All Asia Pacific
A quiet envoy to the hermit kingdom of North KoreaA Korean-American scholar named Kun A. 'Tony' Namkung plays a significant behind-the-scenes role in exchanges between the US and North Korea.聽
Japan boosts defense as some in China and Taiwan agree on disputed isletsMainland Chinese will support the Taiwanese 'because the Diaoyu Dao are part of China, whether that鈥檚 Beijing or Taipei,' says a member of Beijing's federation of activists who oppose Japan鈥檚 claim.
South Korea catches up to North Korea on the space raceSouth Korea has successfully sent a satellite into space from its own soil, joining an exclusive club of 12 others.聽
North Korea lashes out at the US and South. How big a threat?Renewed threats from North Korea's regime have given rise to questions about how far the North Koreans will go in carrying them out.- Do you think you know Australia? Take the quiz
Are you an armchair crocodile hunter or a dinky-di Aussie? Speak any Strine? How much do you know about the Land Down Under?
With group effort, Japan suicides fall to 15-year lowJapan has one of the world鈥檚 highest suicide rates. But last year the number of suicides fell below 30,000 for the first time in 15 years, thanks in part to community efforts.- South Korea tries to recall a US adoptionSouth Korea has taken up a fight for the return of a baby it charges was adopted illegally by a US family. Critics say Korea is just embarrassed by the number of foreign adoptions.
China pivots to join US in UN resolution against North KoreaThe Security Council will likely vote in the next week on a resolution condemning Pyongyang's recent rocket launch. The document already has the backing of North Korea's closest ally 鈥� China.
Jakarta, Indonesia's megacity of 10 million, is under waterA state of emergency has been declared after heavy rains have paralyzed much of the Indonesian capital, Jakarta. Analysts worry the flooding could affect economic investment.
Japan's Abe: Will the hawkish nationalist have to rule as a moderate?The new prime minister ran on a platform of聽restoring national pride and standing up to China, but pressures in and outside the country may force him to dial back that rhetoric.
Chinese reporters say censorship leaves them 'dancing in handcuffs'Though Chinese聽journalists are back to work at a prominent weekly after major protests, the paper has become a focal point for debate about Communist Party censorship.
What was 'Mr. Google' doing in North Korea?Eric Schmidt, the executive chairman of Google, returned from a four-day visit to North Korea on Thursday with a message for the North: Embrace the Internet.聽- Will China end prison labor camps?'Reeducation through labor' has long allowed China to control dissent while circumventing the legal system. Critics worry about a cosmetic change that may make it harder to monitor human rights violations.
What does Google want with North Korea?Google chairman Eric Schmidt, known for his advocacy of Internet freedom, could travel as early as next week to North Korea 聽鈥� a country almost entirely sealed off from online communications.- Myanmar launches airstrikes on Kachin rebelsThe Myanmar government has carried out airstrikes this week against ethnic rebels in northern Kachin state, raising fresh concerns about reforms and a fragile peace process.
In South Korea, Kim Jong-un's New Year speech generates surprise - and doubtNorth Korean leader Kim Jong-un called for economic reform and expressed a wish to improve relations with South Korea, departing from the usual North Korea rhetoric.
Could the US learn from Australia's gun-control laws?As the US debates its gun laws in the wake of the Newtown, Conn., shooting, some Australians are urging the US to consider modeling its laws after Australia's.
South Korea charges North building missile that could reach USSouth Korean officials say they have evidence that North Korea is working on an intercontinental ballistic missile that could reach as far as the United States.
Japanese firms set spending record in buying up foreign assetsJapanese corporations will have spent more on foreign companies than they did at the height of the '80s. But few heads are turning, showing how much has changed in perceptions of Japan.
South Korea's president-elect promises 'new era of change'Park Geun-hye's calls for聽inter-Korean dialogue are mixed with a firm stance against compromise.
