Taiwan opposition leader Cheng meets with Xi

Taiwan opposition leader Cheng meets with Xi

Cheng Li-wun, leader of Taiwan's main opposition party, the Nationalist Party, is surrounded by photographers after a press conference she held in Beijing on April 10, 2026, following talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, the first time in nearly a decade Xi has held talks with the incumbent head of the Taiwanese party, also known as Kuomintang.

Taiwan opposition leader Cheng in Beijing

Taiwan opposition leader Cheng in Beijing

A motorcade carrying Cheng Li-wun, leader of Taiwan's main opposition Nationalist Party, or Kuomintang, departs from a hotel in Beijing on April 10, 2026. She had talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping the same day.

Taiwan opposition leader Cheng in Beijing

Taiwan opposition leader Cheng in Beijing

Cheng Li-wun (2nd from R), leader of Taiwan's main opposition Nationalist Party, or Kuomintang, sits in a car departing from a hotel in Beijing on April 10, 2026. She had talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping the same day.

Taiwan opposition leader Cheng in Beijing

Taiwan opposition leader Cheng in Beijing

Cheng Li-wun (2nd from R), leader of Taiwan's main opposition Nationalist Party, or Kuomintang, sits in a car departing from a hotel in Beijing on April 10, 2026. She had talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping the same day.

Speed skating: Takagi holds retirement press conference

TOKYO, Japan, April 6 Kyodo - Japanese speed skating icon Miho Takagi poses for a photo with snowboarder Ayumu Hirano as she officially announces her retirement from competition at a press conference in Tokyo on April 6, 2026. The 31-year-old racked up a Japan women's record of 10 medals in four Olympics, including two gold medals. (Kyodo)

Taiwan opposition leader's visit to China

Taiwan opposition leader's visit to China

Taiwan's main opposition Nationalist Party leader, Cheng Li-wun, holds a press conference in Taipei on April 7, 2026, before she leaves for China. She is likely to hold talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping during her visit.

Taiwan opposition leader's visit to China

Taiwan opposition leader's visit to China

Taiwan's main opposition Nationalist Party leader, Cheng Li-wun, holds a press conference in Taipei on April 7, 2026, before she leaves for China. She is likely to hold talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping during her visit.

Taiwan opposition leader's visit to China

Taiwan opposition leader's visit to China

Taiwan's main opposition Nationalist Party leader, Cheng Li-wun, holds a press conference in Taipei on April 7, 2026, before she leaves for China. She is likely to hold talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping during her visit.

Speed skating: Takagi holds retirement press conference

Speed skating: Takagi holds retirement press conference

Japanese speed skating icon Miho Takagi poses for a photo as she officially announces her retirement from competition at a press conference in Tokyo on April 6, 2026. The 31-year-old racked up a Japan women's record of 10 medals in four Olympics, including two gold medals.

Speed skating: Takagi holds retirement press conference

Speed skating: Takagi holds retirement press conference

Japanese speed skating icon Miho Takagi poses for a photo as she officially announces her retirement from competition at a press conference in Tokyo on April 6, 2026. The 31-year-old racked up a Japan women's record of 10 medals in four Olympics, including two gold medals.

Speed skating: Takagi holds retirement press conference

Speed skating: Takagi holds retirement press conference

Japanese speed skating icon Miho Takagi (C) poses for a photo with snowboarder Ayumu Hirano (R) as she officially announces her retirement from competition at a press conference in Tokyo on April 6, 2026. The 31-year-old racked up a Japan women's record of 10 medals in four Olympics, including two gold medals.

Speed skating: Takagi holds retirement press conference

Speed skating: Takagi holds retirement press conference

Japanese speed skating icon Miho Takagi speaks as she officially announces her retirement from competition at a press conference in Tokyo on April 6, 2026. The 31-year-old racked up a Japan women's record of 10 medals in four Olympics, including two gold medals.

Speed skating: Takagi holds retirement press conference

Speed skating: Takagi holds retirement press conference

Japanese speed skating icon Miho Takagi speaks as she officially announces her retirement from competition at a press conference in Tokyo on April 6, 2026. The 31-year-old racked up a Japan women's record of 10 medals in four Olympics, including two gold medals.

