu Island, calling the actions a "clear threat" that escalates tensions in contested South China Sea waters.

China has hit American-owned vessels docking in the country with tit-for-tat port fees. The announcement was made by China's Ministry of Transport on Friday.

The sporting league had been effectively banned from China for six years after a team executive's tweet that supported Hong Kong protesters drew Beijing's ire.

Vessels owned or operated by U.S. firms and individuals, or those built in the United States or that fly the U.S. flag, will be charged additional port fees per voyage starting on Tuesday, China's transport ministry said on Friday.

A look at where things stand in the U.S.-China trade standoff:

The People’s Daily newspaper put the star player’s name on an opinion article, an example of the political perils the N.B.A. could face in China.