All Asia Pacific
Cover StoryVilified abroad, popular at home: China's Communist Party at 100As China鈥檚 Communist Party prepares for its 100th anniversary, it has shored up popular support at home. But challenges lie ahead.
First LookHashimoto Seiko heads Tokyo Olympics, heralding gender equalityHashimoto Seiko has been appointed president of the Tokyo Olympic organizing committee following Mori Yoshiro鈥檚 resignation over his sexist remarks. Ms. Hashimoto, a seven-time Olympian, says 鈥渋t will be important for Tokyo 2020 to practice equality.鈥�
First LookJapan rolls out vaccination drive. Too late for the Olympics?Japan has launched its COVID-19 vaccination campaign, months after the U.S. and other major economies started theirs. Widespread vaccination may be crucial to holding the 2021 Olympics in July, but low vaccine confidence among the Japanese might prove to be a hurdle.
First LookMyanmar coup: Suu Kyi faces new charge as crackdown intensifiesPolice in Myanmar filed a new charge against ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi, which accuses her of violating coronavirus restrictions and could hold her indefinitely without trial. The military has been ramping up pressure on protesters in the past week.
First LookTokyo Olympics chief resignation highlights Japan's gender gapMori Yoshiro has resigned as president of the Tokyo Olympic organizing committee following sexist comments that women 鈥渢alk too much.鈥� The incident has put a spotlight on gender inequality in Japan, and there is now pressure to fill his role with a woman.
Why China may not be cheering Myanmar鈥檚 military takeoverMyanmar鈥檚 coup has put a spotlight on its relationship with China. But the military taking back more power isn鈥檛 necessarily a plus for Beijing.
First LookEthnic minorities join growing protests against coup in MyanmarIn a striking show of unity, Burmese from all walks of life have joined a growing opposition to the military coup that has detained聽Aung San Suu Kyi. Ethnic minority groups have long resented military crackdowns against their struggles for autonomy.
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.
