All Asia Pacific
China is ramping up its media abroad 鈥� and not just in ChineseBeijing is intensifying efforts to shape its image abroad聽鈥� and not just for Chinese-speaking audiences.
On July 4, memories of a veteran who sought to bridge differencesA trip to Seoul reminded the author of his editor, a Korean War veteran-turned-governor who believed independence can coexist with a desire to unite.
FocusWhen a city of canals floods, what happens to waterway shantytowns?Big cities like Bangkok are moving whole slums to mitigate effects of flooding and climate change 鈥� after gaining trust of residents.
First LookHong Kong protests could empower Taiwanese leaderRecent protests in Hong Kong have likely bolstered Taiwanese President聽Tsai Ing-wen's bid for reelection next year. Firmly opposed to accommodation with the mainland, Ms. Tsai now has more ammunition against her more moderate opponents.
Trump and Kim, Trump and Xi 鈥� what really mattered at G-20?Donald Trump鈥檚 talks with Xi Jinping and Kim Jong Un stole headlines after the G-20 summit. But the weekend also showcased a growing global divide.
First LookJapan returns to commercial whaling after three decadesJapanese whalers brought home their first catch in 31 years. But the industry's return comes amid slowing demand for the meat and changing views on conservation.
First LookHong Kong protests escalate near anniversary of handoverTens of thousands of protestors marched for withdrawal of an extradition bill and for Hong Kong's leader, Carrie Lam, to resign. Protestors are also demanding inquiry into police actions during a June 12 protest.
For South Korean youth, peacemaking is secondary to job growthPresident Moon Jae-in was elected two years ago as an economic reformer. But a slowdown in job creation has soured young voters on their prospects.
First LookAustralian media demands press freedom after raidsRecent police raids have prompted Australian media organizations to unite in demanding legal reforms to bolster press freedom. Journalists seek what they view to be a healthier balance between national security and press freedom.
In N. Korea nuclear talks, what about human rights?As U.S. and South Korean officials seek to persuade North Korea to halt its nuclear weapons program, the issue of human rights remains largely in the background.
For Hong Kong鈥檚 leader, pressure isn鈥檛 just from protestersHong Kong protesters are increasingly frustrated with Chief Executive Carrie Lam鈥檚 handling of a controversial bill. But so is Beijing, analysts say.
First LookXi reassures Kim ahead of North Korea visitChinese President Xi Jinping set the tone for his North Korea visit, the first of its kind in 14 years, with an op-ed touting the relationship between the two countries. Mr. Xi to is likely seeking leverage in the ongoing U.S.-China trade war, experts say.聽
First LookHong Kong protestors demand Lam's resignationChief Executive Carrie Lam announced her government would suspend attempts to pass a controversial extradition bill after enormous island-wide protests. The protests, though, seem to have only gotten stronger, with many now calling for her resignation.
Cambodia鈥檚 islands are under threat. This woman is trying to save them.Decades of overfishing and indiscriminate waste disposal have taken a deep toll on Cambodia鈥檚 coastal and island communities.聽
First LookBaby love: A lost dugong has found home in the arms of Thai vetsA baby dugong, which resembles the American manatee, was found separated from her mother in April near Thailand. Marium has developed a close bond with her caretakers, and warmed hearts across the internet.聽
Hong Kong protests: 鈥榃e have the power to demand democracy鈥�Mass protests surrounded government headquarters on Wednesday, as residents continued to fight a bill intensifying concerns over Beijing鈥檚 influence.聽
First LookIndonesian Islamist group provides aid when government falls shortAn Indonesian Islamist group with a history of violence has repurposed its militia to help disaster victims, among other charitable acts. As the government faces criticism for neglecting peripheral regions, this "persuasive and peaceful" group offers hope to some.
First LookMassive protests fail to stop Hong Kong extradition billHundreds of thousands took to the streets of Hong Kong over the weekend to protest amended extradition laws that would allow criminals to be sent to the mainland. Chief Executive Carrie Lam remains firm that changes to the law will proceed.聽
First LookHong Kong court: government can't deny same-sex couples benefitsHong Kong鈥檚 High Court聽overturned an earlier ruling that聽denied same-sex couples access to spousal benefits. The decision聽inches closer to legalizing same-sex marriage.聽
First LookRobot baristas in South Korea push automation forwardSouth Korea's coffee scene has a new face: robotic baristas. While automation raises concerns聽that聽finding entry-level jobs will become harder, some millennials say they find comfort in antisocial servers.
