China’s exports in December grew at a faster pace than expected, as factories rushed to fill orders to beat higher tariffs that U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has threatened to impose once he takes office.

Economists are expecting exports to make a notable boost to China's economic growth last year when the figures are released later this week.

China’s trade figures for December have revealed surprising growth, with both exports and imports exceeding analysts’ forecasts. In a month marked by heightened trade tensions and anticipation of new tariffs under U.

Taiwanese charged with suspicion of spying on behalf of China rose by a third to 64 people last year, the island's National Security Bureau said, adding most were current or retired soldiers.

Prosecutions relating to Chinese espionage have jumped in Taiwan in recent years, according to a new report by the country's National Security Bureau. It says China is seeking to infiltrate all sectors in Taiwan and trying to recruit sniper gangs and spies to carry out armed insurrection in the event of a Chinese invasion.