All Asia Pacific
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.
In Taiwan election, voters seek to protect island’s autonomyAt a key juncture, Taiwan’s voters will weigh in on who is best qualified to navigate geopolitical tensions and preserve the self-governing island’s autonomy.
First LookHong Kong immigrants in Taiwan unite to back anti-Beijing partyImmigrants from Hong Kong are organizing for the re-election of Taiwan’s ruling party led by William Lai. Despite high barriers to entry for Hong Kong immigrants, many are united to take a strong stand against political ties to Beijing.
First LookJapanese quake survivor: ‘We are coming back, I’m determined’The shops on Wajima’s popular Asaichi Dori street were badly damaged Jan. 1 by a 7.6 magnitude earthquake. But Yoshie Minamidani plans to band together with other fish sellers and neighbors to rebuild the once bustling community.
First LookKim Jong Un’s sister mocks Seoul as North Korea fires artillery againNorth Korea again fired artillery shells near its tense sea boundary with the South on Sunday. Kim Yo Jong, the influential sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, mocked the South’s ability to detect its weapons launches.
First LookWaves of arriving Rohingya test limits of Indonesia’s welcomeThe increasing numbers of Rohingya refugees arriving in Indonesia by boat has put pressure on Indonesia’s government to take action. The government has called on the international community for help as anti-Rohingya sentiment rises among Indonesians.
This Chinese folk artist shares joy on paper, one snip at a timeWomen are keeping the art of paper cutting alive in northwestern China. To ensure the craft’s future, they must pass on their passion to the next generation.
First LookRebel attack against Myanmar’s military escalates. Is China involved?A major offensive launched by ethnic militias has forced Myanmar’s military dictatorship to fall back on almost every front. It is a critical moment for the army, which ousted democratic leader Aung San Suu Kyi in 2021.
From anti-narcotics to US-China military contacts, Biden-Xi talks make headwayAt their first face-to-face meeting since last year, Xi Jinping and Joe Biden made several small steps forward on repairing U.S.-China relations. Perhaps the most important accomplishment was laying groundwork for future cooperation.
First LookForced sea labor: Chinese companies worst offenders, study findsIn the most comprehensive attempt to date, a new report has worked to identify companies operating nearly 500 vessels where workers face hazardous, forced conditions sometimes likened to slavery. A quarter of the suspected ships belong to China.
How US-China ties have crumbled – and where Xi and Biden could rebuildU.S.-China ties have measurably and dramatically deteriorated in recent years. But this also presents an opportunity for growth – one both countries’ leaders feel a responsibility to act on.
First LookPro-democracy rebels take local capital in fight against Myanmar juntaRebel groups in Myanmar have seized control of their first local capital. The armed insurgency against the country’s military junta, which seized power from the government of Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi in 2021, is gaining steam.
Letter from Beijing: Behind China’s warm welcome of two US vetsIn Beijing, the honoring of two American veterans who fought for China during WWII – and their stories of courage and compassion – underscores the importance of people-to-people ties, especially as the United States and China aim to stabilize relations.
