Asia Taiwan is awaiting a second Trump term with trepidation The U.S. appears looks like Taiwan's most important security guarantor against neighboring China — though President-elect Trump has signaled he will be tough on both China and on Taiwan. Emily Feng
Asia Former newspaper publisher Jimmy Lai's son discusses his trial in Hong Kong Hong Kong publisher Jimmy Lai took the stand this week. He faces charges in connection with the 2019 anti-government protests in the region. NPR's Scott Simon speaks with his son, Sebastien Lai. Scott Simon
World 6 tourists in Laos have died after drinking tainted alcohol Tourists from the U.S., Australia, Denmark and the U.K. have died. A tourism police officer said a "number of people" had been detained in the case but that no charges have yet been filed. The Associated Press
World A string of deadly attacks by seemingly ordinary people is rocking China A recent string of deadly attacks in China raised questions about social pressures and the limits of government control amid a sputtering economy. John Ruwitch
Asia Hong Kong court sentences 45 pro-democracy activists for up to 10 years A Hong Kong court has handed 45 pro-democracy activists sentences of up to 10 years in jail for conspiracy to commit subversion. Laura Westbrook
Asia Taiwan's business leaders are finding ways to reduce their exposure in China Amid geopolitical uncertainties, Taiwan has slashed its investment in China to the lowest level in nearly a quarter century as the island strives to "derisk" itself from its powerful neighbor. Emily Feng
World The treaty between Russia and North Korea signals a new era on 2 continents The recently signed mutual defense treaty could be used to justify thewidening of the war in Ukraine, as the U.S. says North Korean and Russian troops are already battling Ukrainian forces. Anthony Kuhn
World At Tiananmen Square, tight security with metal detectors reflects a changing China There's a police check to exit the subway, another to get in line, a third while standing in line, and metal detectors and X-ray machines before you finally reach the Beijing landmark. John Ruwitch
Asia China's economy adapts to serve older people Companies in China are fueling a "silver economy" by adapting to serve hundreds of millions of people over the age of 60. Emily Feng
Arts & Life This 72-year-old retreat 'feels like another home' for Ukrainian Americans The Soyuzivka Ukrainian Heritage Center, a resort that sits about two and a half hours northwest of New York City, in Kerhonkson, N.Y., provides a place that "feels like another home" for thousands of Ukrainian Americans every year. Andrea Wenglowskyj
