All Asia Pacific
First LookIsrael plans 2,500 new West Bank settlement units in Trump's first days in officeThe Israeli government says that a majority of the housing units will be built in settlement blocs, areas where most settlers live and that Israel wants to keep under its control in the event of any future peace deal with the Palestinians.
First LookBeijing reasserts sovereignty claims over disputed South China Sea islandsOn Tuesday, China said it had 'irrefutable' sovereignty over the disputed islands,聽after the White House vowed to defend 'international territories' in the strategic waterway.
First LookWill Japan allow its Emperor to abdicate? Interim report suggests Akihito could get his hinted wishA government panel looking into the prospect of Emperor Akihito's abdication suggests that one-time legislation could permit the current emperor to step down from his duties, avoiding any permanent change to the system.聽
China rejects Trump's suggestion to negotiate Taiwan againSince recognizing Beijing in 1979, Washington has maintained only unofficial ties with Taiwan 鈥� a status quo that Trump has repeatedly threatened to upend since winning the November election.
For China, Tillerson's South China Sea remarks increase concerns over TrumpTrump's secretary of State nominee told senators that the US should deny access to China's man-made islands in the disputed region, a move that Chinese state media warned could lead to war.
First LookAfter $40 billion pledge from China, Nigeria tells Taiwan's capital office to pack its bagsWith only 22 allied states worldwide, Taiwan faces increasing isolation as China pulls economic levers in Africa and elsewhere.
First LookPhilippines will offer 6 million women free contraceptivesPhilippine President Rodrigo Duterte is trying to expand access to contraceptives as part of his anti-poverty plans.
First LookWhy did China just send an aircraft carrier through the Taiwan Strait?China released a Asia-Pacific security聽report underscoring its dedication to peace. But Taiwan-China relations have started 2017 on rocky footing.聽
The TV network at the forefront of Beijing's foreign propaganda offensiveIn聽establishing the China Global Television Network, President Xi sees as an opening to take advantage of聽the crises facing Western liberal democracy and reshape global opinion in favor of China's political values.
How a pair of US stopovers could reshape Taiwan's ties with US, ChinaTaiwanese President Tsai may meet with Trump administration officials during layovers on her upcoming trip to Central America 鈥� testing both Taiwan-US ties and China's resolve to diplomatically isolate the island.
First LookNorth Korea has frustrated three US presidents. What鈥檚 left for Trump to try?President-elect Donald Trump has reportedly requested a special intelligence briefing on North Korea. The nation might pose his first major foreign-policy challenge.
China's epic 'Great Wall' blockbuster draws epic criticism, and officials are not pleased'The Great Wall' is the largest ever US-China co-production. The official People's Daily ran an op-ed that lambasted film critics' disdain for the film, but then softened their take in a commentary the following day.
The ExplainerEast Asia in 2017: On land and sea, a year of building power basesSeen as China's most powerful leader in decades, President Xi could secure his hold for years to come at the next Party Congress. In the South China Sea, a potential flashpoint, Beijing has already signaled its dominance.
As China's young head to cities, elders find new appeal in old age homesBy 2050, China will have half a billion elderly citizens, but the country's youth are increasingly unwilling or unable to provide traditional support to their parents. So some are opting for a more 'Western' solution.
Export-driven Taiwan's new import: a five-day workweekThe long workaholic and now more affluent Taiwanese, familiar with the leisure culture elsewhere in the world, are dedicating themselves to their children as well as their employers. The shift in work-life balance becomes law Jan. 1.
First LookSao Tome won over by 'One China' as it parts diplomatic ways with TaiwanSao Tome and Principe will reportedly seek to restore diplomatic ties with China after ending its recognition of Taiwan, leaving the island with only 21 diplomatic allies.聽
First LookRelations already tense, China warship seizes US Navy underwater droneThe Chinese ship acknowledged radio messages from the US ship, but did not respond to demands for the glider to be returned.
First LookChina installed weapons on hotspot islands in South China Sea, report saysBeijing argues that its operations are defensive, legal, and appropriate, but the international community worries the weapons could be a projection of power and militarization.
For Japan's Abe, a moment to end World War II with Russia?Prime Minister Abe and Russian President Putin will meet Thursday and Friday. A territorial dispute that has prevented the signing of a WWII peace treaty will be discussed.聽
Jakarta 海角大神 governor trial tests Indonesia's religious freedomJakarta's first 海角大神 governor is on trial for blasphemy over his previous remarks regarding the Quran, an accusation some say is politically motivated.