All Asia Pacific
First LookSouth Korea divided on THAAD missile defense systemThe defense system is the product of cooperation between the US and South Korean governments, set up to protect the country from a strike from the North. But with elections on the way in South Korea, many have begun to criticize THAAD, especially in the areas where the system is being set up.
As North Korea's economy grows, Kim tries to wield a double-edged swordEconomic reforms could improve living standards and enhance Kim Jong-un's power. But they could also threaten the regime's ideological foundations.
First LookChina launches its first domestically made aircraft carrierChina wants the world to know it built its new aircraft carrier entirely on its own, as the nation聽looks to strengthen its regional military influence in order to safeguard its maritime territorial claims.
First LookPence tours Indonesian mosque, praises moderate Islam, and calls for 鈥榝airer trade鈥�Indonesia is on a list of 16 countries whose trade relationship the Trump administration is reviewing. It runs a surplus with the US.
The twin goals behind North Korea's resolve on nuclear weaponsTo North Korea, nuclear deterrence looks like a prerequisite for another goal: economic development. Beijing may understand that path better than Washington, complicating the two countries' attempts to rein in China's neighbor.
First LookFollowing US lead, Australia and New Zealand restrict visas for skilled foreignersTheir move echoes the United States' 'America First' policy, but critics have decried the move as mostly political posturing.
Why is the Chinese government encouraging its citizens to report foreign spies?Suspicion of foreigners can still be felt as China works through what it means to be part of the global community. But a new program to offer cash rewards to people to report foreign agents may prove counter-productive, some experts say.
First LookOn holiday, South Koreans opt for noodle dish over nuclear fearsAs tensions rise over a possible North Korea nuclear test this weekend, average South Koreans show few signs of concern.
What might a conflict with North Korea look like?As 'strategic patience' over the North's nuclear program is bumped by a more aggressive US posture, conflict has become more of a possibility 鈥� and it likely would not be a short and sharp one.
First LookChina warns against 'military force' to ease North Korean tensionsChina urged both North Korea and its opponents to exercise caution, as fears mount the North could conduct another nuclear test and more missile launches as part of this weekend's celebrations of state founder Kim Il Sung.聽
First LookWhy Japan's crown prince holds up Malaysia as a 'model for the international society''Diversity and tolerance are the words that come to my mind in describing my image of Malaysia today,' he said in a rare news conference.
First LookAs US Navy aircraft steam toward western Pacific, North Korea warns of nuclear strike if provokedState-sponsored media in North Korea said Tuesday that the nation could bring a nuclear attack on the US after a US Navy nuclear-powered aircraft carrier was seen coming toward the western Pacific.聽
Face-to-face at Mar-a-Lago, Trump and Xi will put their chemistry to the testXi has reason to feel confident as he meets Trump in Florida. But the leaders' dramatically distinct personalities聽鈥� and definitions of 'diplomacy' 鈥� may be the most important wild card.聽
First LookIn step toward stability, Thai king signs new constitutionBut some critics say the move will give the military a power say over Thai politics for years, possibly decades.
A Tai Chi sweep? China bids for UNESCO cultural heritage status.In the birthplace of tai chi, hopes are high for later this year, when UNESCO will decide whether to add tai chi to its Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity聽list. Advocates want to make sure that Japan or South Korea doesn't beat China out.聽
In Debbie's wake, Australia begins to pick up the pieces'Nature has flung her worst at the people of Queensland,' said Australia's Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull. 'There will be ... a lot of damage done now to recover, to clean up, to restore power, to make power lines safe.'
First LookCyclone Debbie prompts thousands of evacuations in northeast AustraliaAuthorities have urged 30,000 people in coastal towns in Queensland聽to evacuate their homes, as forecasters predict tidal surges and winds of and winds of up to 185 miles per hour.
First LookNorth Korea's latest missile launch failed. How often does that happen?The results of North Korea's missile tests have been mixed. According to a recent investigation, the United States is partially responsible for the comparatively high failure rate.
North Korea's nuclear threat: Where do the US and China go from here?As tensions escalate on the Korean peninsula, China鈥檚 patience with the US is growing thin. But US Secretary of State Tillerson left his first official trip to Beijing without concrete steps on North Korea.
Smoothly but warily, U.S. and China stick to script in Tillerson visitNo formal agreements were reached on the visit, but the Secretary of State, a novice diplomat, avoided several potential US-China landmines, including China's trade policy and its聽handling of North Korea.
