Monday Briefing: How China Is Walling Off the Sea
Plus pursuing K-pop stardom while being out and proud.
Blasting Bullhorns and Water Cannons, Chinese Ships Wall Off the Sea
The world’s most brazen maritime militarization is gaining muscle in waters through which one-third of global ocean trade passes.
Gold Mining Is Poisoning the Planet With Mercury
Ten years after an international treaty to ban mercury, the toxic metal continues to poison. The reason might have to do with your wedding ring.
A Chinese Journalist Gave #MeToo Victims a Voice. Now She’s on Trial.
Huang Xueqin, the journalist, and Wang Jianbing, a labor activist, have been accused of inciting subversion as the authorities expand a campaign to quash dissent.
Syria’s Leader, al-Assad, Visits China in Search of Friends and Funds
The trip by President Bashar al-Assad of Syria, his first to China since 2004, may bolster Beijing’s efforts to expand its influence in the Middle East.
Biden Is Caught Between Allies as Canada Accuses India of Assassination
President Biden has prioritized bolstering partnerships over full-throated advocacy for democracy among American allies.
China Flies Record Number of Military Planes Near Taiwan
Taiwan’s defense ministry criticized the uptick in Chinese military activity, saying Beijing should “stop such destructive unilateral actions.”
Monday Briefing: China and the U.S. Vie for Secrets
Plus, confronting the world’s largest “baby exporter.”
Putin and Kim’s Embrace May Place Xi in a Bind
Closer ties between Russia and North Korea could weaken Beijing’s leverage over both countries and set back China’s efforts to stabilize its ties with the West.
Can India Challenge China for Leadership of the ‘Global South’?
A rising India has moved aggressively to champion developing nations, pursuing compromise in polarized times and promising to make America listen.