All Asia Pacific
Aung San Suu Kyi's historic moment: 5 things to know Once possibly the world's best-known political prisoner, today Aung San Suu Kyi made the historic move to lawmaker, after a swearing-in ceremony at Myanmar's parliament in the capital of Naypyidaw. Here are five things about her.
Aung San Suu Kyi ends boycott to make Myanmar parliamentary debutAung San Suu Kyi's boycott and subsequent compromise highlight the challenges facing the Burmese opposition as they make their long-awaited foray into the country's parliamentary politics.
Why is the US considering F-16 sales to Taiwan?Political shifts in China, Taiwan, and the US have revived the prospect of a US F-16 deal with Taiwan.聽
6 famous dissidents in China The surprising escape of a blind legal activist from house arrest is buoying China's embattled dissident community, even as the government cracks down on those who helped him.
Cover StoryIs Myanmar about to rejoin the world?One of the three most closed and isolated countries in the world is opening up. The long-repressed Burmese say it's unbelievable - but they want to believe in a new Myanmar.
China's Bo Xilai affair: where the case standsMuch about the stunning fall of politician Bo Xilai remains unknown. But the case has fueled Internet rumors and roiled the political waters in China.聽- FocusWill Bo Xilai affair open the 'black box' of China's leadership?Just how politician Bo Xilai's stunning fall from grace might modify the mysterious manner in which power is shared and wielded in Beijing is still hard to discern.
Blind Chinese legal activist escapes house arrestChen Guangcheng's dramatic escape and his allegations of police beatings, detailed in his dramatic YouTube video plea to PM Wen Jiabao, pose a new challenge of China's leaders in a critical year.
Leaning on US, Philippines boldly pushes back on China in sea disputeThe Philippines, a normally quiet claimant in South China Sea disputes, is mounting unusually bold resistance against China as it edges in on Manila鈥檚 maritime interests.
Taiwan set for Chinese invasion - of investorsTaiwan's economy is poised grow significantly this year as the island relaxes barriers to investment from its old rival, mainland China.聽
Why is North Korea threatening to conduct a nuclear test?First, to make up for the embarrassment of the failed missile; second, the regime's past nuclear tests didn't go very well.
As US and Vietnam get closer, human rights concerns growTies between the US and Vietnam are good, but Vietnam's human rights record has activists asking if Washington is pushing Hanoi enough on political, economic, and free speech reforms.- As sanctions ease on Myanmar, aid to refugees dries upInternational donors are jumping at the chance to aid people inside Myanmar as sanctions ease. But refugees just outside the country are on the losing end.
Blast-off: 6 recent missile advances Missiles have been prominent in the news with India鈥檚 successful test, North Korea鈥檚 failed one, and much talk of missile defense systems in Europe and the Persian Gulf. Here are six recent noteworthy missile-technology advances.
Inside North Korea's big birthday bashTo mark what would have been the 100th birthday of the North Korean founder, thousands came to Pyongyang to view elaborate displays. Most聽North Koreans got three days off for the party.
Why Iranian engineers attended North Korea's failed rocket launchIranian rocket specialists were at the launch of North Korea's failed rocket test last week, according to South Korean reports. North Korea and Iran have long cooperated on long-range missiles.- Kim 101: How well do you know North Korea's leaders?
North Korea鈥檚 supreme leader Kim Jong-un succeeded his father, the late Kim Jong-il, in late 2011. In his first six years, Mr. Kim has expanded North Korea鈥檚 nuclear weapons program and has insisted that nuclear arms proliferation is off the negotiation table. But the Kims are known as much for their eccentricities and cults of personality as they are for their iron-fisted rule. How well do you know Kim Il-sung, Kim Jong-il, and Kim Jong-un?
Kim Jong-un speaks: North Korea to keep 'military first'Speaking in public for the first time,聽North Korea鈥檚 new leader Kim Jong-un vowed to keep the military front and center in the already heavily militarized nation.聽
In rare move, North Korea admits to missile failureBut the failure, coming amid the build-up for the centennial of Kim Il-sung鈥檚 birth, does not appear to have changed North Korea鈥檚 policies. More missile tests are likely, say analysts.
Thailand's blueprint to rein in fallout from floods and droughtHundreds died and businesses lost billion in last year's floods, caused in part by overflow from dams filled to hedge against drought. This year, Thailand is testing different prevention measures.
