World | Asia Pacific
First LookAs China’s population continues to plummet, demographic alarms are ringingOnce known for its efforts to curtail population growth, China is now facing a demographic crisis that threatens its economy and already-frail social security system.
Free trade, openness, and democracy: Why China’s rhetoric mirrors America’sAs Donald Trump takes office in the U.S., China pitches itself as the new global leader – and for all the countries’ ideological differences, Beijing seem to be taking notes from Washington.
South Korea’s president is arrested over a martial law declarationSouth Korea's impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol was arrested Sunday, just days after being apprehended at his home in Seoul. He faces possible imprisonment for declaring martial law last month.
First LookDon’t know what ASEAN is? Neither did Pete Hegseth. Why this Asian bloc is important.The 10-nation bloc, known as ASEAN, has been useful for the United States in countering China’s influence in the Indo-Pacific. Many member nations have territorial disputes with China, which has become increasingly assertive in pressing those claims.
More Asia Pacific
VIEW ALL
‘We cannot rest yet’: South Koreans react to deepening political crisisMore than a month after President Yoon Suk Yeol’s botched martial law attempt infuriated a nation, South Koreans are still in the street, demanding he step down. The Monitor caught up with some people we spoke with in December about their views on the evolving political crisis.
First LookSouth Korean police failed to arrest President Yoon. Now, he’s fortified his villa.With a warrant out for his arrest, South Korea president Yoon Suk Yeol has hunkered down in his hillside villa for weeks. Investigators failed to detain him Jan. 3. As they prepare a new attempt, presidential guards are fortifying the residence.
First LookWill South Korea's President face detention? Unpacking the martial law allegations.A South Korean court issued warrants Tuesday to detain impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol and search his office and residence over allegations of rebellion in connection with his short-lived declaration of martial law.
What South Korea’s impeachment battle means for US security allianceAs the Pacific heats up, South Korea is heading into what may be a divisive and drawn-out impeachment battle, casting uncertainty over its relationships with critical security allies.
First LookSouth Korean parliament votes to impeach president over his martial law orderThe Constitutional Court now has up to 180 days to determine whether to dismiss Yoon Suk Yeol as president or restore his powers.
First LookSouth Korean President Yoon’s impeachment inches closer. But Mr. Yoon won’t quit.The leader of Asia’s fourth-largest economy claims “criminal groups” have paralyzed state affairs as he fights to remain in power. President Yoon Suk Yeol survived an impeachment motion brought after he declared martial law on Dec. 3, but a new vote looms.
In ‘new crisis era,’ Tokyo needs help from Seoul and DC. Can it count on them?As security threats mount in the Asia-Pacific, the hard-won defense alliance between Japan and South Korea is the linchpin to regional safety. Now, political upheaval in Seoul threatens to test the partnership’s resilience.
First LookWhy is the Chinese military deployment around Taiwan the largest in years?The size and scale of a recent Chinese military deployment is “unheard of,” says a diplomat in the region. Beijing, which views Taiwan as its own territory, says it is defending its sovereignty.
They thwarted martial law. But South Koreans say the fight for democracy is not over.South Korea’s relatively young democracy proved its resilience last week when lawmakers shut down the president’s attempt to impose martial law. But he remains in power.
First LookSouth Korean President Avoids Impeachment: What’s Next?Most lawmakers in President Yoon's ruling party boycotted a vote Saturday to deny a two-thirds majority needed to suspend his presidential powers. With growing protests, polls show most South Koreans support his removal.
Monitor's Best: Top 5
America’s loneliest generation? It may not be the one you expect.
Darien, Georgia, loves its history. How this small town sees inauguration.
America’s changing pews: Who shows up at church on Sunday?
Cover StoryWhat Trump’s return says about this moment in America
Driving through Altadena, I found a community gutted but determined to rebuild
