All Asia Pacific
First LookWHO team in Wuhan rules out COVID-19 lab leakA World Health Organization team says farmed wild animals remain a likely source of the novel coronavirus but the virus didn't necessarily originate in Wuhan, China. New theories are being explored, but it will take years to fully understand the origins of COVID-19.聽
First LookIn Myanmar capital and across country, coup protests growTens of thousands protested in Myanmar鈥檚 capital, demanding a roll back of last Monday鈥檚 military coup and demanding the release from detention of Aung San Suu Kyi, the ousted leader.
First LookOusted Myanmar leader Suu Kyi faces jail on walkie talkie chargeThe Myanmar military has charged ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi with the possession of illegally imported walkie talkies. She had already been under house arrest following a coup, but the charges will lend a legal veneer to her continued detention.
Tradition meets art in this Malaysian mask shopSiow Ho Phiew has been making lion-dance heads for decades in Malaysia, helping to keep the Chinese community鈥檚 tradition alive.
First LookGender equality in Cambodia takes a small step forwardIn Cambodia, a shift in attitude appears to be taking place as a national campaign tries to combat violence against women. But advocates for gender equality remain skeptical and want to see deeper commitment from the government.
First LookMiners rescued: Is China's mining industry becoming safer?Eleven workers trapped inside a Chinese gold mine were brought safely to the surface on Sunday. Despite the landmark achievement, questions linger about mine safety.
First LookTokyo Olympics 2021: Will they really happen?The Tokyo Olympics is slated to open in six months鈥� time, even as Tokyo and other parts of Japan are under an emergency order because of surging coronavirus cases. While 80% of Japanese want them canceled or postponed, officials say the show must go on.
Hong Kong mass arrests: A stark step in Beijing鈥檚 鈥榙rive for control鈥�Hong Kong police arrested more than 50 politicians and activists Wednesday, in a sign of how drastically Beijing has curtailed political freedoms.
First LookWHO travels to China to investigate origins of COVID-19Scientists with the World Health Organization plan to visit China this week for its first on-the-ground investigation into the origins of the coronavirus pandemic. So far, all research by local scientists must be approved by a Chinese government task force.
First LookHong Kong uses new law to arrest 53 pro-democracy activistsIn the largest move against Hong Kong鈥檚 democracy movement yet, police arrested lawmakers and politicians who participated in unofficial election primaries last year. The pro-democracy activists hoped to gain legislative control through their unofficial elections.
First LookA year after COVID appeared in China, normalcy makes a comebackLife has resumed in China with workers back in factories, students returning to classrooms, and restaurants welcoming crowds. China鈥檚 initial handling of the coronavirus outbreak, and its recovery, show the reach and strength of the country鈥檚 one-party rule.
First LookPandemic sends Sunday art and food market in Indonesia onlineWhen the pandemic shuttered businesses in Indonesia, an art and cultural community moved their Sunday market online. That has opened the door to more sellers, enabling them to survive the economic downturn.
First LookTokyo Games budget balloons. Who will pay for the extra costs?The Tokyo Olympics is on track to become the most costly Summer Olympics on record as costs brought on by its delay soar.
The Explainer2060 pledge: How the world鈥檚 largest CO2 emitter vows to go greenerChina鈥檚 pledge to go carbon neutral by 2060 marks a step ahead in global efforts against climate change, though the ambitious aim faces obstacles.
First LookHow a Hong Kong restaurant is a source of empowermentDignity Kitchen trains employees with disabilities to prep food, cook, and serve customers. To lift people out of poverty, it helps them find jobs in the food and beverage sector, beyond the restaurant.
First LookHong Kong tycoon charged with fraud as Beijing tightens controlHong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai has been charged with fraud and denied bail. It comes a day after three prominent pro-democracy activists were jailed, raising fears of a renewed crackdown on opposition to tighten control by Beijing.
First LookFor female refugees in Malaysia, can literacy open new doors?Refugees from Indonesia and Myanmar can often pick up Malay, but are left without opportunities to learn to read or write, limiting them socially and economically. A volunteer group is hoping literacy lessons will help give them more autonomy.
Thai royalists defend king amid protests: 鈥榃e will not abandon him鈥�Thailand鈥檚 monarchy, a bedrock of modern Thai identity, is under scrutiny. But protests have provoked counterdemonstrations from royalists.
First LookSingaporean volunteer group gives more than money to help needyKeeping Hope Alive continues its volunteer work during coronavirus lockdowns by distributing groceries, doing repair work, and helping those in need in other ways. 鈥淲e support social distancing, not social isolation,鈥� said the group's founder.
First LookReform or reverence? Thai royalists, protesters size up monarchy.Mass pro-democracy protests in Thailand are calling for reforms of the monarchy, but for many Thais, especially of an older generation, the palace is revered and considered above politics.
