All Asia Pacific
First Look'All aboard!' Japan rolls out its first green energy train lineA Japanese railway in Tokyo says聽it now gets 100% of its energy for everything from the locomotives to vending machines from renewable sources. Some are skeptical of the impact it could make as Japan works to become carbon neutral by 2050.
China loophole: Why Taiwan relies on Indigenous diplomacyAs China鈥檚 economic and political clout grows, Taiwan鈥檚 Indigenous communities offer the government an international relations lifeline.聽
First LookIn Jakarta, protests erupt over possible election delay, inflationHundreds of people in Jakarta held demonstrations on Thursday amid speculation that the 2024 Indonesian election may get delayed. The protestors are also opposing rising oil and food prices, and the government鈥檚 treatment of dissenters.聽
First LookIn Russia鈥檚 Ukraine setbacks, China sees lessons for its futureAs Russia faces setback after setback in its invasion of Ukraine, China is taking notes. China鈥檚 President Xi Jinping might be reworking his expansionist aims, especially related to Taiwan, as a small, outnumbered country foils Russia鈥檚 army a world away.
First LookNorth Korea celebrates key milestone without typical military paradeNorth Korea celebrated the 110th birth anniversary of the country鈥檚 late founder Kim Il Sung on Friday. The anniversary comes at a time of increased nuclear buildup and was accompanied by calls for continued loyalty to current leader Kim Jong Un.聽
Cattle farms or bullet trains? Japanese village faces uncertain future.Oshika is the latest rural community bearing the weight of Japan鈥檚 rapid economic growth. But will it see the reward?
鈥楲ike a Kafka novel鈥�: Witnessing China鈥檚 zero-COVID policyThe Monitor鈥檚 China bureau chief found comfort in a WeChat group during her chaotic quarantine in Shanghai.
First Look鈥楲ong-awaited law鈥�: Indonesia passes law against sexual violenceIndonesia鈥檚 parliament has passed a law to prevent sexual violence after a high-profile case of a school principal assaulting young students captivated the nation. The law also has provisions for protection and recovery for survivors.
First LookSri Lankans take street to protest, call for president to resignSri Lankans gathered Sunday in front of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa鈥檚 office to demand his resignation over the country鈥檚 devastating economic crisis. Many blame the Rajapaksa family, which has been in power for most of the past two decades.
First LookHong Kong's Chief Executive Lam to retire with Beijing in controlHong Kong leader Carrie Lam announced Monday that she will not seek a second term. Ms. Lam鈥檚 five years as chief executive have been marked by violent protests, dissent crackdowns, and a health care system overwhelmed by the global pandemic.
First LookHow China uses influencers to build a propaganda networkOn Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube, some of聽China's state media reporters identify as travel bloggers and lifestyle influencers to聽build a network of social media profiles that parrot the government鈥檚 perspective in posts.聽
鈥楾oo high a price鈥�: Why some residents oppose Shanghai lockdownsThe current outbreak has thwarted efforts to adopt more targeted virus control measures and stirred debate over聽China鈥檚 strict zero-COVID-19 policy.
First LookNorth Korea tests missile with enough range to reach entire USNorth Korea confirmed Friday that it test-fired its biggest-yet intercontinental ballistic missile. Experts say more frequent missile testing 鈥� this marks the 12th launch this year 鈥� is meant to signal North Korea's increasing hard power strength.聽
First LookConservative candidate Yoon Suk-yeol wins South Korean presidencyYoon Suk-yeol, the conservative opposition candidate,聽defeated liberal Lee Jae-myung,聽his chief rival, on Thursday, winning聽one of the country鈥檚 most closely fought presidential elections. Mr. Yoon will be taking office in May and serving a single five-year term.
Ukraine tests China鈥檚 鈥榣imitless鈥� friendship with RussiaBeijing appears to be siding with Russia in the Ukraine conflict. What does this mean for Ukraine, Taiwan, and the world?聽
First LookAs world watches Ukraine, North Korea tests 8th missile this yearSouth Korean, Japanese, and American officials said Sunday that North Korea launched its eighth ballistic missile this year. Analysts say the tests are part of North Korea鈥檚 efforts to modernize its weapons technology and pressure Washington.聽
First Look'Full circle': Activist fought Philippine dictator, now his sonFifty years ago, Loretta Rosales opposed the rule of聽Ferdinand Marcos and helped lead the "People Power" movement that ousted him. Now 82, Ms. Rosales is campaigning against Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the dictator's son and a leading candidate in the presidential election.聽
First LookChina approves Russian wheat imports as West raises sanctionsWhile other nations have condemned Russia for its attack on Ukraine, China called for talks to resolve the crisis but has not cast blame on Russia. China also approved聽Russian wheat imports that could undermine Western sanctions.聽
First LookSouth Korea鈥檚 鈥榚lection of misogyny鈥� sparks debateSouth Korean women have strived to confront an entrenched culture of male chauvinism and harassment for years. Now, a leading presidential candidate is vowing to abolish the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, sparking debate ahead of the upcoming election.聽
First Look鈥業t鈥檚 tough work鈥�: China鈥檚 workers make big sacrifices at the OlympicsMore than 50,000 workers and volunteers have been living inside 2022 Beijing鈥檚 Olympic 鈥渂ubble鈥� for months cleaning, cooking, and driving to ensure the games go on. Although cut off from family and loved ones, many say they are thrilled to be close to the action.
