After three decades of spectacular growth, China passed Japan in the second quarter to become the world’s second-largest economy behind the United States, according to government figures released early Monday.

• August 16, 2010

Russians will start loading a nuclear reactor with fuel in the southern city of Bushehr on Aug 21, Iranian media reported on Saturday.

• August 16, 2010

After decades of tension, NATO and Russia are working together on a series of joint initiatives that range from supplying troops in Afghanistan to fighting airline hijackings.

• August 16, 2010

Marking the second anniversary of Russia’s “coercion-to-peace” operation in Georgia, the Russian Chief of the General Staff, Army-General Nikolai Makarov, told the media: “Arms deliveries to Georgia are in full swing. Georgia’s military potential is significantly higher today, compared to August 2008.”

• August 16, 2010

French President Nicolas Sarkozy wants the EU to set up a rapid reaction force for natural disasters such as earthquakes, wildfires and floods. France has also pledged immediate aid to Pakistani flood victims.

• August 16, 2010

The publication of this collection of essays coincides with the second anniversary of the armed conflict between Russia and Georgia on August 8-12, 2009.

The first essay looks into the transformation of the Georgian armed forces under President Mikhail Saakashvili and details Tbilisi’s key preparations for the war.

• August 16, 2010

Despite US President Barack Obama twice postponing his visit to Indonesia, there has been a marked increase in high-ranked US officials reaching out to Southeast Asia.

• August 14, 2010

As Turkey imports nearly 90 percent of its energy requirements, it has sought reliable contracts with its neighbors to cover its needs.

• August 14, 2010