All Asia Pacific
First LookAltruism or PR? China sends supplies to help fight coronavirusChina is sending millions of masks and other needed items to nations fighting COVID-19. But some say Beijing is trying to defuse criticism.
First LookChina offers apology as Wuhan sees second day with no new casesWuhan reports a second day with no new virus cases. It will take 14 days before the quarantine is lifted. The Communist Party has issued an apology for reprimanding Dr. Li Wenliang, who had warned about the coronavirus in December and later died of the disease.
First Look'Hate has lost': New Zealand marks mosque shooting anniversarySurvivors say newfound strength in their community has sustained and healed them in the wake of New Zealand's largest mass shooting. Christchurch marked the first anniversary of the March 15 shootings in "small but poignant ways" amid coronavirus fears.
First LookIn Wuhan, a cautious return to work after coronavirus ebbsBusinesses and factories are starting to reopen in Wuhan and restrictions are loosened across China as the nation works to bounce back from the coronavirus quarantine. Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Wuhan for the first time since the virus outbreak.
First LookChina's effort to regain trust: A 'people's war' against a virusFor the Chinese Communist Party, COVID-19 is both a risk and an opportunity. Chinese state media are used to project positive images in tackling the novel virus but growing numbers of social media users are questioning the party's line.
First LookForced online by virus, China's schools grapple with censorsChina's Education Ministry announced that "classes have stopped but learning will not." But online lessons keep failing the ruling party's pervasive internet censorship tests, puzzling teachers and students.
[special project]Beijing is challenging global ‘rules.’ But some are pushing back.Today, many capitals share Taiwan’s alarm – and readiness to push back – as China increasingly asserts itself as an economic and military power.
First LookNorth Korea resumes ballistic missile launches after hiatusNorth Korea fired missiles into the sea on Monday after a months-long break, possibly because of the coronavirus concerns, some analysts speculate. Kim Jong-un hinted at a new "strategic weapon" in the works.
First LookAfter a month on lockdown, can China's economy bounce back?As global virus cases rise, the Communist Party insists it can use government aid to achieve the economic growth targets set before the coronavirus outbreak. Forecasters are less sure.
First LookSouth Korea virus alert level rises and focuses on a churchSouth Korea says that more than half the new cases are linked to a church in the city of Daegu. All branches of the church were temporarily closed.
First LookFood delivery services boom as coronavirus continuesE-commerce is thriving as coronavirus controls keep factories, restaurants, cinemas, offices, and shops closed across China. Shut-in Chinese are relying on the internet for food, entertainment, and shopping as delivery companies work overtime to meet demands.
The ExplainerCoronavirus outbreak: Three questions on China’s responseCoronavirus is only the most recent of several outbreaks that have originated in China. Why is that, and how is Beijing responding?
First LookThe reason behind China's spike in reported coronavirus casesThe new coronavirus cases appeared to surge almost 10-fold in a day when Hubei, the province of the outbreak, revised its diagnosis strategy. Global health officials say this new approach will accelerate the identification and treatment of patients.
First LookRelief arrives in Australia as torrential rains dampen wildfiresAfter a multi-month battle against nearly 150 wildfires across Australia, most of the fires in the east have been put out by a massive downpour on Tuesday. The early heavy rains, expected in March, came as a welcome surprise.
First LookAustralian court rules indigenous people can't be deportedThe Australian court's ruling protecting Australian indigenous from deportation recognizes their deep connections to Australia, which is a shift from identifying Aboriginals as "aliens." Lawyers say this isn't a case about citizenship, but rather about a sense of belonging.
First Look'Parasite' Oscar wins bring joy, pride to South KoreansSouth Koreans celebrate the unexpected "Parasite" wins that made history during the 92nd Academy Awards ceremony. Loyal fans of director Bong Joon Ho praise the movie for representing the underside of Korean society and shining a global light on Korean cinema.
First LookHeavy rains douse Australian bushfires, but cause floodingSeveral days of rain in New South Wales have put out one major Australian bushfire and helped with others. But flooding is prompting some evacuations.
Fighting ‘bad’ fire with good: Australia revisits an Aboriginal traditionAustralia’s bushfire crises might be alleviated with more low-intensity burns, fire experts argue – a traditional practice in Aboriginal communities.
First LookChinese 'hero' doctor dies, unleashing public fury at BeijingLi Wenliang was detained by police in December after warning people about the new coronavirus on social media. His death has reignited outrage over the Communist Party's lack of transparency and accountability.
First LookWhy virus travel bans can undermine the global economyTravel restrictions and business closures have little benefit, but hinder info-sharing, medical supply chains, and harm economies, says a WHO official.
