All Asia Pacific
First LookAfter 20 years of Chinese rule, Hong Kong hype marred by pro-democracy tensionsWhat was once described as ‘one country, two systems’ is now being called ‘one country, 1.5 systems’ as Hong Kong citizens feel increasingly stifled under a tightening Communist grip.
First LookChina passes new intelligence law to 'ensure nation's security interests are met'A Chinese intelligence law quickly passed on Tuesday is part of a raft of legislation in the country that will expand government powers to monitor, raid, and seize property.
First LookNorth Korea denies cruel treatment of Otto Warmbier, says it is 'biggest victim'After the death of detained American student Otto Warmbier just a few days after his return to the United States, North Korea claims it is being targeted in a smear campaign.
Poverty-free China by 2020? Beijing says it's possible – but steepest climb aheadWhile President Xi Jinping’s foreign-policy initiatives have made headlines abroad, one of his most ambitious domestic priorities is entering the final stretch: the race to build a 'moderately prosperous society.'
First LookAmerican student death prompts call for North Korea to release detaineesThough the details surrounding Otto Warmbier's death remain unclear, South Korean President Moon and President Trump condemned North Korea's human rights violations.
First LookAs Hong Kong nears its waste capacity, authorities ponder solutionsOne of the world’s leading financial centers is bursting at the seams with trash, while recycling efforts flag. Solutions-based initiatives are underway, but may face opposition.
Eyeing Beijing's backwater, China sees next megacity as a game-changerMegacities from scratch? China’s done that before. But as Beijing turns its economy towards more consumer-focused growth, it hopes the Xiongan New Area can model more sustainable urbanization to fuel it.
First LookA new law allows Japan Emperor Akihito to abdicate. Who would replace him?With the recent passing of a law allowing Japan's 83-year-old monarch to resign from the throne, discussion of ending male-only succession is at the forefront of thought.
First LookSouth Korea stands firm against North Korea post-missile launchSouth Korean President Moon Jae-in refuses to compromise with North Korea on national security. North Korea's actions, he warns, are only exacerbating the state's economic and international challenges.
First LookSoup, persistence, and prayer prepare Chinese teens for college entrance examsChinese students undergo rigorous test prep in the hope that high scores will lead to a better life. Determination by students, support from family members, and compassion by community members help to quell the mounting pressure associated with this annual event.
First LookISIS attack on mall in Manila raises concerns militant siege may be spreadingIt appears the militants are attempting to divert the focus of thousands of troops responding to a 10-day ISIS siege in a southern city.
First LookSouth Korean president orders probe into extra, unreported THAAD missile installationsPresident Moon called for a parliamentary review of the controversial system during his campaign. The missile defense system has infuriated China, North Korea's lone major ally.
US patrol sends signal to Beijing's claims in South China Sea – but how strong?Since the start of the Trump administration, the United States has held off from patrols challenging China's wide-reaching claims in the South China Sea, unnerving regional allies. That changed on Wednesday, but the longer-term pattern is unclear.
As Taiwan debates gay marriage, advocates eye influence abroadProposals to legalize same-sex marriage looked on track to become law in 2017. But after pushback, the legislation’s future is in question – and, to supporters, so is a chance to burnish Taiwan’s image as an island open to social change.
First LookSouth Korea fires warning shots at likely North Korean droneThe incident occurred at a time of increased international tensions over the North's nuclear missile program.
Trumpeting 'One Belt, One Road,' China bids to lead 'Globalization 2.0'Beijing's $900 billion new 'Silk Road' of infrastructure and trade ties positions China as a defender of free trade – and dramatically expands its claims to global leadership.
First LookInternational forum aims to bolster Chinese president's image at home and abroadXi Jinping will appear at the Belt and Road Forum starting on Sunday, accompanied by representatives from at least 28 countries.
Can South Korea's Moon heal the public distrust that fueled his victory?To many abroad, the presidential election boiled down to two words: North Korea. But at home, where his predecessor's impeachment fed suspicions of widespread corruption, voters are looking to Moon to restore a sense of transparency and opportunity.
First LookHow Moon wants to mend ties with China, the US, and North KoreaThe new South Korean president vowed to improve relations between China and the United States, and is even considering a visit to Pyongyang, if conditions are right.
Moon election could mean 'sunshine' toward Pyongyang – but a cloudier outlook for DCLiberal Moon Jae-in's proposals for more engagement with North Korea may be just one policy plank to his supporters. But they hold an outsized importance for South Korea's decades-old alliance with the United States, which is pushing a distinctly harsher strategy to rein in the Kim regime.
