CHINA

Five years ago today, Pluto ceased to be a planet, when the International Astronomical Union demoted it to a newly created category of dwarf planet.The decision to redefine the long-known ninth planet of the solar system remains controversial today, with some disagreements among scientists as well as confusion among the public.

The United States government has issued a production order to Wikileaks for information on Julian Assange, through the Patriot Act, according to WikiLeak's Twitter feed.

After being held up as a model of strength in a region saddled with debt and low growth, Germany suddenly finds itself in a perfect economic storm that could force it to rethink its approach to the crisis plaguing the wider euro zone.

Before Joe Biden left China this week, the last thing Vice President Xi Jinping told him over dinner was simple: he wants to be friends.

Kim and Medvedev also discussed the possible construction of a pipeline that would cross through North Korea into South Korea.

A beleaguered Muammar Gaddafi vowed on Wednesday to fight on to death or victory after jubilant rebels forced him to abandon his Tripoli stronghold in an apparently decisive blow against the Libyan leader's 42-year rule.

China vowed on Wednesday to appeal a recent World Trade Organization ruling against its raw materials export policy, a case that could threaten Beijing's handling of rare earths.

Gold bounced back on Wednesday after suffering its worst setback in 18 months, as risk appetite retreated on Japan's debt rating downgrade, while oil and metals were supported by hopes the U.S. would inject fresh stimulus to boost the economy.

For Eriko Ebina, standing outside a downtown Tokyo medical equipment store that has a side business buying gold, the recent surge in prices for the precious metal was just too tempting.

Taiwanese PC maker Acer Inc reported a worse-than-expected quarterly loss, the first in company history, as it took charges to reorganize in a troubled first half, and said it would be impossible to break even for the full year.

China vowed on Wednesday to appeal a recent World Trade Organization ruling against its raw materials export policy, a case that could threaten Beijing's stance on rare earths, which it contends is in line with the trade body's rules.

China COSCO Holdings <1919.HK> <601919.SS>, the country's top shipping company, sought to reassure investors on Wednesday that negotiations with shipowners over unpaid bills would be resolved and its business remained strong.

China's Commerce Ministry said it had not received an application for regulatory approval from Google Inc on its planned $12.5 billion purchase of Motorola Mobility Holdings.

Chinese social-networking site Renren said Wednesday it has signed an agreement with Microsoft's joint venture instant messaging firm, MSN, to cooperate in areas of instant messaging and social networking.

Chinese social-networking site Renren said on Wednesday it has signed an agreement with Microsoft's joint venture instant messaging firm, MSN, to cooperate in areas of instant messaging and social networking.

The U.S. ambassador made a surprise trip to a southern Syrian town Tuesday, his second visit to an area rocked by protests against President Bashar al-Assad and a move likely to antagonize the authorities in Damascus.

Gold rebounded more than 1 percent Wednesday after posting its biggest drop in 18 months, as risk appetite retreated after Moody's downgraded Japan's debt rating and strong buying interest in Asia's physical market lent support.

China urged a stable transition of power in Libya Wednesday and said it is in contact with the National Transitional Council, in the clearest sign yet that Beijing has effectively shifted recognition to rebel forces.

Edward Zwick has signed on to direct Legendary East's first project, The Great Wall, the company said Tuesday.

Several major banks cut sharply their oil price forecasts on Tuesday, with Citigroup saying that even if the United States printed more money, oil would stay depressed by weak economic growth and fresh supplies from Libya.

Apple is getting ready to launch two phones, according to people familiar with the matter, confirming rumors that have run rampant for months which suggested another phone would join the launch of the iPhone 5.