All Asia Pacific
First LookWhat does Jimmy Lai's arrest mean for Hong Kong press?In the highest-profile use of China's new national security law, Hong Kong authorities have arrested pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai and raided his news organization's headquarters. Some analysts are concerned the media will start to self censor as a result.
First LookCOVID-19 success story: New Zealand hits 100 days with no casesCountries around the world are looking to New Zealand for answers as the country marked 100 days with no new COVID-19 cases. “It was good science and great political leadership that made the difference,” one epidemiologist suggests.
First LookHiroshima 75 years later: Survivors still fight for A-bomb banA scaled-down ceremony marked the 75th anniversary of the attack on Hiroshima. Survivors of the world's first atomic bombing confronted Prime Minister Shinzo Abe about Japan's refusal to sign a nuclear weapons ban treaty.
First LookCan businesses survive second lockdown? Australians wonder.The Australian government forecasts a second Melbourne lockdown could push up Australia's underlying unemployment, affecting both local and nationwide economic activity. This time, masks are compulsory and there's a curfew.
First LookVirus or politics? Hong Kong delays elections for one year.The pro-democracy opposition says Hong Kong's decision to delay legislative elections is another attempt by Beijing to prevent their bloc from taking the majority in the Hong Kong legislature.
First LookMalaysia court finds ex-PM guilty of fraud. Will he go to jail?The ruling against former Prime Minister Najib Razak could bolster the prosecution’s case in upcoming trials, proving Malaysia’s legal system's ability to tackle international financial crimes. But while his party remains in office the ruling could be overturned, experts warn.
From South Sudan to Australia: One man’s quest to save storiesSouth Sudanese refugee Peter Deng founded Africa World Books in Perth, Australia, to help the diaspora, and their new neighbors, learn about his home.
First LookBig Hong Kong voter turnout in defiance of Chinese security lawAt estimated 600,000 citizens voted this weekend in a symbolic Hong Kong election to protest against tough national security laws imposed by Beijing.
First LookUK and Australia turn their backs on China, welcome Hong KongersAustralia is the latest nation to express concern about China’s new security law by ending its extradition treaty and extending visas for Hong Kongers. China called the move a “serious violation of international law” and threatened Australia with economic retaliation.
Protests, then a pandemic: Can Hong Kong tourism hang on?Hong Kong’s response to the pandemic, and its economic hardships, includes a H.K.$120 billion stimulus package with a cash handout for every resident.
Hong Kongers fear drastic law marks ‘before’ and ‘after’Hong Kong’s new national security law, imposed by Beijing to bypass the local legislature, severely undermines its autonomy and freedom, critics warn.
First LookIn Hong Kong, arrests begin a day after passing new security lawNine demonstrators have been arrested under the new national security law passed by China's central government on Tuesday. Police say they possessed flags and other items calling for Hong Kong independence.
First LookChina just passed the Hong Kong security law. What happens now?Hong Kong faces an uncertain future after China's President Xi Jinping passed the Hong Kong national security law that sparked massive protests last year. The international community responded with concern over the erosion of democratic values caused by China.
Behind deadly clash with India, a pattern of Chinese assertivenessChinese and Indian soldiers fought Monday along the disputed border in the Galwan Valley. Beijing is increasingly pressing its territorial claims.
First LookIn controversial move, China passes Hong Kong security law draftChina's legislature passed a draft on Thursday of the national security law that spurred massive protests in Hong Kong last year. This latest step has been openly criticized by the G-7.
First LookWhy did North Korea just blow up inter-Korea liaison office?On Tuesday, North Korea demolished an inter-Korean liaison office building opened in 2018 to facilitate communication. North Korea's latest act of "symbolic" anger raises tensions and puts pressure on Washington and Seoul amid deadlocked nuclear diplomacy.
First LookManila court convicts Philippines' top journalist in libel caseJournalist Maria Ressa, an outspoken critic of Philippines' President Rodrigo Duterte, was sentenced to up to six years in jail in a libel case on Monday. Charges and allegations against Ms. Ressa are being viewed as a major setback to press freedom.
First LookVirus outbreak in Beijing: a cautionary tale of reopeningA new coronavirus outbreak in a wholesale food market in Beijing serves as a warning for other countries. China postponed reopening some schools Monday.
How China’s heavy steps in Hong Kong reverberate in TaiwanA resounding majority in Taiwan oppose a “one country, two systems” formula for relations with China, à la Hong Kong. But how do they walk that path?
First LookWhy the cold shoulder? N Korea goes incommunicado with S Korea.North Korea cut off all communication channels with its neighbor on Tuesday. It's a tactic used by Kim Jong Un's government to escalate pressure on South Korea for its failure to persuade the United States to ease sanctions, experts say.
