Asia Pacific

Myanmar government in balancing act after protests

Myanmar demonstrators light candles and pray during a candlelight protest at Sule pagoda against severe power cuts in Yangon yesterday. Soe Than Win / AFP Photo

Demonstrations over electricity shortages and worker disputes test how far to push the new civilian government's commitment to reform. Read Article Myanmar government in balancing act after protests

Malaysian gives rare glimpse into how Abu Sayyaf militants operate in the Philippines

Nazarrudin Saidin, who was released after being kidnapped in the Philippines about a year ago, smiles as he details his ordeal in Sungai Buloh near Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Mark Baker / AP Photo

Nazarrudin Saidin, a gecko trader, was captured a year ago and details how the Al Qaeda-linked group works after escaping recently. Read Article Malaysian gives rare glimpse into how Abu Sayyaf militants operate in the Philippines

New Zealand takes aim at being a smoke-free country with tax hike

New Zealand's government squeezes smokers more than ever by announcing a 40 per cent hike in tobacco taxes over the next four years. Read Article New Zealand takes aim at being a smoke-free country with tax hike

Eclipse 'ring of fire' wows Asian, US sky-gazers

Millions turned their eyes to the sky on both sides of the Pacific as a solar eclipse created a 'ring of fire' from Asia to the western United States, where it was greeted with whoops in California. Read Article Eclipse 'ring of fire' wows Asian, US sky-gazers

Ex-politicians call for China security chief to be fired

Support for so-called 'Chongqing model' raises concerns with retired Communist Party officials. Read Article Ex-politicians call for China security chief to be fired

China's shock adverts use graphic pictures of Princess Diana car crash

There are many other shock advertisements with a public-safety message, showing China's lax approach compared to more developed markets, according to a marketing professor. Read Article China's shock adverts use graphic pictures of Princess Diana car crash

Hardliners threaten 'chaos' if Lady Gaga gig goes ahead in Indonesia

Lady Gaga's Indonesian promoters will fight to save her show, despite police denying it a permit and objections from the Islamic Defenders Front who says she is the "devil's messenger". Read Article Hardliners threaten 'chaos' if Lady Gaga gig goes ahead in Indonesia

Myanmar's ghost town capital at the centre of driving reforms

Naypyidaw is testament to the military regime which ruled the country for 50 years and has become a focus of international attention as a wave of reforms have come out of its enormous parliament complex . Read Article Myanmar's ghost town capital at the centre of driving reforms

Ethnic Uighurs 'face fight for existence' against China, says leader

Rebiya Kadeer, the exiled leader, tells a conference in Japan that the situation is now worse than it was in 2009, when Uighurs demonstrated and clashed with the Chinese authorities. Read Article Ethnic Uighurs 'face fight for existence' against China, says leader

South Korea president makes hushed visit to Myanmar

Lee Myung-bak headed to Myanmar today for the first visit by a South Korean president since an assassination attempt on one of his predecessors almost 30 years ago. Read Article South Korea president makes hushed visit to Myanmar

Fatal car crash involving $1.4m Ferrari stirs anti-immigrant resentment in Singapore

A Chinese expatriate crashed his Ferrari into a taxi on Saturday, killing himself and two others. Read Article Fatal car crash involving $1.4m Ferrari stirs anti-immigrant resentment in Singapore

Baby flesh pills highlights a China clinging on to ancient medical beliefs

East Asia may have hurtled headlong into the modern era but offbeat beliefs in the medicinal benefits of various, often exotic, substances persist - sometimes to an extent that alarms the authorities. Read Article Baby flesh pills highlights a China clinging on to ancient medical beliefs

Trio of nations unite against North Korea nuclear tests

Leaders of China, Japan and South Korea also decide to start free-trade area negotiations before the end of this year. Read Article Trio of nations unite against North Korea nuclear tests

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A night of fighting in the Lebanese capital claims at least two lives and wounds dozens Video: Bloodshed in Beirut

Keeping ahead of the pack in a rickshaw revolution

Starting this month, the Delhi government's transport department will issue 45,000 new licenses for auto rickshaws — time for the current drivers to make their three-wheeler stand out in style. Keeping ahead of the pack in a rickshaw revolution

South Sudan economy in shambles

South Sudan’s decision to shut down its oil flow was either extreme brinkmanship or economic suicide. South Sudan economy in shambles

Washington's $1bn election-year gift for Israel's 'arms dome'

Additional aid from the US is earmarked for Israeli missile defence amid heightened tension over Iran. Washington's $1bn election-year gift for Israel's 'arms dome'

Street artists fear they're being edged out of modern India

The artists and musicians of a New Delhi slum fear an enforced move will destroy the vibrant community that helps keep their skills alive. Street artists fear they're being edged out of modern India