All Asia Pacific
After rough 2022, can China still surpass the US?As new data on China’s slowing economic growth and declining population casts doubt on the country’s rise, economists are recalculating their forecasts for U.S.-China competition.
First LookChinese curtail travel, opt to stay home for another Lunar New YearAfter China’s decision to drop the policy for overseas travelers to go into lengthy quarantine, there was a high expectation for tourism over the Lunar New Year holidays. Instead, many Chinese are staying home, though international bookings skyrocketed.
First LookNew Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern resigns amid growing local criticismNew Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has announced her resignation effective Feb. 7. Ms. Ardern, who has received global praise, says her role comes with “the responsibility to know when you are the right person to lead, and also, when you are not.”
First LookFilipino journalist acquitted in ‘triumph of facts over politics’Journalist Maria Ressa, a Nobel Peace Prize winner, has been acquitted of the first of many legal cases used by former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte to silence her. Human Rights Watch called the charges “bogus and politically motivated.”
Seeking stability – and responsibility – Japan builds up militaryBy shouldering more security responsibility, Japan is taking a step toward its vision for a peaceful Asia that operates on a shared set of rules and norms.
First LookHong Kong, China to ring in Lunar New Year with reopened borderThe Hong Kong-China border will reopen on Sunday after three years of being almost completely closed. The move coincides with the close arrival of the Chinese Lunar New Year, a holiday that will likely lead to a significant number of travelers in the area.
First Look‘We cannot wait any longer’: Japan seeks stronger defense alliancesJapan’s new defense policy will include stronger alliances with other G-7 countries, a departure from Japan’s historical self-defense-only practices. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said the alliances demonstrate commitment to a “free and open Indo-Pacific.”
First LookChina ends quarantine amid efforts to reverse economic downturnChina announced the rollback of several anti-virus controls, including the quarantine for travelers, sparking hope that business activity will revive.
First LookNorth Korea enters South Korean airspace, first time since 2017South Korea launched jets and fired warning shots after North Korean drones violated its airspace in a fresh escalation of tensions Monday.
China is open for business, but COVID concerns still keep many homeCan the Chinese government, which has long touted the dangers of COVID-19, assuage public anxieties as controls lift and cases rise?
From fear to self-reliance: Behind China's COVID-19 shiftUntil this week, China’s COVID-19 policy was based on frightening citizens into accepting tight restrictions. Now, it’s citizens’ responsibility to decide many things for themselves.
First LookChina pivots from zero-COVID policies after protestsChina is relaxing quarantine measures and easing COVID-19 testing requirements for the first time in three years, according to new rules from the national health authority.
Why China’s COVID-tracking QR codes raise surveillance concernsWill Chinese be freed from their digital health codes once the country ends its strict “zero-COVID” policies?
‘A new situation’: After protests, China relaxes COVID restrictionsChinese cities are easing lockdown and testing restrictions after nationwide protests. It’s a reminder that public pressure can spark change, even within a top-down government.
In the Philippines, a deadly storm holds lessons on climate resilienceIn the Philippines, one village’s struggle to rebuild in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Nalgae highlights the limits of climate resilience strategies. Does running from high-risk areas always make a community safer?
First LookChinese President Zemin remembered for leading China on world stageFormer Chinese President Jiang Zemin, who died Wednesday, led communist China through massive economic growth and globalization. Known for his charisma and stability doctrine, his death comes as the current government faces widespread protests and unrest.
In mass protests across China, goals go beyond easing COVID rulesIn China, protests have erupted across the country in response to COVID-19 restrictions. As the protests spread, demonstrators are calling for all kinds of freedoms in a rare show of national unity.
First LookContinued lockdowns prompt unprecedented protests in ChinaProtests erupted after a fire broke out in an apartment building in the city of Urumqi, where some have been locked in their homes for four months.
Filipino journalists are often slain. This case is different.In a country where journalists are killed with impunity, one case may offer lessons on seeking justice.
In Japan, Unification Church scandal stains integrity of ruling partyIn Japan, the relationship between LDP lawmakers and the controversial Unification Church has gone from open secret to political crisis. At stake: The ruling party’s integrity.
