All Asia Pacific
First LookExit polls forecast liberal Moon winning in South KoreaThe polls show Moon receiving 41.4 percent of the vote, ahead of his two rivals, a conservative and a centrist.
First LookChristian governor of Jakarta sentenced to two years in prison for blasphemyThe sentence is harsher than expected, leading to concerns about the rise about more radical Islamic groups in the generally moderate Muslim-majority country.
North Korea threats? After six decades, uncertainty is nothing new for South KoreansTechnically, North and South Korea have been at war for more than 60 years. But a 'cold war mentality' has helped Seoulites keep perspective, even as tensions ratchet up again – although their city is prepared for attacks.
First LookChina to create its own government-run version of WikipediaThe online Chinese Encyclopedia will not be editable by the general public, as a way to maintain factual accuracy and keep sensitive topics, such as the Tiananmen Square incident, tightly under wraps.
First LookChina defends desire to be a 'good neighbor' to North KoreaNorth Korea published a rare article critical of Chinese media that had called for tougher sanctions against the North's nuclear program.
First LookSouth Korea divided on THAAD missile defense systemThe defense system is the product of cooperation between the US and South Korean governments, set up to protect the country from a strike from the North. But with elections on the way in South Korea, many have begun to criticize THAAD, especially in the areas where the system is being set up.
As North Korea's economy grows, Kim tries to wield a double-edged swordEconomic reforms could improve living standards and enhance Kim Jong-un's power. But they could also threaten the regime's ideological foundations.
First LookChina launches its first domestically made aircraft carrierChina wants the world to know it built its new aircraft carrier entirely on its own, as the nation looks to strengthen its regional military influence in order to safeguard its maritime territorial claims.
First LookPence tours Indonesian mosque, praises moderate Islam, and calls for ‘fairer trade’Indonesia is on a list of 16 countries whose trade relationship the Trump administration is reviewing. It runs a surplus with the US.
The twin goals behind North Korea's resolve on nuclear weaponsTo North Korea, nuclear deterrence looks like a prerequisite for another goal: economic development. Beijing may understand that path better than Washington, complicating the two countries' attempts to rein in China's neighbor.
First LookFollowing US lead, Australia and New Zealand restrict visas for skilled foreignersTheir move echoes the United States' 'America First' policy, but critics have decried the move as mostly political posturing.
Why is the Chinese government encouraging its citizens to report foreign spies?Suspicion of foreigners can still be felt as China works through what it means to be part of the global community. But a new program to offer cash rewards to people to report foreign agents may prove counter-productive, some experts say.
First LookOn holiday, South Koreans opt for noodle dish over nuclear fearsAs tensions rise over a possible North Korea nuclear test this weekend, average South Koreans show few signs of concern.
What might a conflict with North Korea look like?As 'strategic patience' over the North's nuclear program is bumped by a more aggressive US posture, conflict has become more of a possibility – and it likely would not be a short and sharp one.
First LookChina warns against 'military force' to ease North Korean tensionsChina urged both North Korea and its opponents to exercise caution, as fears mount the North could conduct another nuclear test and more missile launches as part of this weekend's celebrations of state founder Kim Il Sung.
First LookWhy Japan's crown prince holds up Malaysia as a 'model for the international society''Diversity and tolerance are the words that come to my mind in describing my image of Malaysia today,' he said in a rare news conference.
First LookAs US Navy aircraft steam toward western Pacific, North Korea warns of nuclear strike if provokedState-sponsored media in North Korea said Tuesday that the nation could bring a nuclear attack on the US after a US Navy nuclear-powered aircraft carrier was seen coming toward the western Pacific.
Face-to-face at Mar-a-Lago, Trump and Xi will put their chemistry to the testXi has reason to feel confident as he meets Trump in Florida. But the leaders' dramatically distinct personalities – and definitions of 'diplomacy' – may be the most important wild card.
First LookIn step toward stability, Thai king signs new constitutionBut some critics say the move will give the military a power say over Thai politics for years, possibly decades.
A Tai Chi sweep? China bids for UNESCO cultural heritage status.In the birthplace of tai chi, hopes are high for later this year, when UNESCO will decide whether to add tai chi to its Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list. Advocates want to make sure that Japan or South Korea doesn't beat China out.
