All Asia Pacific
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.
First LookU.S. stands with Philippines after China rams boats in disputed watersTwo Chinese vessels damaged a Philippine coast guard ship supplying a contested shoal in the South China Sea. The U.S. has warned that it is bound by treaty to defend the Philippines.
China鈥檚 Belt and Road Initiative: What鈥檚 working and what鈥檚 notTen years ago, China launched a massive global infrastructure push. As the Belt and Road Initiative enters a 鈥渘ew stage,鈥� has it delivered on its promises of mutual prosperity?
Cover StoryHow two women transformed learning in rural ChinaOnce word got out about classrooms in caves, determination and global generosity transformed education in one corner of China.聽
First LookNew Zealand swings rightward as Labour suffers election defeatNew Zealand鈥檚 National Party is set to end six years of center-left Labour Party government. National is working to build a conservative coalition, though the exact makeup of parliament is still unclear.
First LookAustralians deny constitutional recognition to Indigenous people. Why?More than 60% of Australians voted against changing the constitution to recognize Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through the creation of an Indigenous advisory body. The block could invite more divisive politics, analysts say.聽
First LookBooks by Japanese feminist gain traction in China despite censorshipJapanese feminist scholar Chizuko Ueno鈥檚 books have helped keep feminism in mainstream conversations in China amid increasing censorship. Ms. Ueno does not directly write about China, but is highly critical of societal expectations of women and misogyny.
Difference MakerIn Japan, domestic violence survivors help victims 鈥� and abusersDomestic violence survivors are at the front of the charge to break women鈥檚 silence and end cycles of violence across Japan. They say compassion is their superpower.
First LookChina promotes unity at Asian Games as its regional disputes continueChina will be spending billions to host the Asian Games and portray the image of Asian unity and success. But critics say that shouldn鈥檛 overshadow the nation鈥檚 continued, persistent efforts to vie for power over disputed territory.
The ExplainerWhy China鈥檚 鈥榤iracle鈥� growth has slowedDecades of rapid economic growth have made China a central player in the global economy. Now, the tide appears to be turning, but experts say the challenges China faces aren鈥檛 that new 鈥� nor are they insurmountable.聽
First LookNobel winner Maria Ressa acquitted of tax evasion charge鈥淔acts wins, truth wins, justice wins,鈥澛燦obel Peace Prize winner Maria Ressa told reporters after being acquitted of a final tax evasion charge. She faces two remaining legal cases she believes the former Philippine president used to muzzle her reporting.
First LookKim could be on his way to Putin to deepen ties. Why now?The prospective meeting between North Korea and Russia comes as Russia seeks to bolster its ammunition for its war in Ukraine, U.S. officials say. In return, North Korea is expected to ask for food, energy shipments, and sophisticated weapons technologies.