World | Asia Pacific
Moon base to deep space: How China seeks to close gap with USThe U.S. still dominates in space, but China’s star is rising. As the country’s latest crewed launch highlights a rapidly advancing space program, some say China is catching up.
Japan’s new PM hoped snap elections would secure grip on power. They backfired.In Japan, the long-ruling party’s dramatic loss in a parliamentary election underscores the public’s growing frustration with its leaders, and has plunged the country into political uncertainty.
China’s latest drills highlight key strategy to annex Taiwan: BlockadeChina’s military is practicing putting a choke hold on Taiwan – a strategy that defense experts increasingly believe could be an effective alternative to a full-scale invasion.
First LookSouth Korea says North Korea is sending troops to Russia. Is that true?A South Korean spy agency said North Korea has already sent 1,500 special forces to Russia and plans to send a total of 12,000 troops. Citing North Korea’s outdated equipment and lack of battle experience, experts question how useful a deployment might be.
Real estate once drove China’s economic growth. Now it’s holding it back.As China signals bold moves to revive its economy, all eyes are on its collapsing property market. Can the government restore the confidence of would-be homebuyers?
The Philippines has held out on legalizing divorce. Is it set to call it quits?While activists around the world fight for marriage equality, the Philippines is grappling with “separation equality” – whether, and under what conditions, married couples should be allowed to divorce.
His own party calls him traitor. Can Japan’s new PM rebuild trust in politics?Japan’s new prime minister – its third in four years – offers the ruling Liberal Democratic Party a steady hand in a time of crisis. Snap elections will be a test of how quickly his administration can restore trust.
First LookSri Lankans vote for president after economic collapse that sparked mass protestsThe economy has slightly recovered during current President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s two-year reign, but many blame his party for the 2022 economic collapse. With 38 candidates running for office, Sri Lankans will head to the polls on Sept. 21.
First LookWith an aging workforce and a shrinking population, China raises retirement agesIn China, the number of people over the age of 60 will grow from 300 million to 400 million by 2035, experts project. That’s larger than the entire U.S. population. Officials are raising the retirement age to expand the workforce and fund pensions.
In the Philippines, eldest daughters take care of their families. Who takes care of them?Eldest daughters – or átes in Filipino – face unique social and family pressures, and take on more domestic responsibilities than their siblings. Some have found comfort and community online.
Cover StoryBeyond China’s shadow, Taiwan forges its own identity – and destinyAs China ramps up military and economic pressure on Taiwan, people on the island reflect on their identity – and destiny.
In China, Jake Sullivan cements a triumph of quiet diplomacyChina and the United States have opened military communications channels and other contacts in a bid to avoid misunderstandings and miscalculations.
How China-Philippines tensions are bringing South China Sea conflict to new brinkChina’s expansions in the South China Sea are shifting power dynamics in the valuable, disputed waterways, complicating efforts to maintain peace.
Our reporter finds community at a century-old Chinese teahouse in ChengduOur reporter sought to be a fly on the wall during her early morning visit to a Chengdu teahouse. Instead, she found community among strangers.
CommentaryNew editor at The Christian Science Monitor
Election week could be just as long, and fraught, as in 2020
With Senate hopes dwindling, Democrats look, once again, to Texas
In Gaza or Ukraine, peace can look impossible. Here, there’s hope.
On immigration, Harris and Trump talk tough – with critical differences
