All Asia Pacific
How Philly鈥檚 orchestra became a rare link between China and the USFor 50 years, the Philadelphia Orchestra has played a singular role in connecting America and China through the universal love of music.
First LookChina wants to grow its economy. So why is it halting construction?China ordered local governments in 12 regions to halt major infrastructure projects, a blow to its efforts to grow the economy. The decision hints at the scope of China鈥檚 concern over local government debt.
In Pictures: In Bangladesh, a safety net for children at riskThe difficulties in Bangladesh couldn鈥檛 be more different from life in wealthy Western nations. But when our reporting team visited a program for vulnerable children in Dhaka, it found something truly universal.
Shunned by China, elected by Taiwan: What will Lai face in office?Taiwan鈥檚 voters have spoken, picking Lai Ching-te for president and giving his pro-sovereignty Democratic Progressive Party an unprecedented win. But the DPP鈥檚 loss of parliament may curb any bold moves 鈥� and provide some comfort to Beijing.
First LookTaiwan elects pro-sovereignty president, despite opposition by ChinaWhile domestic issues such as the sluggish economy and expensive housing also featured prominently in the campaign, Lai Ching-te鈥檚 appeal to self-determination, social justice, and rejection of China鈥檚 threats ultimately won out.
In Taiwan election, voters seek to protect island鈥檚 autonomyAt a key juncture, Taiwan鈥檚 voters will weigh in on who is best qualified to navigate geopolitical tensions and preserve the self-governing island鈥檚 autonomy.
First LookHong Kong immigrants in Taiwan unite to back anti-Beijing partyImmigrants from Hong Kong are organizing for the re-election of Taiwan鈥檚 ruling party led by William Lai. Despite high barriers to entry for Hong Kong immigrants, many are united to take a strong stand against political ties to Beijing.
First LookJapanese quake survivor: 鈥榃e are coming back, I鈥檓 determined鈥�The shops on Wajima鈥檚 popular聽Asaichi Dori street were badly damaged聽Jan. 1 by a 7.6 magnitude earthquake. But Yoshie Minamidani plans to band together with other fish sellers and neighbors to rebuild the once bustling community.
First LookKim Jong Un鈥檚 sister mocks Seoul as North Korea fires artillery againNorth Korea again fired artillery shells near its tense sea boundary with the South on Sunday. Kim Yo Jong, the influential sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, mocked the South鈥檚 ability to detect its weapons launches.
First LookWaves of arriving Rohingya test limits of Indonesia鈥檚 welcomeThe increasing numbers of Rohingya refugees arriving in Indonesia by boat has put pressure on Indonesia鈥檚 government to take action. The government has called on the international community for help as anti-Rohingya sentiment rises among Indonesians.聽
This Chinese folk artist shares joy on paper, one snip at a timeWomen are keeping the art of paper cutting alive in northwestern China. To ensure the craft鈥檚 future, they must pass on their passion to the next generation.
First LookRebel attack against Myanmar鈥檚 military escalates. Is China involved?A major offensive launched by ethnic militias has forced Myanmar鈥檚 military dictatorship to fall back on almost every front. It is a critical moment for the army, which ousted democratic leader Aung San Suu Kyi in 2021.
From anti-narcotics to US-China military contacts, Biden-Xi talks make headwayAt their first face-to-face meeting since last year, Xi Jinping and Joe Biden made several small steps forward on repairing U.S.-China relations. Perhaps the most important accomplishment was laying groundwork for future cooperation.
First LookForced sea labor: Chinese companies worst offenders, study findsIn the most comprehensive attempt to date, a new report has worked to identify聽companies operating nearly 500 vessels where workers face hazardous, forced conditions sometimes likened to slavery.聽A quarter of the suspected ships belong to China.聽
How US-China ties have crumbled 鈥� and where Xi and Biden could rebuildU.S.-China ties have measurably and dramatically deteriorated in recent years. But聽this also presents an opportunity聽for growth 鈥� one聽both countries鈥� leaders feel a responsibility to act on.
First LookPro-democracy rebels take local capital in fight against Myanmar juntaRebel groups in Myanmar have seized control of their first local capital. The armed insurgency against the country鈥檚 military junta, which seized power from the government of Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi in 2021, is gaining steam.
Letter from Beijing: Behind China鈥檚 warm welcome of two US vetsIn Beijing, the honoring of two American veterans who fought for China during WWII 鈥� and their stories of courage and compassion 鈥� underscores the importance of people-to-people ties, especially as the United States and China aim to stabilize relations.
First LookGay Games: What are they and why is Hong Kong hosting them?Hong Kong will be the first Asian country to host the Gay Games, a nine-day athletics event that promotes diversity. While the Chinese city has had recent legal reforms for LGBTQ+ people, the games show that inclusion, even on small-scales, matters.
Bush House: How the US ambassador鈥檚 home in China got its nameNearly half a century ago, George H.W. Bush and his wife helped usher in a new era of U.S.-China relations. Though China looks different today, the couple鈥檚 leadership and perseverance still hold lessons for present-day diplomats.
First LookFour people rescued in South Korean waters. Are they defectors?South Korean officials reported finding four suspected North Korean defectors in a small boat near the nations鈥� sea border. South Korea accepts defectors, but North Korea often says its people are held against their will in the South, leading to tension.
