All Asia Pacific
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.
First LookRussian figure skater doping case: Will Olympic justice be served?A decision is expected Monday in the doping case of Russian figure skater Kamila Valieva who testified Sunday at an appeal hearing. Will she be allowed to still compete at the Beijing Olympics?
First LookErin Jackson: First Black woman to win US gold in speedskating鈥淗opefully, we鈥檒l see more minorities ... trying these winter sports,鈥� Erin Jackson said Sunday after winning gold in the 500-meter speed skating competition at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics.聽
First LookPeng Shuai's case mirrors pattern of controlled narratives in ChinaTennis player Peng Shuai鈥檚 interview on Monday follows a similar pattern of high-profile individuals running a conflict with Chinese officials and then disappearing from view. Ms. Peng now says her accusations of sexual assault was an 鈥渆normous misunderstanding.鈥澛�
No more charm offensive: How China鈥檚 Olympics goals have shiftedIn 2008, China embraced the world. This year鈥檚 Games are all about the domestic audience, and building confidence in the Communist Party鈥檚 rule.
The ExplainerAthletes go, Biden stays: Will the Olympics boycott carry weight?This 鈥渄iplomatic boycott鈥� of the Beijing Olympics allows countries to confront China鈥檚 behavior without a more controversial athlete boycott.聽
First LookCitizens mark one year of Myanmar military rule with protestsMyanmar citizens stayed in their homes and businesses closed in a nationwide boycott on Tuesday, the anniversary of the military鈥檚 power takeover. The day was also marked by considerable violence, including at least six bombings reported by local media.
First LookTo the bunny slope: Winter sports grow in China as Olympics nearIn China, the Beijing Winter Olympics is prompting a surge of interest in sports such as hockey and skiing. The government and private companies are quickly building the infrastructure 鈥� ice rinks and ski runs 鈥� to keep pace with this expanded sports culture.
First LookWhy Indonesia is moving its capital city to an island jungleLast week Indonesia鈥檚 parliament passed a bill to move the capital from Jakarta, one of world鈥檚 most congested and rapidly sinking cities, to the jungle-clad island of Borneo. But critics worry about the environmental impacts of large-scale construction projects.
First LookWhat Djokovic deportation says about Australia's border policiesPrime Minister Scott Morrison described the expulsion of Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic as a 鈥渄ecision to keep our borders strong鈥� but reflects a decade-old policy.
First LookVolcano erupts near Tonga, spurring tsunami alerts across PacificThere were no immediate reports of injuries in Tonga, but the eruption triggered a tsunami advisory for Hawaii, Alaska, and the U.S. Pacific coast.
