All Asia Pacific
First LookFacing restrictions, Hong Kongers look to 'Plan B': UK passportsFor the first time since 1990, Hong Kong police rejected an application to hold a Tiananmen Square vigil. Feeling the pressure from Beijing's increased reach and presence, Hong Kong residents are rushing to apply for British passports.
First LookNew security laws blur line between Hong Kong and mainland ChinaThe territory's pro-Beijing government says new laws on security and the national anthem will not infringe on Hong Kong's freedoms. Japan and other democracies criticized the move. The Trump administration said it no longer regards Hong Kong as autonomous.
First LookNormal life is returning to South Korea, but is it too soon?As COVID-19 cases in South Korea wane, the world watches to see whether relaxed social distancing rules will bring progress or vulnerability to a second wave of the virus. A mini outbreak linked to nightclubs in Seoul has raised concerns about lifting lockdowns.
For US-China groups, the adversary is COVID-19 – not a countryChina-U.S. relations have chilled amid COVID-19. As governments bicker, many people are trying to boost life-saving cooperation.
First LookHong Kong legislature erupts over pro-Beijing chairOn Monday, clashes broke out in the Hong Kong legislature after a pro-Beijing lawmaker was elected as chair. The new chair could help passage of a law that criminalizes abuse of the Chinese national anthem.
First LookEven with one year delay, 2021 Tokyo Olympics won't be the sameThere are more questions than answers for the 2021 Summer Olympics. What will be cut? Will there be fans? What about ticket refunds? How will athletes travel to Tokyo? Where will they stay?
The ExplainerTracing the origins of COVID-19: Three questionsScientists are working to trace the origins of the novel coronavirus. They have a few ideas.
First LookWith a crack of the bat, baseball returns in South KoreaThe stadiums are empty of fans, but professional baseball begins in South Korea after weeks of delay due to the coronavirus. The world will be watching the effectiveness of safety measures.
First LookNorth Korean gunfire at DMZ follows Kim's public reappearanceNorth and South Korean troops exchanged gunfire Sunday along their border. But the return of Kim Jong-un to the public eye signals stability.
First LookU.S. condemns arrests of top Hong Kong democracy advocatesOn Saturday, the arrest of at least 14 pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong was criticized by the U.S. as jeopardizing rule of law in the region.
From Wuhan to quarantine: a writer looks backWuhan residents are cautiously beginning to leave home, after their long lockdown lifted. One writer looks back at the day it all began.
First LookSouth Korea: How to run an election during a pandemicSouth Korea's unexpected high voter turnout in parliamentary elections show how the November elections in the United States could be handled. The country has imposed sanitary safeguards, distancing, and temperature taking at the polls.
First LookOnce the epicenter of the virus, China strives to keep it outChina closed its northern border with Russia after experiencing a new wave of COVID-19 cases. Many Chinese live and work in Russia, where China has major investments.
The web’s a threat to democracy? Think again, Taiwan says.Taiwan’s digital minister Audrey Tang is leading a charge to make technology strengthen democracy, not undermine it.
First LookAfter 11 weeks, Wuhan ends lockdownOn April 8, Wuhan allowed its residents to leave their homes after 2 1/2 months. Masked crowds swarmed the streets, airports, and favorite shops as people rejoiced in their freedom of movement: "Wuhan has defeated the virus," one resident said.
First LookVictory over the virus? Sidewalks bustle to life in Wuhan.No new cases of the coronavirus have been reported in Wuhan for one week. But Chinese officials are keeping a close watch as millions of people cautiously head back to work in factories, offices, and shops.
First LookVirus 'angel': S. Korean cobbler donates land to help othersA South Korean cobbler plans to donate about $500,000 worth of farmland so the funds could help people facing economic difficulties because of the coronavirus pandemic. "I've always thought I should one day become a person who helps others," said Kim Byung-rok.
First LookIt's official: Tokyo Olympics rescheduled for July 2021Japan and the International Olympic Committee have announced a new date for Tokyo Olympics in July 2021, at a massive expense for Japanese taxpayers. The Paralympics have also been rescheduled to August 2021.
First LookWuhan revives: From outbreak epicenter to forefront of hope“I’m so excited, I want to cry,” said one customer on one of Wuhan’s major shopping streets as stores started reopening after two months. Residents and business owners are cautiously emerging to normal routines.
‘Genocide is un-Burmese’: Breaking taboos, activists speak up for RohingyaRohingya persecution has become a taboo topic in Myanmar, as the country fights charges of genocide. But some activists push back against the silence.
