All Asia Pacific
First LookEmperor Akihito sets date for his abdication of Japan's throneAs Japanese Emperor Akihito prepares to abdicate his throne in 2019, debate resurfaces over whether the women of the royal family should be able to succeed the throne.
China's rust belt gets long-awaited bridge to Russia. But is it still a lifeline?Locals in this frigid corner of China are counting on a rail bridge to Russia to revive a struggling economy. But while they've waited, the country has transformed 鈥� making the heavy industries it was built to support look more like the past than the future.
With thaw toward S. Korea, Beijing shelves patriot games 鈥� for nowFor months, Beijing punished Seoul for deploying the antimissile system, and encouraged Chinese consumers to do the same. But its habit of dialing citizens' nationalistic sentiments up and down to suit official policies may be getting harder.聽
First LookNorth Korea claims strongest missile yet after latest testNorth Korea launched Wednesday a 'significantly more' powerful missile than what it has tested before. The launch heightens global tensions as the US aims to prevent North Korea from developing an intercontinental weapon of mass destruction.
First LookBeijing evicts its major labor force with little noticeAuthorities in Beijing have been evicting domestic migrant workers from the capital in droves, triggering a public outcry over the harsh treatment of laborers the city depends on.聽
First LookIndonesian authorities raise volcano alert and amp up evacuation effortsIndonesia is on high alert as Mount Agung on Bali erupts. Authorities have shut down the international airport due to the amount of volcanic ash in the air and look to quickly evacuate people living within 10 miles of the volcano.
First LookSouth Korea fears continued weapons development from North KoreaSouth Korean intelligence agencies are keeping a close eye on their northern neighbor with suspicions that further missile tests by North Korea before year's end are likely. Political analysis also shows an internal overhaul of military officials within Pyongyang's聽government.聽
First LookShots fired at North Korean soldier attempting to defect at borderA North Korean soldier was shot five times while fleeing across to the south, marking it the first shooting at the jointly monitored border with South Korea in three decades.
First LookSouth Korea strengthens ties with Southeast AsiaSouth Korea begins implementing President Moon's "New Southern Policy" with a visit to Indonesia.
With N. Korea front-and-center on Trump trip, will South China Sea take back seat?Whether and how President Trump will discuss China's growing assertiveness in the South China Sea remains an open question. The issue now appears to be a secondary US priority聽鈥� but a pillar of Beijing's plan for greater influence.
First LookIndonesian court rules in favor of religious freedomIndonesia has long required all citizens to practice only state-recognized religions, and the blasphemy laws of the 1960s meant聽steep punishments for those who did not. However, a new court ruling is opening the door for legal practice of previously illegal faiths.聽
This year, as winter nears, residents of China's coal country turn to gasShanxi province's coal helped fuel China's economic boom. But as awareness about the risks of pollution grows, officials in the provincial capital are cracking down on heavy industry and shifting to natural gas聽鈥� giving workers a cleaner, if uncertain, future.
First LookOlympic Games organizers use Kim Jong-Un's love of sports to ease tensions with North KoreaOlympic Games organizers in South Korea are doing their part to reduce tensions with North Korea by including the North's athletes in the games alongside US, Chinese, and South Korean athletes as a sign of peace.聽
In Japan, these single moms and shrinking cities are trying a new start 鈥� togetherWomen face deep-seated challenges in Japan's work culture, all the more difficult for single moms. But amid a nation-wide demographic crisis, some particularly hard-hit areas are reaching out to these families with relocation programs, hoping that both sides can benefit.
First LookSouth Korea prepares for a Winter Games that might not draw usual crowdsAs the opening ceremonies approach, only a third of tickets have been sold. South Korea worries that tourism, expected to rise exponentially during the games, may ultimately falter because of tensions between neighboring North Korea and the United States.
First LookSouth Korea and China work to mend strained relationsPresident Moon Jae-in and President Xi are set to meet for the first time since Mr. Moon's election in May. The two leaders aim to ease tensions since South Korea allowed the United States to deploy a contentious missile defense system on its soil.
Amid Cambodia crackdown, this leader fled. But she hasn't given up on changeRecognition abroad for Mu Sochua's human-rights work hasn't always translated into political power at home. As a political crackdown in Cambodia continues, she's been presented with unprecedented pressures 鈥� but perhaps new opportunities, as well.聽
First LookOlympic torch begins its journey to South KoreaThe Olympic torch was lit during a ceremony held at the stadium in Ancient Olympia and it now on its way to Pyeongchang for the start of the 2018聽Winter Olympics. Game organizers have promised safety and security in the face of tensions with North Korea.聽
First LookChina's Xi Jinping solidifies status as most powerful leader in decadesThe ruling Communist Party inserts President Xi Jinping's name聽into the party's constitution, the first leader whose name will be enshrined in the party ideology while alive since Chairman Mao. The status expands Mr. Xi's power both domestically and over foreign policy.聽
First LookStudent leaders of Hong Kong's pro-democracy protests released on bailCharged with inciting unlawful protests against the Chinese government, the activists' release comes amid uncertainty with what China's 'one country, two systems' approach means for freedom of speech within the city.
