All Asia Pacific
First LookIn first official visit to South Korea, Defense Secretary Mattis reassures Asian alliesThe new US Defense secretary said that the United States would stand 'shoulder-to-shoulder' with South Korea against the threat posed by North Korea.
First LookPhilippines suspend anti-drug campaign to root out police corruptionSome 7,000 Filipinos have been killed in the government's anti-drug campaign since President Rodrigo Duterte took office this summer.
FocusSingapore's plea to its people: Won’t you please have more children?As Singapore goes all out to reverse its ultralow fertility rate, many nations facing tough economic and social problems as the ranks of young people dwindle watch closely for lessons.
No. 23: Serena Williams thanks sister for another major tournament recordSerena Williams beat her sister Venus to win a record seventh Australian Open, and Serena moved ahead of Steffi Graf for the most major Open titles.
First LookLunar New Year triggers world's largest human migrationThe Chinese New Year is a time for travel and celebration. For many in China, it is the only time of year that they can be together with their families.
As N. Korea's nuke threats mount, will Trump respond 'outside the box'?Although a military option could be on the table for President Trump, many experts say the issue's complexities could ultimately lead him to the same playbook used by previous administrations.
First LookHigh-profile defector: Discontent with North Korean government is growingIn his first news conference with foreign media since defecting in August, former North Korean diplomat Thae Yong Ho described the country as being 'on a slippery slope.'
Change the date? Support grows for a rethink of Australia Day.Jan. 26 marks the anniversary of the arrival of the first British settlers to build a penal colony. For Aboriginals, it's known as 'Invasion Day.'
Japan's first military communications satellite takes off amid defense debateKirameki-2's launch is the latest in a series of measures underscoring a shift in Japan's security policies. While the changes have provoked public debate for their perceived abandonment of the Self Defense Force's historical role, some observers argue the changes are overdue.
First LookIsrael plans 2,500 new West Bank settlement units in Trump's first days in officeThe Israeli government says that a majority of the housing units will be built in settlement blocs, areas where most settlers live and that Israel wants to keep under its control in the event of any future peace deal with the Palestinians.
First LookBeijing reasserts sovereignty claims over disputed South China Sea islandsOn Tuesday, China said it had 'irrefutable' sovereignty over the disputed islands, after the White House vowed to defend 'international territories' in the strategic waterway.
First LookWill Japan allow its Emperor to abdicate? Interim report suggests Akihito could get his hinted wishA government panel looking into the prospect of Emperor Akihito's abdication suggests that one-time legislation could permit the current emperor to step down from his duties, avoiding any permanent change to the system.
China rejects Trump's suggestion to negotiate Taiwan againSince recognizing Beijing in 1979, Washington has maintained only unofficial ties with Taiwan — a status quo that Trump has repeatedly threatened to upend since winning the November election.
For China, Tillerson's South China Sea remarks increase concerns over TrumpTrump's secretary of State nominee told senators that the US should deny access to China's man-made islands in the disputed region, a move that Chinese state media warned could lead to war.
First LookAfter $40 billion pledge from China, Nigeria tells Taiwan's capital office to pack its bagsWith only 22 allied states worldwide, Taiwan faces increasing isolation as China pulls economic levers in Africa and elsewhere.
First LookPhilippines will offer 6 million women free contraceptivesPhilippine President Rodrigo Duterte is trying to expand access to contraceptives as part of his anti-poverty plans.
First LookWhy did China just send an aircraft carrier through the Taiwan Strait?China released a Asia-Pacific security report underscoring its dedication to peace. But Taiwan-China relations have started 2017 on rocky footing.
The TV network at the forefront of Beijing's foreign propaganda offensiveIn establishing the China Global Television Network, President Xi sees as an opening to take advantage of the crises facing Western liberal democracy and reshape global opinion in favor of China's political values.
How a pair of US stopovers could reshape Taiwan's ties with US, ChinaTaiwanese President Tsai may meet with Trump administration officials during layovers on her upcoming trip to Central America – testing both Taiwan-US ties and China's resolve to diplomatically isolate the island.
First LookNorth Korea has frustrated three US presidents. What’s left for Trump to try?President-elect Donald Trump has reportedly requested a special intelligence briefing on North Korea. The nation might pose his first major foreign-policy challenge.
