All Asia Pacific
Back in Beijing, without big white suitsChina is a different country since the government there lifted harsh COVID-19 restrictions, a Monitor correspondent returning to Beijing finds.
Will Pentagon leak sour US relationship with its allies?The Pentagon leak has put sharp focus on both the strength of U.S. alliances and the fragility of relationships that need constant tending聽鈥� especially in an era of disinformation.
Taiwan: Two presidents, two trips, two paths to handling ChinaEven as an emerging unique identity has emboldened Taiwanese to stand up for their freedoms, preserving the status quo with China is seen as the best way to uphold their vibrant democracy.聽
How Filipinos are banding together to help fishers after oil spillAn oil spill has effectively put life on hold in a coastal region of the Philippines. As clean-up stretches on, cooperation is critical to keep fishing communities above water.
Chinese travelers are back, and with them, a chance to ease tensionsWhile human connection alone can鈥檛 prevent conflict, an enduring peace is unlikely without it. As Chinese citizens begin to venture abroad again, can what some dub 鈥渞evenge travel鈥� play a mitigating role?
First Look鈥榊ou can lead, just like me鈥�: New Zealand's Ardern says farewellFormer New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern delivered a final speech to Parliament Wednesday, reflecting on her tenure and asking lawmakers to take politics out of climate change. 鈥淲e have what we need to make the progress we must,鈥� she said.
First Look'Powerful partners': Leaders Xi, Putin meet after Putin's ICC warrantChinese leader Xi Jinping is in Russia聽meeting with President Vladimir Putin, now wanted for war crimes. The meeting gives China an opportunity to reinforce its 鈥渘o-limits friendship鈥� with Russia in an effort to balance American domination of world affairs.
Popcorn and propaganda? Two Philippine films offer dueling histories.The battle over Philippine history has reached the silver screen, with a pair of films set during the martial law era blending fact and fiction.
Xi Jinping鈥檚 diplomatic vision: Beijing as global brokerChina鈥檚 brokerage of a diplomatic deal between Iran and Saudi Arabia heralds a drive to parlay economic influence into a global political role.
China has weapons to give Russia an edge in Ukraine 鈥� why hasn鈥檛 it?China鈥檚 growing military relationship with Russia gives it the potential to tip the scales in Ukraine. As they weigh whether to help their northern ally, Chinese leaders are looking east 鈥� to the United States and Taiwan.
First LookA new 'rich' and 'strong' China should aim for global role, says XiFollowing talks that resulted in an agreement between Saudi Arabia and Iran to reopen diplomacy, Xi Jinping called for China to have a more significant role in global affairs.聽He also聽emphasized support for private enterprises and job creation.
A lab of their own: How Fukushima moms led charge for radiation dataWhen Japanese authorities downplayed the Fukushima nuclear meltdown, a group of concerned mothers used citizen science to track radiation data.
First LookPower for life? Xi Jinping secures third term as China's president.Xi Jinping has secured a third five-year term as China鈥檚 President, cementing the idea he might stay in power for life. Mr. Jinping has already sidelined challengers, promoted his own loyalists, and removed the two-term limit from the Chinese Constitution.
First Look'Treasure of Japan': Shohei Ohtani glitters on the baseball diamondJapanese baseball player Shohei Ohtani can pitch, bat, and can play in the field with equal skill. He may be the game鈥檚 best player anywhere but in Japan, he is also giving fans a huge boost of national pride.
Can South Korea and Japan overcome their past and focus on the future?What does it take to heal old wounds? Leaders in Japan and South Korea are finding out as they work to improve their countries鈥� troubled relations.
First LookChina offers 12-point plan to end Ukraine-Russia war. Could it work?After claiming neutrality, China aims to mediate the Ukraine-Russia war. President Xi Jinping聽condemns聽Western sanctions against Russia and calls for a cease-fire, upholding the sovereignty of all countries but remained vague about Ukraine.
Moving forward or back? Marcos breaks from Duterte-era policies.When it comes to transforming a country, do motives matter? Progress in the Philippines may be short-lived if the Marcos administration is more concerned with international image than freedom and justice.
First Look鈥楴ew era of understanding鈥�: Cambodia鈥檚 looted treasurers returnedCambodia鈥檚 Culture Ministry says 77 pieces of jewelry were returned, including crowns, necklaces, bracelets, belts, earrings, and amulets. They are the latest treasures to be retrieved from the estate of a man accused of buying and selling looted artifacts.
First LookIs North Korea's missile arsenal an immediate threat?North Korea has resumed missile tests and claims its nuclear weapons are combat-ready. Are they actually capable of hitting the U.S. and its allies?聽
First Look鈥業 stopped poaching鈥�: Philippine sea turtles gain an unexpected allyJohnny Manlugay, a Philippine construction worker, used to hunt the beaches for turtle eggs to trade or eat them. Now, he is using his skills to protect them. 鈥淚鈥檝e learned to love this work,鈥� said Mr. Manlugay.聽