All Asia Pacific
Why South Korea is throwing 10,000 Choco Pies at the DPRKNorth Korean defectors and South Korean activists sent balloons full of the chocolate treats over North Korea Weds.
Xi Jinping's anticorruption in China drive snares a tigerOnce seen as untouchable, Zhou Yongkang, a former Politburo security czar, is under investigation. Chinese President Xi's far-reaching anticorruption drive is targeting political opponents and sending an uncompromising message to Communist Party the rank and file.
Taiwan's nuclear power plants are magnets for protesters 鈥� and snorkelersConstruction will halt this month on Taiwan's newest nuclear power plant, in a concession to protesters. While many Taiwanese hold anti-nuclear views, they also enjoy swimming and snorkeling by a nuclear plant outtake pipe.
Where Xi leads, Abe follows? China, Japan compete in Latin AmericaJapanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's trip to Latin America immediately follows the visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping. Both are chasing investment and energy deals, although with different strategies.
Australia to allow (some) asylum seekers ashore. Why now?A court challenge could invalidate Australia's strategy of pushing boats with asylum seekers back before they enter its waters.
From the Monitor's archives: Shootdown of Korean Air Flight KAL007Some of the Monitor's coverage of the 1983 destruction of Korean Air Flight KAL007 by a Soviet fighter jet.
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