All Asia Pacific
First LookStudent leaders of 2014 Hong Kong protest receive prison sentenceYouth protestors who organized a 2014 pro-democracy 'Umbrella' protest in Hong Kong will be imprisoned for eight months, a high court ruled on Thursday.聽
First LookMore casualties in Philippines president's anti-drug, anti-crime campaignThere was a second night of heavy bloodshed this week in an intensification of President Rodrigo Duterte's fierce war on drugs and crime.聽Although the violence has been criticized by much of the international community, Filipinos largely support the campaign.
FocusIn call to cancel debt, Cambodia asks: When war is over, who cleans up the mess?About 130 square miles of Cambodia are thought to be contaminated with unexploded ordnance dropped by US forces during the Vietnam War聽鈥� one reason the prime minister says the country should not have to repay a wartime debt of $500 million.
First LookKorean leaders, US signal tentative shift toward diplomacyEarly signs of deescalation follow rising combative rhetoric between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and President Trump over the Hermit Kingdom's threats to launch missiles into the waters near Guam.
Retirement? No thanks. In 'graying' Japan, these women are just getting startedWomen in Japan often feel forced to choose between motherhood and a career, keeping many out of the full-time workforce for decades. For these entrepreneurs, though, 'retirement age' presented an opportunity to start a business venture.
An iconic Tibetan horse festival 鈥� with politics in the wingsThe Yushu festival is one of the most famous events on the Tibetan Plateau 鈥撀燼n impressive sight for those who can get tickets, handed out by officials. But critics say the event serves Beijing's political interests in a sensitive region.聽
First LookWhy South Korea's offer for talks with the North continues unrequitedSeoul's collaborative offerings to North Korea were ridiculed but President Moon still thinks the South should take the lead when it comes to solving the North Korean nuclear problem.
First LookNorth Korea releases jailed Canadian pastor amid tensions with USAs President Trump leveled a warning at the hermit kingdom via tweet, a Canadian pastor was freed early, although there is no clear link between this incident and the escalation of tensions between the US and North Korea.
First LookAustralian PM asks public to weigh in on gay marriagePrime Minister Malcolm Turnbull announced Tuesday that if approved by the Senate, Australia would hold a non-binding and mandatory poll 鈥� the fourth in Australian history and the first in 43 years.
As global reach grows, China builds military to matchPresident Xi has implemented sweeping reforms to modernize the People's Liberation Army 鈥� which celebrated its 90th anniversary this week 鈥� and protect China's expanding economic influence. But as its ambitions increase, so does the risk of conflict.
First LookTo tour in China, Grammys will respect media constraintsThe Grammy Awards in China will promote only 'positive and healthy' artists in order to聽break into the world's second-largest economy.聽
First LookFootage leads analysts to question robustness of North Korean ICBMA Japanese video showing atmospheric re-entry of North Korea鈥檚 most recent ICBM suggests the rocket failed to survive extreme heat and pressure on re-entry.聽 聽 聽
First LookNorth Korean economy fueled by thousands of laborers in US-allied nationsNorth Korean workers supply the hermit kingdom with hard currency while living abroad in deplorable conditions. Why they may be the secret to the country's survival despite tough international sanctions.聽
First LookSouth Korea strives for more labor-friendly growth and financial equalityPresident Moon aims for a 'complete paradigm shift' calling for more transparency, support for small businesses, and broader social safety nets for the unemployed.
First LookWhy is North Korea giving its neighbor the silent treatment?South Korea initiated rare face-to-face talks with the North with no response so far. What the cold shoulder from the hermit kingdom might mean.
First LookDisruption of WhatsApp in China triggers censorship fearsDuring a politically fraught time in China, authorities are paying close attention to encrypted messaging platforms like WhatsApp.
First LookSouth Korea offers dialogue with the North to ease border tensionsIf President Moon's overture to the North is successful, it will be the first family reunion talks since 2015.
First LookChina, India capable of handling border dispute like 鈥榮o many situations in the past鈥�Following tension sparked by a border dispute in June, China and India should be able to reach a consensus that reflects their 'strategic maturity', says India鈥檚 foreign secretary.聽
First LookSouth Korea's president is ready for a meeting with North Korea's Kim Jong UnSouth Korean President Moon Jae-in seeks common ground with North Korea's President Kim Jong Un. After decades of discord between the neighboring nations, Mr. Moon wants to alleviate tensions on the Korean Peninsula.
North Korea wants to keep its 'ultimate insurance.' Should the US accept it?The United States has insisted that denuclearization be a prerequisite for negotiations with North Korea. But accepting a freeze on the program 鈥撀爏ooner rather than later 鈥撀爉ay be a wise move, some analysts argue.
