All Asia Pacific
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
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.
