UPI Pictures of the Year 2013 -- NEWS AND FEATURES

Chinese soldiers perform honor guard duties during Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas's state visit in Beijing on May 6, 2013. China is hosting the leaders of Palestine and Israel this week in a sign of its desire for a larger role in the Middle East. China said it is willing to set up a meeting between the two countries, which have been deadlocked in talks for four years. UPI/Stephen shaver