All Asia Pacific
As Thailand braces for contentious election, a deeper regional divideAs pro- and antigovernment supporters gear up for a showdown Sunday, observers question whether leaders can control their supporters.
Chinese tennis ace wins Australian Open. Why didn't she thank China?China's most popular sportswoman, and the world's third-highest paid female athlete, is wary of adulation from Chinese fans and state-run media.
Meow! Hello Kitty, the cat superstar who predates YouTube, turns 40Former colony Taiwan purrs with joy at the Japanese-created paragon of cuteness whose image shows up in maternity wards and themed restaurants.
Defying emergency rule, Thai protesters padlock polling stations in BangkokHundreds of thousands of voters in Bangkok who had registered for advance voting were unable to cast ballots Sunday, underscoring Thailand's political impasse.聽
Limited backlash after foreign media probe Chinese officials' hidden wealthWhile the reports may embarrass Chinese leaders, the government may be mindful to avoid a spiral of negative reports and a further backlash.
China's anticorruption leaders put anticorruption activist on trialXu Zhiyong, the founder of China's New Citizens' Movement, went on trial today. His supporters vow to continue their push for greater transparency among Chinese officials.
Thailand declares state of emergency in BangkokThai authorities declared a 60-day state of emergency in Bangkok that will begin Wednesday. It comes amid growing discontent among pro-government farmers.
Japan dolphin slaughter draws tough rebuke from Ambassador KennedyThe annual hunt in Taiji began today. US Ambassador Caroline Kennedy tweeted her dismay over the 'inhumaneness' of 'drive hunt killing,' drawing quick response from Japanese officials.
Shaky future for US base in OkinawaAn Okinawa mayor won reelection on a platform opposing the construction of a new US base, challenging US-Japan efforts to boost defenses amid China's growing military strength.
A test for one Chinese province: How to educate an influx of US-born childrenAt least 10,000 children born in the US to Chinese parents have been sent back to Fujian to be raised. But because they maintain US citizenship, they're ineligible for China's public schools.
UN inquiry hears harrowing reports on N. Korean prison campsWill isolated state face Hague indictment? Probe on crimes against humanity includes look at women and at starvation as a weapon.聽- FocusNorth Korea: a breakout moment for Kim Jong-un?Until he executed his powerful uncle last month, Kim 'could call up Dennis Rodman but he couldn't call up military strikes,' says one observer. Now concern is rising about the secretive leader.
Christ Church Cathedral a flashpoint for quake-hit New Zealand townIn some ways Christ Church Cathedral is a proxy in the debate over how best to rebuild from the 2011 earthquake that left 185 dead and $30 billion in damages.
Indonesia to Australia: stop crossing the lineIndonesia isn't satisfied with Australia's apology for entering Indonesian water to return boats with asylum seekers.
North Korea attempts to woo defectors homeFar fewer North Korean defectors have made it to South Korea since Kim Jong-un took power in 2012. A few escapees have reportedly returned.
Bangkok shutdown: Pro-government 'red shirts' await call to actionResidents in pro-government enclaves are glued to their TVs, waiting for their leaders to call for counterprotests against the shutdown movement.
In Philippines, family politics muddy post-typhoon rebuildReconstruction aid is arriving in Tacloban but its mayor is sparring with Philippine President Benigno Aquino. Both are scions of rival political families.
In typhoon-slammed Philippines, controversy over unsanitary housingTemporary houses built for typhoon survivors have no electricity or running water, and little ventilation. Typhoon survivors may have to live in the 180 square-foot homes for two years.
US expats advised to hoard food as protesters besiege BangkokThe US Embassy warned Americans to stockpile food and cash, as antigovernment protesters occupy central Bangkok ahead of a Feb. 2 election.
Australia accused of 'Stalinist' curbs on disclosure of refugee crackdownAustralia is trying to deter asylum seekers arriving by boat. Information is part of the battleground, says Prime Minister Tony Abbott.
