China Approves Its Homegrown COVID-19 Vaccine For Widespread Use
The state-owned Sinopharm says its vaccine has a 79% efficacy rate — surpassing the widely accepted standard of 50% efficacy.
Asia
Trio Of Books Shows A Southeast Asia Caught Between World Powers
Three regional experts agree there's no desire in Southeast Asia to pick Washington over Beijing. U.S. strategy should look through the lens of the region itself — not just focus on containing China.
Why A Field Hockey Champ In India Is Now Harvesting Onions And Herding Goats
Young female athletes benefited from an increase in government support in recent years. The pandemic has put an end to that.
DOJ National Security Boss Is Moving On — But Cyber, China Threats Aren't
John Demers looks back on his latest stretch in the Justice Department in an exclusive interview with NPR. Cyber threats from Russia and China will remain a big problem, he warns.
Seoul Launches Month-Long 'You're Doing Great!' Campaign
South Korean officials in Seoul want to lift people's spirits. They're sending flower bouquets to 500 lucky households. They're also providing counseling and postcards with stay-at-home tips.
Europe And China Approve Landmark Investment Treaty, Snubbing U.S.
The European Union concluded the deal with China after seven years of negotiations. Last week, the incoming administration of President-elect Joe Biden had urged the EU to wait.
Even With 10 Million COVID-19 Cases, A Doctor Says India 'Dodged A Bullet'
Dr. Gagandeep Kang says the pandemic's toll on India has been much less than what she had feared. She reflects on what the country has learned over the past few months.
Chinese Court Sentences 10 Hong Kong Democracy Activists To Prison Terms
The activists were intercepted as they tried to flee to Taiwan by speedboat. Two people accused of organizing the trip got the stiffest penalties, two and three years in prison.
In 2020, Protests Spread Across The Globe With A Similar Message: Black Lives Matter
Journalists based in Colombia, South Africa and Indonesia talk about how the Black Lives Matter movement inspired activists abroad this year.
Examining COVID-19 Vaccination Efforts Around The World
While Israel has already vaccinated half a million citizens against the coronavirus, the vaccine timeline for poor countries will be much longer. We look at Israel, Pakistan and the Philippines.