All Asia Pacific
Why South Koreans are skeptical over mysterious death of fugitive ferry ownerThe surprise discovery of the body of the man alleged to own the Sewol ferry, which sank in April, killing 294, has triggered distrust among Koreans toward their government.
Joko Widodo wins Indonesia presidency, but his rival won't throw in the towelJakarta Governor Joko Widodo was declared the official victor in Indonesia's tightest presidential race. But his opponent Prabowo Subianto withdrew, claiming 'mass fraud.'
NGOs in India on tenterhooks after accusatory government reportThe Indian government is scrutinizing NGOs after a leaked report blamed several foreign-funded NGOs for stalling development projects, hurting the economy.
Australia repeals controversial carbon tax. Will others follow?Australia is the first developed country to repeal legislation aimed at reducing greenhouse gases, which the government said was too costly for businesses and consumers.
Can BRICS development bank become a rival to the World Bank?Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa have founded a $100 billion 'New Development Bank' that will lend to members and other developing countries, a potential alternative to the Washington-based World Bank.
Amid media tightening, Thailand scoops up Facebook dataA fake Facebook application run by the Thai government tricked hundreds into disclosing personal information. It comes as Thailand's military rulers increase media censorship.
Great Wall of Japan? Locals balk at tsunami-protection plan.Concrete walls could ultimately stretch 140 miles along Japan's tsunami-damaged northeast coast. The project's breathtaking scale and cost 鈥� as well as doubts about its effectiveness 鈥� are drawing ire.
The 'breakaway killer' is first Chinese man to cycle Tour de FranceJi Cheng wants to be a role model for Chinese cycling, but so far he's relatively unknown at home, where cycling is not a popular sport.
Newest constraint on Chinese journalists: the definition of 'secret'China has banned reporters 鈥� among the most muzzled already 鈥� from publishing secret information. It has also said that restrictions on information can be applied retroactively.
Japan moves toward putting its money on a casino cultureJapan could become the world's third-largest gambling market if lawmakers pass a bill legalizing casinos. A聽drive to boost tourism 鈥� especially before the 2020 Olympics 鈥� is behind the move,聽but opponents worry about addiction and social ills.
Widodo has a mandate to rule, but can he reform Indonesia?Exit polls from today's presidential election point to a comfortable victory for Joko Widodo over his rival, Prabowo Subianto, who refuses to concede. Widodo has promised to shake up a corrupt system.聽
In blow to Abbott, Australian court halts repatriation of Sri Lankan asylum seekersAustralia is under fire for assessing Sri Lankan refugee claimants at sea and sending them home to face charges of illegally leaving the country. The High Court has halted the latest expulsion.聽
Indonesia's choice: the charismatic reformer or the military nationalistExperts say Wednesday's presidential election is too close to call. Front-runner Joko Widodo, the reformist mayor of Jakarta, has given up an early lead over his rival.
How Chinese fishermen became pawns in Asia's maritime great gameThe Philippines accuses the detained fishermen of poaching endangered turtles in its waters. China says Manila has no jurisdiction to try them and has tried to undermine their trial.聽
High stakes as Japan's Abe eases sanctions over N. Korea abductionsAccounting for citizens kidnapped decades ago is a deeply sensitive issue in Japan, and failure to get results from the North's promise to investigate could cost the prime minister.聽
Indonesia elections: Where did Widodo's 30-point lead go?Despite a commanding early lead, Joko Widodo now just edges his opponent, a former military general, a week before Indonesians vote for their second directly-elected president.
Hong Kong democracy march draws thousands, but can it create change?July 1 is a public holiday and often draws Hong Kong residents airing grievances with Beijing. Many here are calling for a greater say in electing their leaders.
Hong Kong's democracy camp gathers 800,000 votes, irking ChinaOne in ten Hong Kong citizens participated in an聽unofficial referendum seeking to give city-state the power to elect its leader. Organizers have threatened to occupy Hong Kong's central financial district.
North Korea to put two American tourists on trial. Why now?Pyongyang says there is evidence that the two American tourists committed 'hostile acts.' This follows a flurry of contradictory North Korean rhetoric and a weekend testing of short-range missiles.聽
What is Occupy Central? Hong Kong 'democracy referendum' may kick it offOver 700,000 residents have voted in an unofficial pro-democracy referendum, which ends Sunday. Organizers have threatened to occupy Hong Kong's central financial district after the poll.
