All Asia Pacific
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鈥榃e cannot wait any longer鈥�: Japan seeks stronger defense alliancesJapan鈥檚 new defense policy will include stronger alliances with other G-7 countries, a departure from Japan鈥檚 historical self-defense-only practices. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said the alliances demonstrate commitment to a 鈥渇ree and open Indo-Pacific.鈥�
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鈥檚 COVID-19 policy was based on frightening citizens into accepting tight restrictions. Now, it鈥檚 citizens鈥� 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鈥檚 COVID-tracking QR codes raise surveillance concernsWill Chinese be freed from their digital health codes once the country ends its strict 鈥渮ero-COVID鈥� policies?
鈥楢 new situation鈥�: After protests, China relaxes COVID restrictionsChinese cities are easing lockdown and testing restrictions after nationwide protests. It鈥檚 a reminder that public pressure can spark change, even within a top-down government.聽
In the Philippines, a deadly storm holds lessons on climate resilienceIn the Philippines, one village鈥檚 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.聽
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.聽
First LookContinued lockdowns prompt unprecedented protests in ChinaProtests erupted after a fire broke out聽in an apartment building聽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鈥檚 integrity.
In battle of worldviews, Xi and Biden bet on responsible competitionRecent domestic victories have only solidified the deeply divergent worldviews of President Joe Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping, but at their first face-to-face meeting, they found common ground.
In Philippines, a push to preserve accounts of life under martial lawAfter the victory of Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in the Philippines, many are rushing to safeguard archives and promote public history.
First LookDogs of peace or war? Political gifts get fuzzy in South Korea.Two North Korean hunting dogs gifted to former South Korean president Moon Jae-in by North Korea are causing political tension. Mr. Moon can鈥檛 afford to take care of the canines, but current President Yoon Suk-yeol refuses to pay for their expenses.聽
The ExplainerUS semiconductor ban targets highest of Chinese high techHarsher controls by the United States on the export of advanced semiconductor chips aim to push China out of the global supply chain.
First LookRising tension: North Korea fires ICBM in latest missile barrageOn Wednesday, North Korea launched more than 20 missiles in one day, the highest amount in a single day ever. On Thursday, they launched six missiles into the sea, including an intercontinental ballistic missile that caused Japan to issue an evacuation alert.聽