Speed skating: Takagi holds retirement press conference

Speed skating: Takagi holds retirement press conference

Japanese speed skating icon Miho Takagi receives a bouquet as she officially announces her retirement from competition at a press conference in Tokyo on April 6, 2026. The 31-year-old racked up a Japan women's record of 10 medals in four Olympics, including two gold medals.

Figure skating: ISU awards

Figure skating: ISU awards

Ami Nakai of Japan poses for photos as she attends the ISU Figure Skating Awards ceremony in Prague on March 29, 2026, following the world championships.

Retired figure skater Mao Asada

TOKYO, Japan, March 23 Kyodo - Retired Japanese figure skater Mao Asada speaks to the press in Tachikawa, western Tokyo, on March 21, 2026, as her figure skating academy Kinoshita Mao Academy holds its first presentation event. She started a full-time coaching career last August at the school. (Kyodo)

China: Tiger Shark Circles Female Diver in Tense Underwater Encounter off Hainan

A female diver in Hainan, China, came face-to-face with a tiger shark on March 17, 2026. As the shark began circling her, nearby staff urgently signaled her to lie flat on the seabed. She followed the instructions and remained still until the shark eventually swam away. The diver was unharmed.

Retired figure skater Mao Asada

Retired figure skater Mao Asada

Retired Japanese figure skater Mao Asada speaks to the press in Tachikawa, western Tokyo, on March 21, 2026, as her figure skating academy Kinoshita Mao Academy holds its first presentation event. She started a full-time coaching career last August at the school.

Retired figure skater Mao Asada

Retired figure skater Mao Asada

Retired Japanese figure skater Mao Asada speaks to the press in Tachikawa, western Tokyo, on March 21, 2026, as her figure skating academy Kinoshita Mao Academy holds its first presentation event. She started a full-time coaching career last August at the school.

Retired figure skater Mao Asada

Retired figure skater Mao Asada

Retired Japanese figure skater Mao Asada speaks to the press in Tachikawa, western Tokyo, on March 21, 2026, as her figure skating academy Kinoshita Mao Academy holds its first presentation event. She started a full-time coaching career last August at the school.

China: Dancing Girl Captures Beluga Whale’s Attention at Anhui Aquarium

On February 14, 2026, in Anhui, located in eastern China, a video recorded a girl dancing in front of the glass wall at an aquarium. She moved freely while facing the tank, apparently unaware of what was happening behind her at first. As she danced, a beluga in the distance began swimming closer. The whale then approached the glass and stayed near the girl, appearing to watch her movements from inside the tank. When the girl turned around and noticed the beluga beside the glass, she immediately smiled. The interaction lasted only a brief moment, but the timing made it look as though the dance had drawn the animal over.

Milan Cortina Paralympics: Alpine skiing

Milan Cortina Paralympics: Alpine skiing

Para alpine skier Audrey Pascual Seco of Spain is pictured after competing in the women's alpine combined sitting at the Milan Cortina Paralympics on March 10, 2026, at Tofane Alpine Skiing Centre in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy. She won gold.

Milan Cortina Paralympics: Cross-country skiing

Milan Cortina Paralympics: Cross-country skiing

Oksana Masters of the United States smiles at the medal ceremony with the gold medal she won in the women's para cross-country skiing sprint sitting at the Milan Cortina Paralympics on March 10, 2026, in Tesero, Italy.

Milan Cortina Paralympics: Cross-country skiing

Milan Cortina Paralympics: Cross-country skiing

Oksana Masters of the United States smiles at the medal ceremony with the gold medal she won in the women's para cross-country skiing sprint sitting at the Milan Cortina Paralympics on March 10, 2026, in Tesero, Italy.

CORRECTED: Milan Cortina Paralympics: Alpine skiing

CORRECTED: Milan Cortina Paralympics: Alpine skiing

Para alpine skier Ebba Aarsjoe of Sweden reacts after finishing her run in the women's downhill standing at the Milan Cortina Paralympics on March 7, 2026, at Tofane Alpine Skiing Center in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy. She won gold in the event.

