All Asia Pacific
Analysis: Abe draws ire even as he avoids war shrine on WWII anniversaryThe prime minister marked Japan's surrender by attending an event at a sports stadium. But other politicians did go to Yasukuni, sparking sharp commentary from China and South Korea.
Talk is suddenly cheap in Myanmar – and that could be costlyInexpensive calls and data are coming to Myanmar after years of junta-era restrictions. But some worry that the new Internet and phone access could fuel strife between Muslims and Buddhists.
On first trip to Asia, Pope Francis greets a growing congregationPope Francis arrives in Seoul Thursday on his first visit to Asia, one of the few regions where Catholicism is growing. In South Korea, the number of Roman Catholics has nearly tripled since the last visit of a pope in 1989.
FocusSouth China Sea: Key facts to knowMore than half of the world’s shipping tonnage sails through these waters, which may hold valuable oil and gas reserves. China is asserting its territorial claims here.
FocusChina expands its reach in the South China Sea. What's the end goal?Beijing wants to assert its preeminence in Asia. But not so strongly as to push its neighbors into the arms of the United States.
In Myanmar, Aung San Suu Kyi's party is at a crossroadsThe opposition party is pushing for constitutional reforms that would allow its leader to run for president. If it fails, the party lacks new talent. US Secretary of State John Kerry is in Myanmar today.
The ExplainerKhmer Rouge conviction: 4 questions about Cambodia's historic rulingThe two most senior living leaders of Cambodia’s Khmer Rouge regime were convicted today of crimes against humanity, the first major convictions in a marathon war-crimes tribunal. More than 1.7 million people died under the regime.
Opposition gains in Cambodia may portend crack in strongman's powerOpposition lawmakers were sworn in Tuesday, after gaining promises of reform that ended their 10-month boycott of parliament. Prime Minister Hun Sen has long ruled with an iron grip.
As China counts earthquake toll, an olive branch from TokyoJapan's prime minister offered assistance after an earthquake in southwestern China killed over 300 yesterday. China and Japan's leaders may meet for the first time in November.
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 – 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.
