All Asia Pacific
Xi Jinping, ‘chairman of everything,’ secures his futureThe Chinese Communist Party has paved the way for Xi Jinping to extend his rule for a near-unprecedented third term. But doubts cloud his succession.
First LookIn a step forward, China and US ease restrictions on journalistsThe U.S. and China reached an agreement this week to ease restrictions on foreign journalists. Experts say it’s a “hard-won achievement” – the result of more than a year of U.S.-China negotiations.
All work, no play? Chinese millennials opt to ‘lie flat’ instead.Youths rebel against China’s ultracompetitive environment – with calls for people to “lie flat” and do the minimum – and Xi Jinping takes note.
First Look‘There’s always hope’: Myanmar frees jailed American journalistDanny Fenster, an American journalist who was sentenced by a Myanmar court to 11 years in prison, has been freed after six months through diplomatic negotiations. He is one of at least 126 journalists who have been detained since the military took power.
First LookAmid free press crackdown, Myanmar sentences US journalistOn Friday, a Myanmar court sentenced American journalist Danny Fenster to 11 years in prison. The country’s military-installed government has forced media outlets to close, and an estimated 100 journalists have been arrested.
First LookWhy China wants to tone down its biggest online shopping dayChina’s annual Singles’ Day typically features "excessive" online shopping and glamorous galas with celebrity features. This year, amid President Xi Jinping’s push for “common prosperity,” companies will scale back and instead emphasize charity and sustainability.
First LookWhy Yahoo is discontinuing its platform in ChinaFollowing the lead of other major tech companies, such as Microsoft and Google, Yahoo announced Tuesday that it would no longer offer its services in China. The departure comes as China’s government increasingly limits the data these companies can collect and store.
Will China’s energy crisis dampen its effort to cut emissions?China will play a key role in whether the world can curb global warming. But recent power shortages reveal challenges ahead.
First LookYoung farmers bring new vision to Thailand's forestsIn Thailand, a small but growing back-to-the-land movement is drawing young people away from cities to take up farming. In the region of Mae Tha, residents won land lease rights in a protected forest, which is boosting conservation and jobs.
Japan’s elections showcase constraints on its democracyJapan’s democracy makes little room for outsider candidates, including women and innovators. The result is widespread voter apathy.
First LookLove over royalty: Princess Mako of Japan marries 'commoner'Former Princess Mako of Japan married commoner Kei Komuro on Tuesday in a controversial decision to prioritize love over her royal status. The newlyweds will move together to New York to begin a new life.
First LookWhat the Facebook leaks say about social media ethics in IndiaFacebook in India has only selectively curbed hate speech, misinformation, and anti-Muslim content, according to leaked documents obtained by The Associated Press and other media outlets.
First LookAmid stalled negotiations, N. Korea confirms new missile testOn Wednesday, North Korea confirmed it tested a new missile that can be fired from a submarine, two years after the last test of the same type. The U.S. has said it is open to resuming nuclear diplomacy, but North Korea considers the U.S. stance hostile.
First LookShortages, outages, and more: Why China's growth is slowingChina’s economy grew only 4.9% in the last quarter, down from 7.9% in the previous quarter. The slower growth is likely caused by limits on energy usage and parts shortages that have hampered manufacturing.
Cram school is out, forever. Why Chinese parents aren’t rejoicing.China’s crackdown on for-profit tutoring of K-12 students is part of a campaign aimed at curbing capitalist excess and promoting common prosperity.
First LookChina harasses Taiwan with fighter jets, blames US for meddlingTensions flared as Chinese military flights near Taiwan intensified – the country dispatched 149 jets over four days, a record. While the show of hostility and recurring territorial ambitions is apparent, analysts say war is not imminent – it is more likely a show of power.
First LookInvaluable but unprotected: Asian gig workers fight for rightsBy providing services like food delivery, app-based businesses have thrived across Asia during the pandemic. Now, the gig workers who keep the industry running are fighting back against exploitative labor laws.
First LookWhy Philippine President Duterte says he's retiring from politicsPhilippine President Rodrigo Duterte on Saturday said he won't run for vice president, opening the way for his daughter to run for president.
First LookMissiles and talks: N. Korea wants to reopen lines with S. KoreaNorth Korea, which has tested ballistic missiles in the past week, plans to reopen communication lines with South Korea after a year. The strategy is part of North Korea leader Kim Jong Un’s desire for international recognition as a nuclear power, experts say.
First LookStability over change: Fumio Kishida to become Japan's new PMJapan’s former foreign minister, Fumio Kishida, is likey to become prime minister following Wednesday’s party election. He promises to increase Japan’s military budget, stand up to China, and herald a “new capitalism” focused on growth and income distribution.
