All Asia Pacific
First LookIndonesian authorities raise volcano alert and amp up evacuation effortsIndonesia is on high alert as Mount Agung on Bali erupts. Authorities have shut down the international airport due to the amount of volcanic ash in the air and look to quickly evacuate people living within 10 miles of the volcano.
First LookSouth Korea fears continued weapons development from North KoreaSouth Korean intelligence agencies are keeping a close eye on their northern neighbor with suspicions that further missile tests by North Korea before year's end are likely. Political analysis also shows an internal overhaul of military officials within Pyongyang's government.
First LookShots fired at North Korean soldier attempting to defect at borderA North Korean soldier was shot five times while fleeing across to the south, marking it the first shooting at the jointly monitored border with South Korea in three decades.
First LookSouth Korea strengthens ties with Southeast AsiaSouth Korea begins implementing President Moon's "New Southern Policy" with a visit to Indonesia.
With N. Korea front-and-center on Trump trip, will South China Sea take back seat?Whether and how President Trump will discuss China's growing assertiveness in the South China Sea remains an open question. The issue now appears to be a secondary US priority – but a pillar of Beijing's plan for greater influence.
First LookIndonesian court rules in favor of religious freedomIndonesia has long required all citizens to practice only state-recognized religions, and the blasphemy laws of the 1960s meant steep punishments for those who did not. However, a new court ruling is opening the door for legal practice of previously illegal faiths.
This year, as winter nears, residents of China's coal country turn to gasShanxi province's coal helped fuel China's economic boom. But as awareness about the risks of pollution grows, officials in the provincial capital are cracking down on heavy industry and shifting to natural gas – giving workers a cleaner, if uncertain, future.
First LookOlympic Games organizers use Kim Jong-Un's love of sports to ease tensions with North KoreaOlympic Games organizers in South Korea are doing their part to reduce tensions with North Korea by including the North's athletes in the games alongside US, Chinese, and South Korean athletes as a sign of peace.
In Japan, these single moms and shrinking cities are trying a new start – togetherWomen face deep-seated challenges in Japan's work culture, all the more difficult for single moms. But amid a nation-wide demographic crisis, some particularly hard-hit areas are reaching out to these families with relocation programs, hoping that both sides can benefit.
First LookSouth Korea prepares for a Winter Games that might not draw usual crowdsAs the opening ceremonies approach, only a third of tickets have been sold. South Korea worries that tourism, expected to rise exponentially during the games, may ultimately falter because of tensions between neighboring North Korea and the United States.
First LookSouth Korea and China work to mend strained relationsPresident Moon Jae-in and President Xi are set to meet for the first time since Mr. Moon's election in May. The two leaders aim to ease tensions since South Korea allowed the United States to deploy a contentious missile defense system on its soil.
Amid Cambodia crackdown, this leader fled. But she hasn't given up on changeRecognition abroad for Mu Sochua's human-rights work hasn't always translated into political power at home. As a political crackdown in Cambodia continues, she's been presented with unprecedented pressures – but perhaps new opportunities, as well.
First LookOlympic torch begins its journey to South KoreaThe Olympic torch was lit during a ceremony held at the stadium in Ancient Olympia and it now on its way to Pyeongchang for the start of the 2018 Winter Olympics. Game organizers have promised safety and security in the face of tensions with North Korea.
First LookChina's Xi Jinping solidifies status as most powerful leader in decadesThe ruling Communist Party inserts President Xi Jinping's name into the party's constitution, the first leader whose name will be enshrined in the party ideology while alive since Chairman Mao. The status expands Mr. Xi's power both domestically and over foreign policy.
First LookStudent leaders of Hong Kong's pro-democracy protests released on bailCharged with inciting unlawful protests against the Chinese government, the activists' release comes amid uncertainty with what China's 'one country, two systems' approach means for freedom of speech within the city.
Abe win points to continued pressure on N. Korea – and Japan's pacifist ConstitutionPrime Minister Abe's party won a snap election on Sunday, suggesting approval for his firm stance on North Korea. But he faces a steep climb getting public support for a long-sought plan to revise the Constitution's constraints on the military.
First LookPhilippines declares end to ISIS Marawi siege after five monthsThe siege had sparked fears the Islamic State group was gaining new ground as it weakened in Syria and Iraq. The official defeat of ISIS has brought relief to the region.
Xi proclaims party 'leader of all' in renewed vision for China and beyondPresident Xi's opening speech for the Chinese Communist Party Congress – expected to solidify his status as its most important leader in decades – reaffirmed a Party-first path for China, whose growth he held up as a model for other countries.
First LookFreed from ISIS takeover Filipinos return to reclaim their cityAs military forces rid Marawi of the few remaining ISIS militants, small groups of residents are returning to the debris strewn city since fleeing in May when the fighting started.
As drug war's toll grows in the Philippines, so does church's pushbackThe crackdown on drugs is a hallmark of President Rodrigo Duterte's administration. But as the death tolls mounts, many Filipinos are speaking out – including the Catholic Church, one of the country's most powerful institutions.
