All Asia Pacific
When climate adaptation fails, who is responsible? Indonesia is asking.Fishing communities in Indonesia are struggling to adapt as warming oceans disrupt their fishing practices. Some are turning their backs on the sea.
First LookChina passes data privacy law, tightens control over companiesOn Friday, China approved a strict data privacy law, but concerns about the Communist Party government accessing data remain. Meanwhile, the U.S. has not yet enacted a federal data privacy law.聽
First LookWhy Taiwanese books are being iced out of Chinese marketsBook publishers in Taiwan are losing access to Chinese markets as political relations between the two worsen. While book censorship is not new, the categories of censored topics have expanded beyond religion to any book that shows a separate Taiwanese identity.
The ExplainerCan China find a market solution to its outsize carbon emissions?China鈥檚 emissions trading market is a first step toward its goal of聽reducing carbon emissions. But it may not lead to short-term reductions.聽
First LookHealing step: Australia pledges $813M for Indigenous peoplesIn an act of apology, the Australian government will distribute 1.1 billion Australian dollars to address Indigenous inequity. The compensation includes聽payouts to children of the Stolen Generations who were separated from their families under assimilation policies.
First LookNew Zealand prime minister apologizes for racist 'Dawn Raids'Pacific Islanders were targeted for deportation from New Zealand in the mid-1970s during home raids to find, convict, and deport visa overstayers.
To curb urban flooding, China is building 鈥榮ponge cities.鈥� Do they work?China鈥檚 鈥渟ponge cities鈥� program to absorb rainwater was severely tested by last week鈥檚 record downpour in the central city of Zhengzhou.聽
First LookNorth and South Korea improve ties with renewed communicationAfter over a year of dormancy, North and South Korea have revived key communication channels. It鈥檚 a sign that relations are improving and tensions are easing, even as negotiations over North Korea鈥檚 nuclear weapons remain suspended.
Free speech? Hong Kong trial ends in guilty verdict for protester.The first conviction of a protester under Hong Kong鈥檚 new security law underscores how far free speech has been throttled in the city.聽
Wish we were there: Athletes鈥� parents work around Olympics banAdaptability may be the name of the game for Tokyo Olympics 鈥� and not only for the athletes. Parents are finding new ways to support their Olympians.
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.
