Asia/Pacific
Asia wonders: Can a Biden-led U.S. return to form?
The newly minted U.S. leader is looking to reassure a world wary of capricious American foreign policy during the Trump administration.
Wanted: Communist Party leadership to keep Vietnam in sweet spot amid U.S.-China tensions
Vietnam's ruling Communist Party gathers for a congress next week that will help shape the country's global role for the next five years, selecting new ...
Vietnam steps up ‘chilling’ crackdown on dissent ahead of key Communist Party congress
The country has seen a record number of political prisoners, longer jail terms, and increased harassment of activists in recent years.
Vaccines become latest front line in China’s campaign to win hearts of Taiwanese
China, which claims Taiwan as its own territory, is making the free-of-charge offer at a time when the democratic island has yet to begin vaccinations ...
Australia feels global and national heat for lack of 2050 zero-emissions goal
Australia is seen as a regional laggard on climate by some green groups, who cite pledges for zero emissions by midcentury made by China, Japan ...
China barricades part of capital as COVID-19 outbreak escalates
Beijing has imposed a lockdown of 1.7 million people in part of the Chinese capital as officials race to prevent a COVID-19 resurgence in the ...
Taiwan-Biden ties off to strong start with invite for top diplomat
Taiwan's relationship with its most important global backer has gotten off to a strong start with U.S. President Joe Biden's new administration, after the island's ...
Twitter locks out Chinese Embassy in U.S. over post on Uighurs
Twitter Inc. has locked the official account for the Chinese Embassy to the U.S. after a post that defended the Beijing government’s policies in the ...
China slaps sanctions on 28 Trump-era officials, including Mike Pompeo
China said on Wednesday it wanted to cooperate with President Joe Biden's new U.S. administration, while announcing sanctions against "lying and cheating" outgoing Secretary of ...
Biden taps veteran team to clean up after Trump’s China fights
They’ll find the region’s landscape dramatically changed after four years of "America First” upheaval.
South Korea’s Moon taps ex-adviser as foreign minister
The nomination of Chung Eui-yong, 74, to replace Kang Kyung-wha as foreign minister was seen as a bid to help revive stalled denuclearization talks with ...
In parting shot, Trump administration accuses China of ‘genocide’ against Uighurs
The U.S. decision does not automatically trigger any penalties, but means countries will have to think hard about allowing companies to do business with Xinjiang.
Incoming top U.S. diplomat says Washington still ‘long way’ from stronger Iran deal
Antony Blinken said Tehran must return to compliance with the terms of the deal first, and he vowed to work closely with Congress as potential ...
As Thailand’s troubles grow, the king moves to bolster his image
Looming over myriad crises is the months of rallies where protesters have openly criticized the monarchy, Thailand’s most powerful institution.
As WHO fumes at Western drugmakers, China fills void on vaccines
China's foreign minister last week pledged to hand out more than a million doses during a swing through Southeast Asia.
Big Oil’s flagship plastic waste project sinks on the Ganges
The failure is a sign that the industry is falling short of its targets to curb an increase in waste, two environmental groups say.
As floods hit Borneo, Indonesia urged to boost climate action under Paris accord
The archipelago is already suffering the impacts of rising global temperatures, with its cities and coastal areas hit by regular flooding and rising sea levels.
Indonesian medics overwhelmed by quake casualties
At least 84 were killed and thousands left homeless by the 6.2 magnitude quake that struck early Friday.
Thailand sold itself as a paradise pandemic retreat. No one came.
The economy is estimated to have contracted 6% in 2020, the biggest decline since the Asian financial crisis.
India hails ‘life-saving’ COVID-19 vaccine rollout
India's COVID-19 vaccination drive had a successful start with more than 224,000 people receiving their first jabs and just three people hospitalized for experiencing side ...