CORRECTED: Milan Cortina Paralympics: Cross-country skiing

CORRECTED: Milan Cortina Paralympics: Cross-country skiing

Para cross-country skier Oksana Masters of the United States looks at her gold medal she won in the women's 10-kilometer interval start sitting at the Milan Cortina Paralympics during the medal ceremony on March 11, 2026, at Tesero Cross-Country Skiing Stadium in Tesero, Italy.

CORRECTED: Milan Cortina Paralympics: Cross-country skiing

CORRECTED: Milan Cortina Paralympics: Cross-country skiing

Para cross-country skier Oksana Masters of the United States celebrates with the gold medal she won in the women's 10-kilometer interval start sitting at the Milan Cortina Paralympics at Tesero Cross-Country Skiing Stadium in Tesero, Italy, during the medal ceremony on March 11, 2026.

CORRECTED: Milan Cortina Paralympics: Cross-country skiing

CORRECTED: Milan Cortina Paralympics: Cross-country skiing

Para cross-country skier Oksana Masters of the United States smiles at the medal ceremony with the gold medal she won in the women's 10-kilometer interval start sitting at the Milan Cortina Paralympics on March 11, 2026, at Tesero Cross-Country Skiing Stadium in Tesero, Italy.

China: Zoo Monkey Gifts Apple Slices to Woman After She Strokes its Hand

On March 7, 2026, at a zoo in Inner Mongolia, northern China, a video captured a woman holding and gently stroking a monkey's hand through a hole in a glass barrier. The monkey appeared relaxed and seemed to enjoy the contact, before suddenly turning and running away. A short while later, it returned carrying two pieces of apple and passed them through the hole to the woman, who appeared delighted by the unexpected gesture.

CORRECTED: Milan Cortina Paralympics: Alpine skiing

CORRECTED: Milan Cortina Paralympics: Alpine skiing

Para alpine skier Anna-Lena Forster of Germany reacts after finishing her second run in the women's giant slalom sitting at the Milan Cortina Paralympics on March 12, 2026, at Tofane Alpine Skiing Center in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy. She won gold in the event.

CORRECTED: Milan Cortina Paralympics: Alpine skiing

CORRECTED: Milan Cortina Paralympics: Alpine skiing

Para alpine skier Momoka Muraoka of Japan poses with the silver medal she won in the women's giant slalom sitting at the Milan Cortina Paralympics at Tofane Alpine Skiing Center in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, during the medal ceremony on March 12, 2026.

China: Snowboarder Tumbles Over Cliff Edge at Xinjiang Ski Resort

A female snowboarder lost control and tumbled over a cliff edge at a ski resort in Altay, Xinjiang, China, on March 5, 2026. After mistakenly entering a dangerous area while descending, she rolled down a steep snowy drop before coming to a stop, aided by heavy snow coverage. Nearby ski patrol responded quickly, and the woman reported no serious injuries.

Milan Cortina Paralympics: Alpine skiing

Milan Cortina Paralympics: Alpine skiing

Para alpine skier Momoka Muraoka celebrates at the medal ceremony after clinching silver in the women's super-G sitting at the Milan Cortina Paralympics on March 9, 2026, at Tofane Alpine Skiing Center in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy. She became Japan's first medalist at the games.

Milan Cortina Paralympics: Alpine skiing

Milan Cortina Paralympics: Alpine skiing

Para alpine skier Momoka Muraoka celebrates at the medal ceremony after clinching silver in the women's super-G sitting at the Milan Cortina Paralympics on March 9, 2026, at Tofane Alpine Skiing Center in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy. She became Japan's first medalist at the games.

Milan Cortina Paralympics: Alpine skiing

Milan Cortina Paralympics: Alpine skiing

Para alpine skier Momoka Muraoka celebrates at the medal ceremony after clinching silver in the women's super-G sitting at the Milan Cortina Paralympics on March 9, 2026, at Tofane Alpine Skiing Center in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy. She became Japan's first medalist at the games.

