All Asia Pacific
First LookA historic moment for Thailand: Senate approves same-sex marriage billThailand鈥檚 Senate majority voted to approve a bill legalizing same-sex marriages. It just needs the king鈥檚 endorsement. Thailand would become the first country in Southeast Asia and the third in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage.
First LookOn the 35th anniversary of Tiananmen Square, commemorations live on overseasAs China quashes large-scale commemorations of the 35th anniversary of Beijing鈥檚 June 4 Tiananmen Square crackdown within its borders, overseas commemorative events have grown increasingly crucial to foster hope and counteract aggressive censorship efforts.
First LookKorean peace deal pops as trash-filled balloons sour border relationsIn response to North Korea鈥檚 launch of trash-carrying balloons,聽South Korea says it will suspend a rapprochement deal between the two states 鈥� and blast foreign news and K-pop songs across the border.
First LookPro-democracy advocates in Hong Kong press on as Beijing seeks to make example of them in courtFor decades, Hong Kong鈥檚 activists have been fighting for democracy.聽The Hong Kong court on May 30 convicted 14 pro-democracy activists in the city鈥檚 biggest national security case under a law imposed by Beijing that has all but wiped out public dissent.
First LookAs rescuers reach Papua New Guinea landslide, death toll estimate climbsThe International Organization for Migration has increased its estimate of the death toll from a massive landslide in Papua New Guinea to more than 670. Local officials had initially put the death toll on Friday at 100 or more.
Taiwan protesters meet China鈥檚 intimidation with defianceChina launched aggressive military exercises after Taiwan elections chose a pro-independence president.聽Massive protests are also a show of force.
First LookChina practices military exercises off coast of Taiwan as 鈥榩unishment鈥� for electionsAs a new president takes office in Taiwan, China鈥檚 two-day military drills surrounding the island have put the country on high alert, scrambling jets and warning missile, naval, and land units.聽
First LookWhere is New Caledonia and why are people protesting against France there?In New Caledonia, a French territory in the South Pacific, the indigenous Kanak are rising up to protect their voice. Lawmakers in Paris want to allow recent arrivals to vote in provincial elections.
First LookMacron visits French territory of New Caledonia amid state of emergency over riotsFrench President Emmanuel Macron is making an聽impromptu trip to the French Pacific territory of New Caledonia. Riots there have raised questions about France鈥檚 handling of its colonial-era territories.聽
Taiwan鈥檚 new president urges China to 鈥榝ace reality鈥� and work toward peaceThe inauguration of Taiwan鈥檚 new president marks a fresh chapter in cross-strait relations.聽Can President Lai Ching-te maintain peace?
First LookElon Musk launches Starlink internet satellites in IndonesiaElon Musk launched Starlink satellite internet service in Indonesia, the world's largest archipelago nation. Indonesia has been for years trying to secure deals with Tesla on battery investment and SpaceX鈥檚 fast internet for the country's remote regions.
What China鈥檚 renewable energy boom means for the worldChina鈥檚 booming renewable energy industry may be stirring trade tensions, but it could also accelerate a green transition 鈥� in China and elsewhere.
How China鈥檚 tech-forward EVs are dominating the industryChina鈥檚 booming electric vehicle industry is sparking concern among foreign automakers. Could it benefit consumers?
Blinken warns China over dual-use sales to Russia, but also praises US-China progressThe United States and China are working hard to repair one of the world鈥檚 most consequential relationships. The U.S. secretary of state鈥檚 latest visit to Beijing highlighted progress made since last year, and moved the needle forward on key issues.
Only 700 Americans are studying in China. Will the US lose a generation of experts?Restrictions on U.S.-China travel have put would-be American study-abroad students in a tight spot 鈥撀燼nd risk robbing the U.S. of its next generation of China experts.
First LookNot everyone is watching the elections in Solomon Islands. Why China will be.China has been courting influence with countries in the South Pacific 鈥� and the Solomon Islands have been its biggest success. An election this week could change that.聽
First LookTragedy in Sydney after man kills 6 people in mall before being shot by policePolice in Sydney say a man stabbed six people to death at a busy shopping center before an armed police officer intervened. The suspect is believed to have acted alone and the attack was not related to terrorism.
Japan is becoming more diverse. Will its government?Shifting demographics are challenging Japan鈥檚 reputation as a homogeneous society, and creating openings for immigrants in local government.
Free trade or flooding the market? US warns China against surplus exports.China and the U.S. share a desire to stabilize relations, but a recent trip by the U.S. treasury secretary highlights trade challenges.
First LookHow a media literacy group in Taiwan is teaching senior citizens to catch fake newsA group in Taiwan has hosted more than 500 events to educate people about how to combat fake news. Its specialty is senior citizens, who are particularly susceptible to disinformation.聽
