All Asia Pacific
‘Run philosophy’: Why ‘zero COVID’ has young Chinese eyeing emigrationYoung Chinese have fled Shanghai in droves – and now, some are considering leaving the country altogether.
First LookDefying limits: Oldest person to sail solo across the PacificKenichi Horie of Japan became the oldest person (at 83) to complete a solo, nonstop voyage across the Pacific Ocean. But he's looking for his next challenge because he says "I'm still in the middle of my youth.”
First LookAustralia swears in its most diverse Cabinet yetNew Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has led Australia's Labor Party back into power. Of the 30 ministers appointed to the new government, nearly half are women. Women also hold a record 10 spots out of 23 in core Cabinet roles.
First LookWeary and relieved: Shanghai reopens after a rigid lockdownShanghai residents celebrated Wednesday as restrictions eased for most of the city’s 25 million people. The rigid lockdown, part of China’s COVID-zero policy, angered residents and hindered the national economy.
End of strategic ambiguity? Ukraine war shifts thinking on Taiwan.In both China and the U.S., the Ukraine conflict is shifting strategic thinking on Taiwan. All sides face high stakes.
First LookSee you in court: Hindu nationalists petition to access Muslim mosquesFor nearly three centuries, Muslims and Hindus in Varanasi city have worshipped separated by one wall. But Hindus now say the Gyanvapi mosque sits on top of temple ruins. The dispute is one of many in which Hindus claim mosque sites are their property.
First LookBiden vows to protect Taiwan, launches Indo-Pacific trade pactPresident Joe Biden launched a new trade deal with 12 Indo-Pacific nations Monday aimed at strengthening their economies. Mr. Biden also said the U.S. would intervene militarily if China were to invade Taiwan. But the island nation was not included in the trade deal.
First LookConservative rule ends: Australians elect center-left prime ministerAfter nine years of center-right conservative government, Australian voters Saturday elected a new prime minister, Anthony Albanese, the center-left Labor Party leader.
Ahead of crucial party congress, Xi faces doubts over policiesXi Jinping is poised to claim a rare third term in power at the 20th Communist Party Congress this fall. But experts say his assertive style and efforts to centralize control could cost him – and China.
First LookBalancing act: Marcos victory could test US-China relationsFerdinand Marcos Jr.’s apparent landslide victory in the Philippines could complicate American efforts to counter Chinese influence and power in the Pacific. President Rodrigo Duterte, who fostered ties with China and Russia, is departing with a 67% approval rating.
First LookSri Lanka prime minister resigns but protesters refuse to let upAmid a dire economic crisis in Sri Lanka, protesters for weeks demanded the resignations of the prime minister and the president. Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa resigned on Monday. Still, anti-government protesters continue to defy a countrywide curfew.
First LookJohn Lee to lead Hong Kong as critics decry eroding democracyOn Sunday, John Lee was elected to replace Carrie Lam as Hong Kong’s next leader. The selection took place under a new electoral system, where only loyal “patriots” can hold office and the political opposition is virtually eliminated.
Where were you April 21 at 4:17 p.m.? Beijing ramps up COVID tracking.Beijing’s COVID-19 control measures are at once Orwellian and paternalistic. They also incorporate lessons learned from Shanghai.
Marcos, rebranded: Why son of dictator is leading Philippines’ pollsThe campaign of Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. in the Philippine presidential race shows how carefully curated mythmaking and historical revision can shape an election.
Beijing diary: Scenes of mass testing, panic buying – and pride?Keeping “your eyes peeled for carrots,” and other lessons from our Beijing bureau chief as China’s capital grapples with a COVID-19 outbreak.
First Look'All aboard!' Japan rolls out its first green energy train lineA Japanese railway in Tokyo says it now gets 100% of its energy for everything from the locomotives to vending machines from renewable sources. Some are skeptical of the impact it could make as Japan works to become carbon neutral by 2050.
China loophole: Why Taiwan relies on Indigenous diplomacyAs China’s economic and political clout grows, Taiwan’s Indigenous communities offer the government an international relations lifeline.
First LookIn Jakarta, protests erupt over possible election delay, inflationHundreds of people in Jakarta held demonstrations on Thursday amid speculation that the 2024 Indonesian election may get delayed. The protestors are also opposing rising oil and food prices, and the government’s treatment of dissenters.
First LookIn Russia’s Ukraine setbacks, China sees lessons for its futureAs Russia faces setback after setback in its invasion of Ukraine, China is taking notes. China’s President Xi Jinping might be reworking his expansionist aims, especially related to Taiwan, as a small, outnumbered country foils Russia’s army a world away.
First LookNorth Korea celebrates key milestone without typical military paradeNorth Korea celebrated the 110th birth anniversary of the country’s late founder Kim Il Sung on Friday. The anniversary comes at a time of increased nuclear buildup and was accompanied by calls for continued loyalty to current leader Kim Jong Un.
