East Asia
China factor in the Trump world order
Xi Jinping is weighing whether he will be invited to join the authoritarian New Order—or whether Putin will desert him for Trump, and the two of them will gang up on China.
Tag: China
East Asia
China approves controversial cybersecurity law
China's government approved a new cybersecurity law—over the protests of international rights organizations, who say it enforces censorship and surveillance of online activities.
Planet Watch
Paris Agreement on climate change takes effect
As the Paris Agreement took effect, hailed as the first binding climate change treaty, activists charge that it is actually "binding" in name only, with no enforcement mechanisms.
Southeast Asia
Philippines to turn to China for drug war aid?
The Philippines' ultra-hardline President Duterte, in announcing his "separation" from the US, praised China for providing aid without criticizing his atrocious human rights record.
Planet Watch
UN moves to outlaw nuclear weapons in 2017
The UN adopted a resolution—hailed by disarmament campaigners as an important landmark—to launch negotiations in 2017 on a treaty outlawing nuclear weapons.
Southeast Asia
Hong Kong activist barred by Thai military regime
Hong Kong pro-democracy activist Joshua Wong was barred from entering Thailand to attend commemorations of the 1976 massacre of student protesters.
Oceania
World Court turns down nuclear arms case
The International Court of Justice refused to hear a claim by the Marshall Islands that the UK, India and Pakistan have failed to fulfill treaty obligations to halt the nuclear arms race.
Central Asia
China pressures Kyrgyzstan after Bishkek blast
China called on Kyrgyzstan to take urgent measures to ensure the safety of Chinese nationals and institutions following a deadly blast at Beijing's embassy in Bishkek.
Greater Middle East
Escalating internationalization of Syria war
The US for the first time scrambled jets in response to Assad regime aggression when its Kurdish anti-ISIS partners came under bombardment—foreboding direct conflict with Russia.
Southeast Asia
Hague tribunal rules in flashpoint South China Sea
China refuses to recognize a Hague tribunal ruling in favor of Philippine maritime claims—just one of several conflicts at play as tensions rise in the South China Sea.
East Asia
China: victory for anti-pollution protesters
The mayor of Xiantao in central China announced suspension of a waste incinerator after a wave of protests—but residents continue to take the streets in defiance of authorities.
East Asia
Hong Kong: ‘localists’ boycott Tiananmen vigil
The annual Hong Kong vigil commemorating the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre took place amid a split, with the city’s biggest student union boycotting.