International donors face tough choices as Taliban reneges on promises
Only 13 percent of this year’s $4.4 billion emergency humanitarian request for Afghanistan — the largest U.N. appeal ever for a single country — has been funded so far.
Pakistan’s Imran Khan clings to power as support for ouster builds
After months of slowly peeling away votes from Khan’s base, opposition leadership said it has the ballots needed to unseat Khan amid growing frustration over the economy.
How the Ukraine war has Europe reassessing its relationship with China
The E.U. is expected to pressure China over its support for Russia, while Beijing is said to be dismayed with the bloc's backing of the U.S. position on the war in Ukraine.
How a war in Ukraine crushed the hopes of thousands of elderly Japanese
Thousands of miles away from Ukraine, the Russian invasion and the plight of millions of Ukrainian refugees carry deep significance in Nemuro, in the far northeast of Japan where more than 17,200 former residents of the Northern Territories resettled.
Britain withdraws its judges from Hong Kong’s highest court
The withdrawal could have sweeping implications for the businesses that set up base in Hong Kong for its predictable and trustworthy legal system.
U.S. crash investigators secure visas in China Eastern probe
U.S. and Chinese negotiators are still discussing the protocols that will govern travel by U.S. investigators.
Solomon Islands close to security deal with China, alarming neighbors
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare’s announcement puts the island nation at the center of a debate over the future of the Indo-Pacific.
In India, a U.S. partner, Modi’s base is inundated with anti-U.S. commentary on Ukraine
While the Russian invasion has galvanized public opinion against President Vladimir Putin in many Western countries, it has had a strikingly different effect in India.
North Korea’s latest missile test may not have been what it claimed
There are signs Pyongyang may have exaggerated the significance of a test of what it claims as its newest intercontinental ballistic missile.
Huawei says it’s evaluating Russia sanctions, as Meng reappears
Huawei, which has already fallen afoul of U.S. sanctions on Iran, said it was carefully analyzing the new raft of penalties for doing business with Russia.
Shanghai reverses course with total lockdowns as covid surges in China
As the rest of the world opens up, China has maintained a strict covid policy that is frustrating people, but the alternative could result in a wave of infections and deaths as in neighboring Hong Kong.
Official says all 132 people on plane that crashed in China are dead
No survivors were found after the China Eastern Airlines jet crashed last week.
U.S., Japanese leaders visit Hiroshima as Russia nuclear tensions rise
As Russia threatens the possibility of a “nuclear dystopia,” Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and U.S. Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel on Saturday paid tribute to victims of the atomic bombing here and warned of the human devastation caused by nuclear weapons.
China woos India as both face Western ire over Ukraine
China has dramatically shifted its tone toward India after years of trading barbs and border skirmishes.
As Chinese crews search site of 737 crash, FAA chief cites safety of Boeing planes
As search teams continued gathering wreckage, FAA Administrator Steve Dickson voiced confidence in the ability of the aviation community to learn what went wrong.
North Korea’s latest missile launch comes with Hollywood-style propaganda
Triumphant music, dramatic commands and of course lots of Kim Jong Un featured in the North Korean media celebration of the new missile launch.
What does North Korea’s new monster ballistic missile test mean?
North Korea is reminding a United States distracted by the war in Ukraine that it is still a potent adversary that needs to be engaged with, experts say.
North Korea test-launches new, massive missile capable of reaching Washington
The White House condemned the launch and said it violated U.N. Security Council resolutions, and urged North Korea to return to the negotiating table.
China expected robust economic growth in 2022. It’s not looking good.
Uncertainty from the war in Ukraine, the new covid outbreak and regulatory crackdowns spooked foreign investors and slowed President Xi Jinping’s reform agenda.
No survivors found after Chinese plane crash as authorities scour steep mountaintop site
Surrounded by mountains on three sides, the crash site is only accessible by mountain trails on foot or motorcycle.
Space Force Down Under? Australia partners with the Pentagon on space defense.
The U.S. Space Force created in 2019 under President Donald Trump could have a partner as Australia takes a step toward creating its own.
United States declares Myanmar committed genocide against Rohingya
Long-delayed step highlights what U.S. officials say was a premeditated attempt to wipe out a vulnerable minority.
Boeing 737 plane crashes into mountains in China’s Guangxi region; 132 aboard
Videos published by the official People’s Daily newspaper showed thick smoke above a forest and a charred clearing, with pieces of the plane scattered on the ground.
China and Russia’s military relationship likely to deepen with Ukraine war
Though the U.S. has warned China against aiding Russia in its war, Xi Jinping has made a long-term bet on military cooperation with Russia.
Hong Kong lifts flight bans, suspends mandatory mass testing amid waning tolerance for ‘zero covid’
Chief Executive Carrie Lam has acknowledged the need for Hong Kong to balance its international ties and openness to the world when weighing coronavirus measures.
Refugee-averse Japan opens its doors to Ukrainians
Japan has accepted dozens of people fleeing Ukraine — a remarkable move by a country that historically has been unwelcoming to refugees and a decision that reflects Tokyo’s increasingly assertive response to the Russian invasion.
As sanctions over Ukraine war mount, Russia turns to India to buy oil and arms
India, the world’s biggest oil importer behind China and the United States, has agreed to purchase 3 million barrels of Russian oil at a heavy discount, an Indian official said.
