All Asia Pacific
First LookWHO travels to China to investigate origins of COVID-19Scientists with the World Health Organization plan to visit China this week for its first on-the-ground investigation into the origins of the coronavirus pandemic. So far, all research by local scientists must be approved by a Chinese government task force.
First LookHong Kong uses new law to arrest 53 pro-democracy activistsIn the largest move against Hong Kong’s democracy movement yet, police arrested lawmakers and politicians who participated in unofficial election primaries last year. The pro-democracy activists hoped to gain legislative control through their unofficial elections.
First LookA year after COVID appeared in China, normalcy makes a comebackLife has resumed in China with workers back in factories, students returning to classrooms, and restaurants welcoming crowds. China’s initial handling of the coronavirus outbreak, and its recovery, show the reach and strength of the country’s one-party rule.
First LookPandemic sends Sunday art and food market in Indonesia onlineWhen the pandemic shuttered businesses in Indonesia, an art and cultural community moved their Sunday market online. That has opened the door to more sellers, enabling them to survive the economic downturn.
First LookTokyo Games budget balloons. Who will pay for the extra costs?The Tokyo Olympics is on track to become the most costly Summer Olympics on record as costs brought on by its delay soar.
The Explainer2060 pledge: How the world’s largest CO2 emitter vows to go greenerChina’s pledge to go carbon neutral by 2060 marks a step ahead in global efforts against climate change, though the ambitious aim faces obstacles.
First LookHow a Hong Kong restaurant is a source of empowermentDignity Kitchen trains employees with disabilities to prep food, cook, and serve customers. To lift people out of poverty, it helps them find jobs in the food and beverage sector, beyond the restaurant.
First LookHong Kong tycoon charged with fraud as Beijing tightens controlHong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai has been charged with fraud and denied bail. It comes a day after three prominent pro-democracy activists were jailed, raising fears of a renewed crackdown on opposition to tighten control by Beijing.
First LookFor female refugees in Malaysia, can literacy open new doors?Refugees from Indonesia and Myanmar can often pick up Malay, but are left without opportunities to learn to read or write, limiting them socially and economically. A volunteer group is hoping literacy lessons will help give them more autonomy.
Thai royalists defend king amid protests: ‘We will not abandon him’Thailand’s monarchy, a bedrock of modern Thai identity, is under scrutiny. But protests have provoked counterdemonstrations from royalists.
First LookSingaporean volunteer group gives more than money to help needyKeeping Hope Alive continues its volunteer work during coronavirus lockdowns by distributing groceries, doing repair work, and helping those in need in other ways. “We support social distancing, not social isolation,” said the group's founder.
First LookReform or reverence? Thai royalists, protesters size up monarchy.Mass pro-democracy protests in Thailand are calling for reforms of the monarchy, but for many Thais, especially of an older generation, the palace is revered and considered above politics.
First LookChina breaks silence to acknowledge Biden's US election winChina on Friday finally congratulated Joe Biden almost a week after major news outlets declared him the winner of the U.S. presidential election. Analysts expect Mr. Biden to pursue a more traditional policy toward China, but expect few major changes.
First LookWith resignations, Hong Kong democracy movement hangs in balanceThe en masse resignation of pro-democracy legislators in Hong Kong on Thursday to protest their colleagues’ expulsion means bills favored by Beijing could pass with little opposition.
U.S., China, Taiwan: Why the tense status quo may stick – for nowTaiwan’s military was on high alert during the U.S. elections, as concerns grow over the potential for a clash amid escalating Chinese incursions.
First LookOnline schooling in Indonesia? It takes a village.A dozen journalists in Indonesia campaigned to collect about 200 mobile phones and about $35,000 to help underprivileged students with schooling online at home during the pandemic. They have distributed nearly 300 phones so far.
First LookSound conservation: a different way of preserving historyAudio professionals in Asia record the everyday sounds of their cities to preserve audible heritage in the region’s fast-changing urban hubs. They say each sound has its own unique identity that captures the evolution of a place.
First LookWhy this year's Thai protests are the most ambitious yetFed up with an archaic education system and military rule, the youth-led protest movement is demanding changes to the constitution and the resignation of the prime minister, as well as questioning the role of the long-revered monarchy.
First LookJapan announces it will go carbon-free by 2050Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide declared in his first policy speech that Japan will achieve zero carbon emissions by 2050. He said a shift to carbon neutrality is an opportunity for economic growth as well as a counter to climate change.
Student protesters push Thai politics into uncharted watersThailand’s protesters represent a new face of opposition to the military-backed government, and have called for more accountability for the monarchy.
