All Asia Pacific
Cattle farms or bullet trains? Japanese village faces uncertain future.Oshika is the latest rural community bearing the weight of Japan’s rapid economic growth. But will it see the reward?
‘Like a Kafka novel’: Witnessing China’s zero-COVID policyThe Monitor’s China bureau chief found comfort in a WeChat group during her chaotic quarantine in Shanghai.
First Look‘Long-awaited law’: Indonesia passes law against sexual violenceIndonesia’s parliament has passed a law to prevent sexual violence after a high-profile case of a school principal assaulting young students captivated the nation. The law also has provisions for protection and recovery for survivors.
First LookSri Lankans take street to protest, call for president to resignSri Lankans gathered Sunday in front of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s office to demand his resignation over the country’s devastating economic crisis. Many blame the Rajapaksa family, which has been in power for most of the past two decades.
First LookHong Kong's Chief Executive Lam to retire with Beijing in controlHong Kong leader Carrie Lam announced Monday that she will not seek a second term. Ms. Lam’s five years as chief executive have been marked by violent protests, dissent crackdowns, and a health care system overwhelmed by the global pandemic.
First LookHow China uses influencers to build a propaganda networkOn Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube, some of China's state media reporters identify as travel bloggers and lifestyle influencers to build a network of social media profiles that parrot the government’s perspective in posts.
‘Too high a price’: Why some residents oppose Shanghai lockdownsThe current outbreak has thwarted efforts to adopt more targeted virus control measures and stirred debate over China’s strict zero-COVID-19 policy.
First LookNorth Korea tests missile with enough range to reach entire USNorth Korea confirmed Friday that it test-fired its biggest-yet intercontinental ballistic missile. Experts say more frequent missile testing – this marks the 12th launch this year – is meant to signal North Korea's increasing hard power strength.
First LookConservative candidate Yoon Suk-yeol wins South Korean presidencyYoon Suk-yeol, the conservative opposition candidate, defeated liberal Lee Jae-myung, his chief rival, on Thursday, winning one of the country’s most closely fought presidential elections. Mr. Yoon will be taking office in May and serving a single five-year term.
Ukraine tests China’s ‘limitless’ friendship with RussiaBeijing appears to be siding with Russia in the Ukraine conflict. What does this mean for Ukraine, Taiwan, and the world?
First LookAs world watches Ukraine, North Korea tests 8th missile this yearSouth Korean, Japanese, and American officials said Sunday that North Korea launched its eighth ballistic missile this year. Analysts say the tests are part of North Korea’s efforts to modernize its weapons technology and pressure Washington.
First Look'Full circle': Activist fought Philippine dictator, now his sonFifty years ago, Loretta Rosales opposed the rule of Ferdinand Marcos and helped lead the "People Power" movement that ousted him. Now 82, Ms. Rosales is campaigning against Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the dictator's son and a leading candidate in the presidential election.
First LookChina approves Russian wheat imports as West raises sanctionsWhile other nations have condemned Russia for its attack on Ukraine, China called for talks to resolve the crisis but has not cast blame on Russia. China also approved Russian wheat imports that could undermine Western sanctions.
First LookSouth Korea’s ‘election of misogyny’ sparks debateSouth Korean women have strived to confront an entrenched culture of male chauvinism and harassment for years. Now, a leading presidential candidate is vowing to abolish the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, sparking debate ahead of the upcoming election.
First Look‘It’s tough work’: China’s workers make big sacrifices at the OlympicsMore than 50,000 workers and volunteers have been living inside 2022 Beijing’s Olympic “bubble” for months cleaning, cooking, and driving to ensure the games go on. Although cut off from family and loved ones, many say they are thrilled to be close to the action.
First LookRussian figure skater doping case: Will Olympic justice be served?A decision is expected Monday in the doping case of Russian figure skater Kamila Valieva who testified Sunday at an appeal hearing. Will she be allowed to still compete at the Beijing Olympics?
First LookPeng Shuai's case mirrors pattern of controlled narratives in ChinaTennis player Peng Shuai’s interview on Monday follows a similar pattern of high-profile individuals running a conflict with Chinese officials and then disappearing from view. Ms. Peng now says her accusations of sexual assault was an “enormous misunderstanding.”
No more charm offensive: How China’s Olympics goals have shiftedIn 2008, China embraced the world. This year’s Games are all about the domestic audience, and building confidence in the Communist Party’s rule.
The ExplainerAthletes go, Biden stays: Will the Olympics boycott carry weight?This “diplomatic boycott” of the Beijing Olympics allows countries to confront China’s behavior without a more controversial athlete boycott.
