All Asia Pacific
Balloon burst hopes for US-China trust-building. What now?The crisis over China鈥檚 weather or spy balloon has derailed a critical opportunity for building trust between Beijing and Washington.
First LookChina escalates rhetoric against US after downing of mystery balloonChina says the balloon that flew over North America was shot down with 鈥渆xcessive force鈥� on Sunday.聽The appearance of the balloon, and the response by the United States, have strained the already tense U.S.-China relationship.
First LookUS moves to recover suspected Chinese spy balloon after shooting it downThe United States downed the Chinese balloon off the Carolina coast after it became the latest flashpoint in tensions between Washington and Beijing.
First LookCloud reader or spy balloon? China downplays 'civilian airship' in US.China officials claim that a balloon seen in American airspace over Montana, a state with a nuclear missile silo, was launched for weather studies and got blown off course. U.S. officials are still investigating if the balloon had espionage purposes.
First LookUS doubles military presence in the Philippines to counter ChinaThe United States is expanding its聽presence in the Philippines amid rising concerns about China鈥檚 influence in the Pacific. On Thursday, the U.S. secured access to four more military camps聽in the Philippines and improved its existing five camps.
Why South Korea is debating a nuclear weapons programAs some in South Korea call for a nuclear weapons program, experts say what鈥檚 needed is a strengthening of trust and cooperation under the U.S. nuclear umbrella.
First LookAustralia Day inspires push for including Indigenous in constitutionThe 235th anniversary of British colonization in Australia is also a reminder of how Indigenous peoples lost their land. Australians will vote soon on a policy that would聽recognize Indigenous people as Australia鈥檚 original inhabitants in the constitution.
Hundreds of Philippine police are filing their resignations. Why?Weeding out police officers involved in the Philippines鈥� illegal drug trade could make way for a less violent war on drugs, but victims say it does little to deliver justice.
First LookChris Hipkins replaces Jacinda Ardern as New Zealand prime ministerChris Hipkins was sworn in as New Zealand prime minister on Wednesday. Carmel Sepuloni, the new deputy prime minister, is the first person with Pacific Island heritage to serve in this position. The nation鈥檚 general election is聽less than nine months away.
After rough 2022, can China still surpass the US?As new data on China鈥檚 slowing economic growth and declining population casts doubt on the country鈥檚 rise, economists are recalculating their forecasts for U.S.-China competition.
First LookChinese curtail travel, opt to stay home for another Lunar New YearAfter China鈥檚 decision to drop the policy for overseas travelers to go into lengthy quarantine, there was a high expectation for tourism over the Lunar New Year holidays. Instead, many Chinese are staying home, though international bookings skyrocketed.聽
First LookNew Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern resigns amid growing local criticismNew Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has announced her resignation effective Feb. 7. Ms. Ardern, who has received global praise, says her role comes with 鈥渢he responsibility to know when you are the right person to lead, and also, when you are not.鈥�
First LookFilipino journalist acquitted in 鈥榯riumph of facts over politics鈥�Journalist Maria Ressa, a Nobel Peace Prize winner, has been acquitted of the first of many legal cases used by former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte to silence her. Human Rights Watch called the charges 鈥渂ogus and politically motivated.鈥�
Seeking stability 鈥� and responsibility 鈥� Japan builds up militaryBy shouldering more security responsibility, Japan is taking a step toward its vision for a peaceful Asia that operates on a shared set of rules and norms.
First LookHong Kong, China to ring in Lunar New Year with reopened borderThe Hong Kong-China border will reopen on Sunday after three years of being almost completely closed. The move coincides with the close arrival of the Chinese Lunar New Year, a holiday that will likely lead to a significant number of travelers in the area.
First Look鈥榃e cannot wait any longer鈥�: Japan seeks stronger defense alliancesJapan鈥檚 new defense policy will include stronger alliances with other G-7 countries, a departure from Japan鈥檚 historical self-defense-only practices. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said the alliances demonstrate commitment to a 鈥渇ree and open Indo-Pacific.鈥�
First LookChina ends quarantine amid efforts to reverse economic downturnChina announced the rollback of several anti-virus controls, including the quarantine for travelers, sparking hope that business activity will revive.
First LookNorth Korea enters South Korean airspace, first time since 2017South Korea launched jets and fired warning shots after North Korean drones violated its airspace in a fresh escalation of tensions Monday.
China is open for business, but COVID concerns still keep many homeCan the Chinese government, which has long touted the dangers of COVID-19, assuage public anxieties as controls lift and cases rise?
From fear to self-reliance: Behind China's COVID-19 shiftUntil this week, China鈥檚 COVID-19 policy was based on frightening citizens into accepting tight restrictions. Now, it鈥檚 citizens鈥� responsibility to decide many things for themselves.