The band, Varihnaz, has gained fans by offering an alternative to China’s hyper-polished, fast-paced modern life, with songs about pesticides and poultry raising.

Matt Miller, a U.S. State Department spokesman, said the Biden administration had contacted the Israeli government to ask about what he called a “horrifying incident.” At least 55 people were killed, according to Palestinian Civil Defense.

The Baalbek district beared the brunt of Israel’s barrage, which officials said killed at least 60 people in the Bekaa Valley, in eastern Lebanon.

Last year, the Shanghai government said Halloween celebrations were a sign of “cultural tolerance.” This year, the police rounded up people in costume.

Analysts said the Shahroud Space Center was likely used to produce intermediate-range ballistic missiles that could be used to target Israel.

The launch, into waters west of Japan, came shortly after the United States and South Korea criticized the North for sending troops to join Russia’s war.

Comedy has become a way for women to skewer China’s gender inequality. Some men aren’t happy about it.

Times foreign correspondents describe what’s at stake for the world, including China, Israel, Ukraine, global trade and climate.

A Times investigation has found that an unusually tall mast, and the design changes it required, made a superyacht owned by a British tech mogul vulnerable to capsizing.

American agencies have assessed that China dislikes the growing partnership between Russia and North Korea. The State Department has raised the troop issue with Chinese diplomats.