All Asia Pacific
First LookHong Kong activist found guilty in first for new security lawFormer waiter Tong Ying-kit, the first person charged under Hong Kong鈥檚 national security law, was found guilty of terrorism and inciting secession. Activists say the ruling聽represents an聽鈥渙minous moment for human rights鈥澛爄n Hong Kong.
Olympics have lockdown aura. But the narrative isn鈥檛 locked in.Against a pandemic backdrop, the Tokyo Games include no shortage of challenges. Yet the promise of internationalism and athleticism remain.
First LookRainfall 'not seen in 1,000 years' floods China, at least 100k evacuatedHeavy rainfall across Central China has triggered massive flooding.聽In an effort to control rising water levels and fatalities, the Chinese military has blasted a dam to release floodwaters and lessen pressure on one of its most heavily populated provinces.
First LookBiden backs Trump-era position on South China SeaSecretary of State Antony Blinken released a statement rejecting China鈥檚 claims to the South China Sea.聽The message came ahead of the fifth anniversary of an international tribunal鈥檚 ruling in favor of the Philippines, against Chinese maritime claims.
As Olympics near, a Japanese fishing town waits 鈥� to say thanksJapan鈥檚 excitement about the Olympics plummeted amid the pandemic. Feelings are especially complex in 鈥渉ost towns鈥� still recovering from the tsunami.
First LookChinese youth revolt against overwork culture by 'lying flat'Amid slowing economic growth and hypercompetitive work environments, a small, youth-led group of Chinese urban professionals has chosen to 鈥渓ie flat,鈥� rejecting the traditional narratives of success and taking a laid-back, anti-consumerist approach to life.
First LookIn Malaysia, white flags bring help from good SamaritansA citizen-initiated campaign in Malaysia gives ordinary good Samaritans a way to help聽those facing extreme hardship due to pandemic lockdowns.
Communist Party at 100: Will Chinese nationalism at home backfire abroad?China鈥檚 Communist Party has stoked nationalist pride ahead of its 100th anniversary. That may be risky for Beijing.
First LookChina's CCP celebrates centennial by looking back 鈥� and aheadCelebrating its 100th anniversary,聽China鈥檚 ruling party again uses聽a selective picture of history to justify its rule. The party鈥檚 goal 鈥� global Chinese leadership and prosperity for all its citizens 鈥� may also be its biggest challenge, scholars say.
The ExplainerSouth China Sea: A new US president confronts an old challengeThe Biden administration aims to strengthen relations with Asia 鈥� in part, to counter China. That priority will be tested in the South China Sea.
First LookPro-democracy Apple Daily closes amid crackdown in Hong KongApple Daily, Hong Kong鈥檚 only pro-democracy news outlet with a print circulation, has announced it will close as China continues to suppress dissent in the city. The paper鈥檚 closure may herald the end of Hong Kong鈥檚 press freedom, observers say.聽
First Look3-2-1: Chinese astronauts to blast off to new space stationThree astronauts are scheduled to lift off Thursday morning from China, marking its first crewed flight in five years. This journey to China's space station opens up new territory for peaceful cooperation or greater competition among world powers.聽
First LookMyanmar still at political odds as leader Suu Kyi's trial beginsPolitical figure聽Aung San Suu Kyi faced charges Monday, most notably, for allegedly spreading information that could lead to public unrest. Many experts say the charges聽are politically motivated, meant to undermine the National League for Democracy.
First LookIs gardening a crime? City dwellers in Malaysia say no.In the capital of Malaysia, residents have been carving out space in the urban landscape for community gardens. Despite government-issued eviction notices, community members are staying rooted, saying it鈥檚 time for the laws to change to make urban farming easier.
First LookLight switches and candlelight keep Tiananmen remembrance aliveFriday marks the anniversary of China鈥檚 1989 crackdown on pro-democracy protesters in Tiananmen Square. Despite restrictions on public protests and a ban on the Victoria Park vigil in Hong Kong, residents are finding new ways to commemorate the event.
First LookWhy the IOC insists the Tokyo Games must go onDespite protests and a declared state of emergency in Japan, the International Olympic Committee says the Tokyo Olympics will safely open on July 23. Cancelling the Games would mean billions of dollars lost for the Japanese government and the IOC.
First LookFaced with a demographic crisis, China relaxes birth limitsOn May 31, China鈥檚 ruling Communist Party announced it will ease birth limits to allow all couples to have three children instead of two in hopes of maintaining its growth and avoiding the prospect of a declining population.
Chinese put premium on owning homes. Now Beijing wants to tax them.China鈥檚 debt burden, dubbed a 鈥済ray rhino,鈥� has prompted proposals for an unpopular property tax. But will Beijing kick the can down the road again?
First LookPublic pressure mounts in Japan for Olympic cancellationAsahi Shimbun, a leading Japanese newspaper, has called for the cancellation of the Tokyo Olympics. Recent polls show 80% of Japanese are against the Games, but the government, which has spent $15.4 billion, has made no indication they will be canceled.
FocusWhy Indonesia鈥檚 rice paddy expansion is raising climate concernsIndonesia鈥檚 plan to convert peatland for food crops has raised doubts about sustainability, since past rice conversion projects sparked catastrophic forest fires.聽
