All Asia Pacific
Is China taking a harsher tone on North Korea?China has taken a harder line on North Korea over its nuclear weapons program, but as the UN Security Council weighs expanding sanctions, Beijing will still likely seek to limit their strength.
North Korea tests third nuclear device, prompting emergency UN meetingExperts say North Korea's successful detonation of a third nuclear device is concerning because it indicates the country may be getting closer to the ability to put a nuclear device on a missile.
K-pop sensation Psy dances into Malaysia's political drama, Gangnam styleIn an effort to jazz the youth vote in Malaysia ahead of elections in which it faces a very strong opposition, the government called in K-pop sensation Psy.
Tibetan man sentenced to 13 years for 'inciting' self-immolation of monkIt's the latest punishment by Chinese authorities trying to stop a string of self-immolations that has reached almost 100.
Myanmar's graffiti artists test edges of emerging democracyGraffiti artists are on the frontline of an ongoing debate over where freedoms begin and end as Myanmar continues its transition.
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.
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’s Beijing or Taipei,' says a member of Beijing's federation of activists who oppose Japan’s 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.
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’s 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 adoption
South 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 – 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 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 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.
- 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 – a country almost entirely sealed off from online communications.
- Myanmar launches airstrikes on Kachin rebels
The 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.
