Chinese officials in Australia used the start of the 30-day countdown to the Beijing Games to try to push past diplomatic and trade spats.

The number is almost double the previous record of about 590,000 set just four days ago.

Gymnast who fled to South in late 2020 is believed to have returned home over barbed-wire fence.

The best photos from the international wire agencies as chosen by our picture editors

Lawyers for the family have asked a judge to quash James’ “unprecedented and unconstitutional” bid for their testimony.

China, Russia, the UK, the United States and France release a joint statement agreeing that a further spread of nuclear arms should be avoided.

As the US midterm elections loom, the US President faces challenges at home and abroad.

The Dutch painter’s 1642 artwork The Night Watch is being repaired, but you can now see every stroke and crack in the canvas in high definition online.

The court documents reveal that Jeffrey Epstein settled the lawsuit with Virginia Giuffre for $US500,000. The Prince argues the deal means he cannot be sued.

The European Union waited until New Year’s Eve to release divisive proposals for nuclear energy and natural gas projects.

The Food and Drug Authority will allow children as young as 12 to get a third dose of Pfizer after real-world data from Israel showed no safety concerns.

US researchers are studying mice, which have the same genetic abnormality as Jake Litvag, in a bid to understand the mutation that’s linked to a rare form of autism.

With the average annual temperature in the state having risen by 4.8C in 50 years, one of the most visible signs of global warming is the exodus of polar bears.

China’s new laws crack down on sexual harassment at home, at work and even from pickup artists - but women are still being punished for speaking out.

The election landscape in 2022, with eye-catching votes across every continent, will not just shape domestic politics and economics, but also international relations well into the 2020s.

The best photos from the international wire agencies as chosen by our picture editors

A man has been arrested in connection with a fire at South Africa’s national Parliament complex on Sunday.

Students learning the art and craft of “gastro-diplomacy” attend conferences with sommeliers and baristas.

Ukraine President Vlodimir zelensky tweeted “we appreciate the unwavering support” as Russian troops massed along the border.

Designed by Santiago Calatrava, the Ponte della Costituzione is a multimillion-dollar glass and steel curve, meant to symbolise the city’s embrace of modernity.

The ban for her COVID misinformation tweets applies to Greene’s personal account, @mtgreenee, but does not affect her official Twitter account, @RepMTG.

Abdulla Hamdok had only been restored to power in November, after he was kidnapped by his own military in the October coup.

The rioters’ refrains before the judges are often the same: They were caught up in the moment or just following the crowd into the Capitol.

Nobody knew Maxwell was married until her bail application last year. Her husband never came to her trial. Now the shipping magnate is seeing another woman.

Top US infectious disease expert Dr Anthony Fauci said there was still a danger of a surge in hospitalisation due to a large number of coronavirus cases even as early data suggests the Omicron variant is less severe.

The potential for space flight to hasten the ageing process jeopardises scientists’ plans for a mission to the Red Planet.

The border crossing, which is illegal in South Korea, came as North Korea carries out strict anti-coronavirus measures.

The best photos from the international wire agencies as chosen by our picture editors

This decade shows no sign of calming down yet. From vaccination to elections to the Olympics, our correspondents highlight the big news issues of the year.

During a frenetic first day in office the new mayor visited a police officer hit by gunfire and dialled 911 after witnessing a fight from the subway.

The couple is seeking to challenge a media system that they say “rewards chaos above truth”.

After the nation’s slow gains in women’s rights, a backlash has seen young men become increasingly vocal about their anger towards feminists.

The outbreak took hold despite all staff passing multiple PCR tests, quarantining and living in one of the most remote places in the world.

In his New Year’s wishes to the world, Pope Francis encouraged people on Saturday to focus on the good which unites them and decried violence against women.

Prince Andrew’s effort to immediately block the progression of a lawsuit by a woman who says he sexually assaulted her when she was 17 have been knocked back.

England reported a record high daily total of 162,572 new cases of COVID-19 on Saturday, up from 160,276 the previous day, official data showed.

Archbishop Desmond Tutu has been remembered as a “moral compass” and a “giant” at his funeral Mass in Cape Town.

Omicron cramped party plans around the world, but nevertheless people took to the streets across the world to celebrate the prospect of a better future.

Analysts said North Korea’s leader couldn’t risk unveiling expensive missile programs this year while food shortages are so dire.

Qandi, 10, was sold into marriage behind her mother’s back. She is just one of the children traded for food by starving Afghan families. Here are their stories.

The Duke comes up short on proof of his alibis as accuser Virginia Giuffre pushes to give victim impact statement at Ghislaine Maxwell’s sentencing.

The actor has retired from the role but the New Year’s honours make Craig a Companion in The Order of St Michael and St George, just like the spy he played.

Extreme fires tend to be “climate-enabled and weather-driven”; this was a classic case and one that is projected to become more frequent as the planet warms.

Compared to other variants, Omicron appears to cause less damage to the lungs. In trials on animals, infections were limited largely to the nose and throat.

The consummate Daddy’s Girl learnt at her father’s knee how to placate a cruel and demanding man. She would go on to replicate this talent with Epstein.

Scientists analysed more than a million cases of Delta and Omicron patients in recent weeks and determined the risk of hospitalisation was significantly lower for those with the Omicron variant.

The first attempt to subvert a democratic election result was chaotic. Donald Trump and his allies are better organised now.

Several blazes started around Denver on Thursday, at least some sparked by downed power lines.

At rest, the human body produces about 100 watts of energy. Strenuous dancing can multiply that five or six times, making dance floors great at creating heat.

The best photos from the international wire agencies as chosen by our picture editors