Milan Cortina Paralympics: Alpine skiing

Milan Cortina Paralympics: Alpine skiing

Para alpine skier Momoka Muraoka celebrates at the medal ceremony after clinching silver in the women's super-G sitting at the Milan Cortina Paralympics on March 9, 2026, at Tofane Alpine Skiing Center in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy. She became Japan's first medalist at the games.

Milan Cortina Paralympics: Alpine skiing

Milan Cortina Paralympics: Alpine skiing

Para alpine skier Momoka Muraoka celebrates at the medal ceremony after clinching silver in the women's super-G sitting at the Milan Cortina Paralympics on March 9, 2026, at Tofane Alpine Skiing Center in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy. She became Japan's first medalist at the games.

Milan Cortina Paralympics: Alpine skiing

Milan Cortina Paralympics: Alpine skiing

Para alpine skier Momoka Muraoka celebrates at the medal ceremony after clinching silver in the women's super-G sitting at the Milan Cortina Paralympics on March 9, 2026, at Tofane Alpine Skiing Center in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy. She became Japan's first medalist at the games.

Milan Cortina Paralympics: Alpine skiing

Milan Cortina Paralympics: Alpine skiing

Para alpine skier Momoka Muraoka celebrates at the medal ceremony after clinching silver in the women's super-G sitting at the Milan Cortina Paralympics on March 9, 2026, at Tofane Alpine Skiing Center in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy. She became Japan's first medalist at the games.

Speed skating: All-round world championships

Speed skating: All-round world championships

Ragne Wiklund (C) of Norway poses with the gold medal she won in the women's speed skating all-round world championships, alongside silver medalist Marijke Groenewoud (L) of the Netherlands and bronze medalist Miho Takagi of Japan on March 8, 2026, in Heerenveen in the Netherlands.

Speed skating: All-round world championships

Speed skating: All-round world championships

Ragne Wiklund (C) of Norway poses with the gold medal she won in the women's speed skating all-round world championships, alongside silver medalist Marijke Groenewoud (L) of the Netherlands and bronze medalist Miho Takagi of Japan on March 8, 2026, in Heerenveen in the Netherlands.

Figure skating: Junior world championships

Figure skating: Junior world championships

Hana Bath of Australia smiles after performing in the women's free program at the figure skating junior world championships in Tallinn, Estonia, on March 7, 2026. She won silver.

Figure skating: Junior world championships

Figure skating: Junior world championships

Hana Bath of Australia performs in the women's free program at the figure skating junior world championships in Tallinn, Estonia, on March 7, 2026. She won silver.

Figure skating: Junior world championships

Figure skating: Junior world championships

Hana Bath of Australia acknowledges the crowd after performing in the women's free program at the figure skating junior world championships in Tallinn, Estonia, on March 7, 2026. She won silver.

Figure skating: Junior world championships

Figure skating: Junior world championships

Hana Bath of Australia acknowledges the crowd after performing in the women's free program at the figure skating junior world championships in Tallinn, Estonia, on March 7, 2026. She won silver.

Figure skating: Junior world championships

Figure skating: Junior world championships

Hana Bath of Australia performs in the women's free program at the figure skating junior world championships in Tallinn, Estonia, on March 7, 2026. She won silver.

Figure skating: Junior world championships

Figure skating: Junior world championships

Hana Bath of Australia performs in the women's free program at the figure skating junior world championships in Tallinn, Estonia, on March 7, 2026. She won silver.

Figure skating: Junior world championships

Figure skating: Junior world championships

Hana Bath of Australia performs in the women's free program at the figure skating junior world championships in Tallinn, Estonia, on March 7, 2026. She won silver.

Figure skating: Junior world championships

Figure skating: Junior world championships

Hana Bath of Australia performs in the women's free program at the figure skating junior world championships in Tallinn, Estonia, on March 7, 2026. She won silver.

Figure skating: Junior world championships

Figure skating: Junior world championships

Mao Shimada of Japan is pictured after performing in the women's free program at the figure skating junior world championships in Tallinn, Estonia, on March 7, 2026. She won gold.