All Asia Pacific
First LookPhilippines steps up cybersecurity to combat online child abuseIn the Philippines, poverty has driven a surge in online sexual abuse against children. However, cybersecurity experts at the country’s largest telecommunications firm are working tirelessly to prevent access to exploitative images of children online.
First LookToo close for comfort: Australia blocks Russian embassy constructionAustralia’s Parliament has blocked the construction of a new Russian embassy that would be closer to the Parliament House. Australia, which has been a generous donor of aid to Ukraine, cited security concerns as reasons for passing the legislation.
First LookAI in China: Xi aims for balance between progress and protectionChina calls for heightened national security measures for artificial intelligence. A meeting chaired by President Xi Jinping emphasized the need to safeguard political security and improve security governance of internet data and artificial intelligence.
‘Uncharted territory’: How Asia is coping with extreme heatWhen it comes to beating rising heats, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Across Asia, communities are adapting to extreme temperatures, showcasing both human resilience and the far-reaching costs of climate change.
China’s record unemployment has some young people seeking simpler lifeIn China, record-high unemployment has leaders urging youth to “struggle” in the name of national rejuvenation, but young job seekers are hoping for a more balanced lifestyle.
First LookG7 summit ends: Ukraine in focus as Zelenskyy meets world leadersA three-day Group of Seven meeting focused on support for Ukraine’s war effort, security challenges in Asia, and outreach to the developing world.
First LookToo much debt? China’s foreign investments weigh heavy on borrowers.An analysis of the most countries indebted to China – including Pakistan, Kenya, Zambia, and Laos – found that their debt to the superpower consumes an ever-growing amount of revenue needed to provide even basic services to their residents.
First LookWhy G-7 has summoned more countries to address China and RussiaThe current leader of the Group of Seven, Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio, invited eight other countries to this weekend’s G-7 summit. On the agenda are China’s growing assertiveness, the war in Ukraine, and strides toward a nuclear-free world.
First LookBuilding trust: Japan and South Korea to mend ties at G-7The leaders of Japan and South Korea are mending ties after years of animosity and bickering. The recent shift in tone is a shared focus on China’s growing aggressiveness and the threat of North Korea’s fast-improving arsenal of missiles.
Presumed guilt? Unpacking Japan's 99.9% conviction rate.Japan’s criminal justice system gets results – but is it justice? Victims of wrongful convictions are speaking out for reform.
China says it’s open for business. Recent raids tell a different story.As Chinese leaders declare the country open for business, raids against U.S. firms and sweeping data laws are eroding trust among the foreign business community.
In Philippines, joint military drills leave locals torn on US presenceTo protect its interests in the South China Sea, the Philippines must delicately balance its relationship with China and the United States.
First LookHong Kong's new normal clouded by doubts of freedom under ChinaHong Kong’s recovery after years of protests, crackdowns, and pandemic restrictions is underway, but residents are conflicted about the true state of the city. Many feel the city’s openness and liberties are permanently gone under Chinese rule.
Back in Beijing, without big white suitsChina is a different country since the government there lifted harsh COVID-19 restrictions, a Monitor correspondent returning to Beijing finds.
Will Pentagon leak sour US relationship with its allies?The Pentagon leak has put sharp focus on both the strength of U.S. alliances and the fragility of relationships that need constant tending – especially in an era of disinformation.
Taiwan: Two presidents, two trips, two paths to handling ChinaEven as an emerging unique identity has emboldened Taiwanese to stand up for their freedoms, preserving the status quo with China is seen as the best way to uphold their vibrant democracy.
How Filipinos are banding together to help fishers after oil spillAn oil spill has effectively put life on hold in a coastal region of the Philippines. As clean-up stretches on, cooperation is critical to keep fishing communities above water.
Chinese travelers are back, and with them, a chance to ease tensionsWhile human connection alone can’t prevent conflict, an enduring peace is unlikely without it. As Chinese citizens begin to venture abroad again, can what some dub “revenge travel” play a mitigating role?
First Look‘You can lead, just like me’: New Zealand's Ardern says farewellFormer New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern delivered a final speech to Parliament Wednesday, reflecting on her tenure and asking lawmakers to take politics out of climate change. “We have what we need to make the progress we must,” she said.
First Look'Powerful partners': Leaders Xi, Putin meet after Putin's ICC warrantChinese leader Xi Jinping is in Russia meeting with President Vladimir Putin, now wanted for war crimes. The meeting gives China an opportunity to reinforce its “no-limits friendship” with Russia in an effort to balance American domination of world affairs.
