All Asia Pacific
First LookNot everyone is watching the elections in Solomon Islands. Why China will be.China has been courting influence with countries in the South Pacific – and the Solomon Islands have been its biggest success. An election this week could change that.
First LookTragedy in Sydney after man kills 6 people in mall before being shot by policePolice in Sydney say a man stabbed six people to death at a busy shopping center before an armed police officer intervened. The suspect is believed to have acted alone and the attack was not related to terrorism.
Japan is becoming more diverse. Will its government?Shifting demographics are challenging Japan’s reputation as a homogeneous society, and creating openings for immigrants in local government.
Free trade or flooding the market? US warns China against surplus exports.China and the U.S. share a desire to stabilize relations, but a recent trip by the U.S. treasury secretary highlights trade challenges.
First LookHow a media literacy group in Taiwan is teaching senior citizens to catch fake newsA group in Taiwan has hosted more than 500 events to educate people about how to combat fake news. Its specialty is senior citizens, who are particularly susceptible to disinformation.
First LookNew security law brings Hong Kong closer to quashing dissentA new Hong Kong law expands the government’s power to stamp out dissent and curb protests, punishing treason and insurrection with up to life imprisonment. Investors and journalists have raised concerns about its potential effects.
The Japanese apartment tower that is combating lonelinessThe loneliness of older people is a significant problem in Japan. This apartment tower makes multigenerational friendships possible.
Beijing and Washington don’t trust each other – maybe that’s OKIs trust the bedrock of international relations, or is predictability? In recent years, the U.S. and China have had to learn how to navigate growing mistrust and make progress toward stability.
First LookSouth Korea needs more doctors. So why are 8,000 trainees striking?Government plans to increase medical school admissions will make an already cut-throat industry even more competitive, doctors said. Trainees usually work 80 to 100 hours, five days a week, or up to 20 hours a day.
First LookOlympic surfing rolls into Tahiti, along with development concernsTeahupo’o, an island in French Polynesia, is known for its allure to surfers – as well as its insistence on protecting its environment and heritage. As the 2024 Games approach, Tahitians fear those values could come into conflict.
In the Philippines, jeepneys rule the road. But for how much longer?Modernizing the Philippines’ transit system is pitting a beloved piece of local culture against the need for safe transport.
First LookDespite record coal use, China on track to meet green energy targetsChina’s recent high levels of coal generation won’t affect its goal of peaking emissions by 2030. That’s because more energy production is coming from renewables and the nation is shifting coal’s role to a backup energy reserve.
First LookHow Taiwan became a model for beating election disinformationA flood of Chinese disinformation before Taiwan’s elections raised concerns about a key moment in the young democracy’s development. But islanders rallied together to dispel rumors and preserve trust.
First LookA tiny island-nation’s election has big stakes for China, TaiwanTuvalu, an island in the South Pacific, is one of the world’s smallest countries. But its upcoming election could have big consequences for international relations.
Can China and US cooperate to calm a bellicose Kim Jong Un?Experts worry that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un may have decided to go to war against South Korea. Can China and the U.S. work together to stop him?
How Philly’s orchestra became a rare link between China and the USFor 50 years, the Philadelphia Orchestra has played a singular role in connecting America and China through the universal love of music.
First LookChina wants to grow its economy. So why is it halting construction?China ordered local governments in 12 regions to halt major infrastructure projects, a blow to its efforts to grow the economy. The decision hints at the scope of China’s concern over local government debt.
In Pictures: In Bangladesh, a safety net for children at riskThe difficulties in Bangladesh couldn’t be more different from life in wealthy Western nations. But when our reporting team visited a program for vulnerable children in Dhaka, it found something truly universal.
Shunned by China, elected by Taiwan: What will Lai face in office?Taiwan’s voters have spoken, picking Lai Ching-te for president and giving his pro-sovereignty Democratic Progressive Party an unprecedented win. But the DPP’s loss of parliament may curb any bold moves – and provide some comfort to Beijing.
First LookTaiwan elects pro-sovereignty president, despite opposition by ChinaWhile domestic issues such as the sluggish economy and expensive housing also featured prominently in the campaign, Lai Ching-te’s appeal to self-determination, social justice, and rejection of China’s threats ultimately won out.
