All Asia Pacific
China has weapons to give Russia an edge in Ukraine – why hasn’t it?China’s growing military relationship with Russia gives it the potential to tip the scales in Ukraine. As they weigh whether to help their northern ally, Chinese leaders are looking east – to the United States and Taiwan.
First LookA new 'rich' and 'strong' China should aim for global role, says XiFollowing talks that resulted in an agreement between Saudi Arabia and Iran to reopen diplomacy, Xi Jinping called for China to have a more significant role in global affairs. He also emphasized support for private enterprises and job creation.
A lab of their own: How Fukushima moms led charge for radiation dataWhen Japanese authorities downplayed the Fukushima nuclear meltdown, a group of concerned mothers used citizen science to track radiation data.
First LookPower for life? Xi Jinping secures third term as China's president.Xi Jinping has secured a third five-year term as China’s President, cementing the idea he might stay in power for life. Mr. Jinping has already sidelined challengers, promoted his own loyalists, and removed the two-term limit from the Chinese Constitution.
First Look'Treasure of Japan': Shohei Ohtani glitters on the baseball diamondJapanese baseball player Shohei Ohtani can pitch, bat, and can play in the field with equal skill. He may be the game’s best player anywhere but in Japan, he is also giving fans a huge boost of national pride.
Can South Korea and Japan overcome their past and focus on the future?What does it take to heal old wounds? Leaders in Japan and South Korea are finding out as they work to improve their countries’ troubled relations.
First LookChina offers 12-point plan to end Ukraine-Russia war. Could it work?After claiming neutrality, China aims to mediate the Ukraine-Russia war. President Xi Jinping condemns Western sanctions against Russia and calls for a cease-fire, upholding the sovereignty of all countries but remained vague about Ukraine.
Moving forward or back? Marcos breaks from Duterte-era policies.When it comes to transforming a country, do motives matter? Progress in the Philippines may be short-lived if the Marcos administration is more concerned with international image than freedom and justice.
First Look‘New era of understanding’: Cambodia’s looted treasurers returnedCambodia’s Culture Ministry says 77 pieces of jewelry were returned, including crowns, necklaces, bracelets, belts, earrings, and amulets. They are the latest treasures to be retrieved from the estate of a man accused of buying and selling looted artifacts.
First LookIs North Korea's missile arsenal an immediate threat?North Korea has resumed missile tests and claims its nuclear weapons are combat-ready. Are they actually capable of hitting the U.S. and its allies?
First Look‘I stopped poaching’: Philippine sea turtles gain an unexpected allyJohnny Manlugay, a Philippine construction worker, used to hunt the beaches for turtle eggs to trade or eat them. Now, he is using his skills to protect them. “I’ve learned to love this work,” said Mr. Manlugay.
Balloon burst hopes for US-China trust-building. What now?The crisis over China’s weather or spy balloon has derailed a critical opportunity for building trust between Beijing and Washington.
First LookChina escalates rhetoric against US after downing of mystery balloonChina says the balloon that flew over North America was shot down with “excessive force” on Sunday. The appearance of the balloon, and the response by the United States, have strained the already tense U.S.-China relationship.
First LookUS moves to recover suspected Chinese spy balloon after shooting it downThe United States downed the Chinese balloon off the Carolina coast after it became the latest flashpoint in tensions between Washington and Beijing.
First LookCloud reader or spy balloon? China downplays 'civilian airship' in US.China officials claim that a balloon seen in American airspace over Montana, a state with a nuclear missile silo, was launched for weather studies and got blown off course. U.S. officials are still investigating if the balloon had espionage purposes.
First LookUS doubles military presence in the Philippines to counter ChinaThe United States is expanding its presence in the Philippines amid rising concerns about China’s influence in the Pacific. On Thursday, the U.S. secured access to four more military camps in the Philippines and improved its existing five camps.
Why South Korea is debating a nuclear weapons programAs some in South Korea call for a nuclear weapons program, experts say what’s needed is a strengthening of trust and cooperation under the U.S. nuclear umbrella.
First LookAustralia Day inspires push for including Indigenous in constitutionThe 235th anniversary of British colonization in Australia is also a reminder of how Indigenous peoples lost their land. Australians will vote soon on a policy that would recognize Indigenous people as Australia’s original inhabitants in the constitution.
Hundreds of Philippine police are filing their resignations. Why?Weeding out police officers involved in the Philippines’ illegal drug trade could make way for a less violent war on drugs, but victims say it does little to deliver justice.
First LookChris Hipkins replaces Jacinda Ardern as New Zealand prime ministerChris Hipkins was sworn in as New Zealand prime minister on Wednesday. Carmel Sepuloni, the new deputy prime minister, is the first person with Pacific Island heritage to serve in this position. The nation’s general election is less than nine months away.
