All Asia Pacific
Beijing embraces gig workers鈥� cause 鈥� but not their activistsChina鈥檚 delivery workers and others in the gig economy have called for better working conditions聽鈥� but Beijing wants to call the shots on reform.
First LookHow China is using social media to polish its image globallyChina is known for guiding public opinion at home, but how does the country shape public discourse globally? A seven-month investigation reveals how thousands of inauthentic accounts on Twitter and other social media sites amplify Chinese propaganda.聽
First LookAfter 100 days of military rule, what lies ahead for Myanmar?After ousting Aung San Suu Kyi鈥檚 government, the junta has managed to convey some sense of control by shutting down independent media and using force against protestors. Could unified efforts by the resistance and ethnic minority groups effectively challenge the junta?
First LookWill there be any Muslims left among the Chinese Uyghurs?The Chinese government says it protects freedom of religion, as long as believers follow laws and regulations 鈥� including a ban on religious education for minors. As a result, the number of Uyghurs practicing Islam is dwindling.聽
First LookDespite surveillance, Uyghurs around the world speak out onlineA growing number of young Uyghurs living overseas are mobilizing online to speak out against forced labor and other abuses against Uyghurs in China聽 鈥� even as they fear repercussions for family members.聽聽
Orchid Island became Taiwan鈥檚 tourist hotspot. Does it want to be?Orchid Island, Taiwan, where most residents are Tao, has experienced a tourism boom during the pandemic. Locals have one request: Respect our space.
First LookSoutheast Asia leaders demand end to violence in MyanmarSoutheast Asian leaders met in Jakarta Saturday for an emergency summit to demand immediate action in Myanmar. It was an unusually blunt move for the bloc which normally has a non-interference policy with its neighbors.
First LookIs South Korea losing appetite for 'comfort women' legal cases?For decades, the governments of Japan and South Korea have sparred 鈥� and sometimes reached agreements 鈥� over the treatment of Korean women forced into brothels during the Japanese occupation. But sexual slavery victims say they've been left out of the process.
Focus鈥楬e has not bowed鈥�: Jimmy Lai and Hong Kong鈥檚 futureJimmy Lai, founder of Hong Kong鈥檚 Apple Daily paper, is one of the highest-profile figures arrested under the new national security law.
As Myanmar protests continue, a glimmer of greater unityMyanmar鈥檚 crackdown after the Feb. 1. military coup has laid bare military violence for the majority聽鈥� violence long understood by ethnic minorities.
First LookNorth Korea to skip Tokyo Olympics because of COVID-19North Korea said it will not participate in the Tokyo Olympics to protect its athletes from the coronavirus. But the Games have also been a conduit for politics, and the North鈥檚 decision is seen as a diplomatic setback.
First LookChina continues Hong Kong clampdown as activists are convictedSome of Hong Kong鈥檚 most prominent pro-democracy advocates have been found guilty of unauthorized assembly, on charges stemming from anti-government protests in 2019. It is the latest blow to Hong Kong civil liberties.
First LookIn Myanmar, opposition leaders seek alliance with armed groupsAn underground government of civilians challenging Myanmar鈥檚 ruling military junta have crafted a new constitution, and is seeking an alliance with armed ethnic minority groups in the countryside who have long sought more autonomy.
First LookHow Beijing is tightening its grip on Hong Kong鈥檚 legislatureBeijing has reduced the amount of directly elected seats in Hong Kong鈥檚 legislature, likely increasing the mainland government鈥檚 grip on the island鈥檚 politics. 鈥淭he election system is completely dismantled,鈥� said one former lawmaker.
Myanmar protesters bridge religious divides to counter military coupMyanmar鈥檚 protesters are uniting across long-standing religious divides to oppose the military coup, activists say.
First LookMyanmar junta frees over 600 protestors as silence strike beginsHundreds of imprisoned protestors in Myanmar have been released in the first apparent gesture by the military to try to placate the protest movement. Meanwhile, protestors began a 鈥榮ilence strike鈥� on Wednesday.
First LookMyanmar junta justifies crackdown, accuses Suu Kyi of graftMyanmar鈥檚 military junta accused ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi of corruption in an effort to discredit her. The military also said they are justified in their crackdown because demonstrators were violent.
First LookIn Myanmar, garment unions hope to disrupt economy under juntaShould multinational firms stop doing business in Myanmar?聽Some Burmese union leaders are聽urging major international brands like H&M and L.L. Bean with factories in Myanmar to denounce the takeover, even if that means the loss of jobs.聽
First LookTokyo Olympics: Another sexist scandal, another resignationTokyo Olympics creative director Hiroshi Sasaki has resigned after making demeaning comments about Naomi Watanabe, a well-known celebrity in Japan, just four months before the Olympics is scheduled to open.
First LookJapanese court rules in favor of same-sex marriageThough the ruling has no immediate legal effect, lawyers and their supporters said it was 鈥渁 big first step toward equality.鈥澛燡apan is the only country G7 country where same-sex marriages are not legal.
