All Asia Pacific
What South Korea鈥檚 impeachment battle means for US security allianceAs the Pacific heats up, South Korea is heading into what may be a divisive and drawn-out impeachment battle, casting uncertainty over its relationships with critical security allies.
First LookSouth Korean parliament votes to impeach president over his martial law orderThe Constitutional Court now has up to 180 days to determine whether to dismiss Yoon Suk Yeol as president or restore his powers.
First LookSouth Korean President Yoon鈥檚 impeachment inches closer. But Mr. Yoon won鈥檛 quit.The leader of Asia鈥檚 fourth-largest economy claims 鈥渃riminal groups鈥� have paralyzed state affairs as he fights to remain in power. President Yoon Suk Yeol survived an impeachment motion brought after he declared martial law on Dec. 3, but a new vote looms.
In 鈥榥ew crisis era,鈥� Tokyo needs help from Seoul and DC. Can it count on them?As security threats mount in the Asia-Pacific, the hard-won defense alliance between Japan and South Korea is the linchpin to regional safety. Now, political upheaval in Seoul threatens to test the partnership鈥檚 resilience.
First LookWhy is the Chinese military deployment around Taiwan the largest in years?The size and scale of a recent Chinese military deployment is 鈥渦nheard of,鈥� says a diplomat in the region. Beijing, which views Taiwan as its own territory, says it is defending its sovereignty.
They thwarted martial law. But South Koreans say the fight for democracy is not over.South Korea鈥檚 relatively young democracy proved its resilience last week when lawmakers shut down the president鈥檚 attempt to impose martial law. But he remains in power.
First LookSouth Korean President Avoids Impeachment: What鈥檚 Next?Most lawmakers in President Yoon's ruling party boycotted a vote Saturday to deny a two-thirds majority needed to suspend his presidential powers. With growing protests, polls show most South Koreans support his removal.
First LookSouth Korea鈥檚 president imposed martial law. Now comes a push to impeach him.After South Korea鈥檚 President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law this week, the National Assembly nullified the decree only six hours later. As the opposition pushes for an impeachment vote, the chief of Mr. Yoon鈥檚 party stressed the need to suspend him.
Martial law for a moment: What just happened in South KoreaSouth Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol鈥檚 surprise declaration of emergency martial law lasted only six hours. But it has plunged South Korea 鈥� a key Asian economy and U.S. ally 鈥� into a political crisis that could last much longer.
First LookAfter a month of calm, China harasses Philippine patrol in the South China SeaThe South China Sea, with its many strategic islands, is one of the biggest maritime routes in the world and has been a flashpoint between China and its neighbors. Naval aggression between the various nations is not new but follows a month of respite.
In Delhi, life beats on under toxic smog. But residents say this year is different.Delhi's air pollution is among the worst in the world, far exceeding World Health Organization safety limits. Residents share what that feels like for them on the ground.
Marco Rubio wants to take a hard line on China. Will Trump let him?Donald Trump鈥檚 pick for secretary of state, Marco Rubio, has a history of antagonizing China over its human rights record. But assuming Mr. Rubio is confirmed, his new boss may be more pragmatic.
Hong Kong court locks up a generation of pro-democracy leadersA Hong Kong court has imprisoned 45 pro-democracy leaders for as much as 10 years, striking a heavy blow at a generation of activists.
First LookMost Australians favor banning kids from social media sites. But will it work?While the planned social media ban has broad support, more than 140 technology and child welfare experts signed an open letter to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese calling it 鈥渢oo blunt an instrument鈥� to be effective. The specifics will be unveiled next week.
Moon base to deep space: How China seeks to close gap with USThe U.S. still dominates in space, but China鈥檚 star is rising. As the country鈥檚 latest crewed launch highlights a rapidly advancing space program, some say China is catching up.聽
Japan鈥檚 new PM hoped snap elections would secure grip on power. They backfired.In Japan, the long-ruling party鈥檚 dramatic loss in a parliamentary election underscores the public鈥檚 growing frustration with its leaders, and has plunged the country into political uncertainty.
China鈥檚 latest drills highlight key strategy to annex Taiwan: BlockadeChina鈥檚 military is practicing putting a choke hold on Taiwan 鈥� a strategy that defense experts increasingly believe could be an effective alternative to a full-scale invasion.
First LookSouth Korea says North Korea is sending troops to Russia. Is that true?A South Korean spy agency said North Korea has already sent 1,500 special forces to Russia and plans to send a total of 12,000 troops. Citing North Korea鈥檚 outdated equipment and lack of battle experience, experts question how useful a deployment might be.
Real estate once drove China鈥檚 economic growth. Now it鈥檚 holding it back.As China signals bold moves to revive its economy, all eyes are on its collapsing property market. Can the government restore the confidence of would-be homebuyers?
The Philippines has held out on legalizing divorce. Is it set to call it quits?While activists around the world fight for marriage equality, the Philippines is grappling with 鈥渟eparation equality鈥� 鈥� whether, and under what conditions, married couples should be allowed to divorce.