All Asia Pacific
Does China's leader Xi Jinping wield total control? Party confab may offer cluesThis week's four-day Fourth Plenum in Beijing is one indicator of President Xi's consolidation of power in the party-state. The fate of security czar Zhou Yongkang, who has been detained during an anti-graft probe, is on the agenda.
US Marine accused of murder in Philippines. A blow to Obama's Asia pivot?Philippine authorities want to question five US service personnel over the death of a transexual in a hotel room. The US recently upgraded its military alliance with the Philippines in the face of perceived Chinese maritime aggression.
Indonesia swears in Widodo as president amid stiff political resistanceThousands of Indonesians poured into the streets of Jakarta on Monday to welcome the new president. Joko Widodo's populist agenda has made him a star among the middle-class and poor, while driving a wedge between him and Indonesia's traditional elite.
Double-whammy for Japan's Shinzo Abe: Two female cabinet ministers resignIndustry minister and pro-nuclear advocate Yuko Obuchi and Justice minister Midori Matsushima were both appointed last month but stepped down today amid allegations of impropriety. They were part of Abe's effort to raise the profile of professional women.
Sensing subversion, China throws the book at kids' librariesPresident Xi Jinping's anti-corruption campaign is beginning to encompass all forms of thought and expression, even moderate ones, not approved by the ruling party.
Hong Kong leader confesses that real democracy is 'impossible'But he's willing to talk to the kids anyway.
Hong Kong's embattled leader cancels public meeting, citing dangerThe chief executive's fortunes appear tied to a peaceful resolution of the 'Occupy Central' protests. Leung Chun-ying has remained largely quiet during democracy protests and today cancelled an appearance before Hong Kong's legislature.
The forgotten journalist executed by Islamic StateWestern correspondents are not the only ones being murdered.
Clashes at Hong Kong pro-democracy protests after police barricades removedAngry crowds, opposed to pro-democracy protests that have paralyzed parts of Hong Kong for two weeks, tried Monday to charge barricades used by demonstrators.
How Hong Kong protests are a big problem for Beijing – even if they fizzleThe city's youth increasingly identify themselves as 'Hong Kong people' rather than Chinese. An effort to bring the mainland's 'patriotic education' to Hong Kong in 2011 failed – resulting in wide gaps in core values.
North Korean leader misses key anniversary as rumors still swirlKim Jong-un's absence from public view extended into Friday when he was a no-show at the 69th anniversary of the founding of North Korea's ruling Workers’ Party.
Hong Kong cancels student talks. Will more protests follow?The government of Hong Kong canceled meetings scheduled Friday with student leaders, creating the possibility of renewed protests.
Nobody knows what's up with Kim Jong-un. Cue frenzied speculationNorth Korea's secretive young leader hasn't been seen in public for more than a month. He may show up tomorrow at a political gathering in Pyongyang.
FocusXi Jinping emerges as forceful No. 1 – rewriting China's power playbookNot since the days of Mao Zedong has any one individual in China been so visible a leader or held so much control. He's changing China by scrapping 'rule by consensus' and targeting civil society.
Myanmar, once a pariah, pardons prisoners ahead of regional summitOver 3,000 prisoners were released Tuesday, the latest in a series of gestures by a reformist government that has opened the doors to Western investment and political engagement. President Obama is due to attend a regional summit next month.
US loosens arms embargo on Vietnam. Why now?Vietnam has long called on the US to lift the decades-old embargo. The US will now provide some maritime equipment to strengthen Vietnam's coast guard, which clashed with China in May.
Dalai Lama visa issue sinks Nobel laureates' summit. Where can he travel?A Nobel summit in South Africa is canceled after laureates protest denying the Dalai Lama a visa. While his travel schedule is full, appeasing China makes the arrangements more delicate.
Hong Kong averts showdown as leader dangles dialogue with protestersAhead of a midnight deadline, Leung Chun-ying told students he would send a deputy to meet with them, but ruled out his resignation. Protesters have threatened to occupy government buildings in Hong Kong, a semi-autonomous region of China.
Times Higher Education World rankings: Asian universities make gainsThe annual survey showed continued dominance by US and British universities, but increased government spending on higher education helped lift East Asia institutions to higher positions.
Hong Kong's 'Umbrella Revolution': the politest protests ever?From students bringing their homework, to self-organized recycling, and parents strolling with their newborns, our correspondent finds the protesters in Hong Kong exceptionally well behaved.