Five people charged with acting as Chinese government agents to spy on and harass U.S. residents critical of Beijing
The defendants are accused of targeting U.S. residents whose political views and actions are opposed by the Chinese government, such as advocating for democracy in China.
Isolated and vulnerable amid the covid crisis, some of Hong Kong’s elderly are taking their own lives
The covid crisis has exacerbated mental health issues among the elderly, many of whom remain unvaccinated and have been living in isolation for two years.
South Korea’s coronavirus infection rate soars to one of the world’s highest with omicron-fueled surge
For most of the pandemic, South Korea has been hailed as one of the success stories in managing covid. But now, the country’s omicron-fueled surge has driven its infection rate to one of the highest in the world.
China’s ‘zero covid’ policy wavers as infections spread and complaints over lockdowns surge
While the numbers are comparatively low, China's vaccines are not very effective against the fast-spreading omicron variant that makes up most of the new infections and people are tiring of harsh restrictions.
China’s attempt to play both sides of the Ukraine crisis is starting to crack
Despite protestations of neutrality and some minor changes in rhetoric, China has clearly chosen to stick with Russia over the invasion of Ukraine.
North Korea may be gearing up for a full ICBM test, when U.S. attention is focused elsewhere
On Wednesday, North Korea tested a projectile that appeared to have exploded in midair, which may be the latest sign that it is gearing up for an intercontinental ballistic missile test.
Indian court upholds ban on Muslim headscarf in classrooms in Karnataka state amid religious tensions
The case has sparked widespread protests and accusations of Islamophobia in India amid deepening religious tensions.
As China’s covid outbreak expands, whole cities and provinces are sealed off and key industries closed
The closing of several important Chinese manufacturing hubs will further disrupt the world's already strained supply chains.
Before and after images show record-breaking flooding in Australia
Sydney had its wettest 16-day period on record, while Brisbane received a record 26 inches of rain in three days.
Russia is turning to China to survive sanctions, but it won’t be easy
China, despite claiming neutrality, has maintained a pro-Kremlin lean and is opposed to sanctions, stating that it will continue to trade with Russia as usual.
China’s legislative meeting ends amid worst covid outbreak in two years
The country is gradually inching away from its “zero covid” policy but will not tolerate large-scale spread of the virus.
Under new, conservative president, South Korea is poised to adopt a more hawkish foreign policy
The return of conservative rule in South Korea comes amid Seoul’s growing ambitions to be a key player in tackling global challenges.
In China, a battle for public opinion over Ukraine pits facts against propaganda
Two weeks into the Russian invasion of Ukraine, some people are trying to alter the reality Chinese citizens see online.
What you need to know about South Korea’s president-elect, Yoon Suk-yeol
Yoon Suk-yeol, formerly the country’s top prosecutor, was elected the new president of South Korea on Wednesday, ushering in an era of conservative party rule that would significantly shift the country’s policies in the face of North Korea’s nuclear ambitions and China’s rise. Here's what you need to know about the new president.
South Korean conservative candidate wins close-fought, divisive presidential election
The unpredictable and whirlwind campaign season was filled with scandals and vitriol and appears to have galvanized voters, with turnout on pace to at least match the record in 2017.
Ukraine helped build China’s modern military, but when war came, Beijing chose Russia
Ukraine has supplied Beijing for years with critical military technology that it couldn’t get elsewhere, including China’s first aircraft carrier.
Body bags, overflowing morgues and chaotic hospitals: Hong Kong’s pandemic goes critical
Since the omicron outbreak began a few months ago, 10 times as many people have died in Hong Kong as in the previous two years — most of them elderly.
China touts ‘rock solid’ ties with Russia as it offers to mediate Ukraine conflict
Beijing’s efforts to play peacemaker come as it continues to blame the United States and NATO for instigating the war.
Russian super yachts and aircraft would be barred from New Zealand under proposed sanctions
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said the bill will target those of economic or strategic relevance to Russia, including oligarchs.
Russia’s invasion prompts more assertive foreign policy from Japan
Like Germany, the other World War II-era aggressor turned pacifist nation, Japan has responded to the invasion by swiftly joining the U.S.-led effort to confront Russia.
Taiwan’s leaders try to calm fears over Ukraine invasion, but citizens worry their island will be next
Taiwan's leaders are at pains to point to the differences between their country and Ukraine, but residents still fear a Chinese invasion.
As Russia’s military onslaught in Ukraine sends refugees scattering, Moscow extends a helping hand to one group: Indians
Statements by Russian officials suggest that India’s diplomatic position has paid dividends for its citizens in Ukraine.
Key Asian nations join global backlash against Russia, with an eye toward China
Some key countries in East Asia are joining the West to impose significant financial sanctions, stirred by outrage at Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and concern about China’s aggressiveness in the region.
China not emerging as lifeline for sanction-slammed Russian economy
Despite a close partnership built around mistrust of the United States, Beijing is hesitant to incur Western wrath for evading sanctions on Russia.
Coronavirus binds Hong Kong even closer to Beijing as the mainland takes lead on pandemic response
While the draconian national security law gutted Hong Kong's opposition, it is the pandemic that is really fusing the self-ruled territory with the mainland.
