All Asia Pacific
First LookCitizens mark one year of Myanmar military rule with protestsMyanmar citizens stayed in their homes and businesses closed in a nationwide boycott on Tuesday, the anniversary of the military’s power takeover. The day was also marked by considerable violence, including at least six bombings reported by local media.
First LookTo the bunny slope: Winter sports grow in China as Olympics nearIn China, the Beijing Winter Olympics is prompting a surge of interest in sports such as hockey and skiing. The government and private companies are quickly building the infrastructure – ice rinks and ski runs – to keep pace with this expanded sports culture.
First LookWhy Indonesia is moving its capital city to an island jungleLast week Indonesia’s parliament passed a bill to move the capital from Jakarta, one of world’s most congested and rapidly sinking cities, to the jungle-clad island of Borneo. But critics worry about the environmental impacts of large-scale construction projects.
First LookWhat Djokovic deportation says about Australia's border policiesPrime Minister Scott Morrison described the expulsion of Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic as a “decision to keep our borders strong” but reflects a decade-old policy.
First LookVolcano erupts near Tonga, spurring tsunami alerts across PacificThere were no immediate reports of injuries in Tonga, but the eruption triggered a tsunami advisory for Hawaii, Alaska, and the U.S. Pacific coast.
First LookWhy Djokovic may not be able to volley Australia's strict visa rulesOn Friday, Australia revoked tennis player Novak Djokovic’s visa for the second time this month. The incident has spotlighted Australia’s long history of strict immigration policy – from its “White Australia” policy to its offshore detention camps for refugees.
Rural migrants are denied rights in Chinese cities. Can Xi fix the problem?Rural migrants in China are denied the rights of urban residents, creating a two-tier system. A reform plan would relax some residency rules.
Indian anti-terror law snags more than terroristsThe Indian government is using broad anti-terror legislation to detain opponents of all stripes, but rarely obtains convictions in court.
Is China ensnaring poor countries by building their infrastructure?China’s Belt and Road Initiative garners criticism as a tool of “debt-trap diplomacy,” but some experts say that criticism is too simplistic.
First LookThe people’s choice? Beijing loyalists win Hong Kong elections.On Sunday, supporters of China’s Communist Party won the majority of legislative seats in Hong Kong. The elections, which took place under new vetting procedures ensuring only “patriots” can run for office, saw the lowest voter turnout since 1997.
First LookRescue efforts continue in Philippines after Typhoon RaiThree days after super Typhoon Rai struck the Philippines, search and rescue efforts continued. On Sunday, the reported death toll rose to 146 people.
First LookCan blocking imports from Xinjiang protect China's Uyghurs?The U.S. Senate passed a bill Thursday blocking imports from China’s Xinjiang region unless businesses can prove they were produced without forced labor. The bill awaits President Joe Biden’s signature but has already been decried by China as an unfair trade practice.
The ExplainerTime to be clear on Taiwan? ‘Strategic ambiguity’ faces test.Facing an assertive China, some members of Congress want Washington to promise to defend Taiwan. But most experts support continued “strategic ambiguity.”
First LookA decade in, Kim Jong Un’s challenges ruling North Korea mountKim Jong Un came into power a decade ago this week. His rule over North Korea has been characterized by his consolidation of power and his larger-than-life personality. Now, Mr. Kim is facing his toughest period yet. How will he fare?
First LookPolitical breakup: Nicaragua allies with China, ices out TaiwanOn Thursday, Nicaragua announced it is breaking diplomatic relations with Taiwan and will only recognize one China. The severance of ties continues a competition for allies between China and Taiwan that has been ongoing since 1949.
First LookNew Zealand government proposes ambitious plan to end smokingOn Thursday, New Zealand’s government unveiled their one-of-a-kind plan to end smoking by annually raising the minimum age required to purchase tobacco. The nation hopes to have less than 5% of the population smoking by 2025.
First LookPolitical neutrality? China says US violates Olympics spirit with boycott.The Olympic Charter established the political neutrality of sports, focusing on being “more united.” After the U.S. announced a diplomatic boycott of the Beijing Winter Games over human rights concerns, China says they violated Olympic spirit.
First LookMyanmar court convicts Aung San Suu Kyi. What’s next?Aung San Suu Kyi, Myanmar’s former leader ousted by a military coup this year, was found guilty of incitement on Monday in a trial criticized for being politically motivated. She will face additional charges in the coming weeks that could extend her sentence.
First LookLaos-China railway opens. Who is going to benefit?A railway built by China that connects Laos to China’s markets will open this week. The project, part of Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative, comes with promises to revamp the isolated Laotian economy – and a $5.9 billion price tag, primarily financed by loans from China.
First Look#WhereIsPengShuai: World calls for transparency from ChinaChina’s tennis star Peng Shuai took part in a video call with Olympic officials on Sunday, nearly three weeks after disappearing from the public eye. But tensions remain high as fans and the international community continue to question Ms. Peng’s whereabouts.
